Home Basics (EM00248) 2-Cups Espresso Maker Reviews

Where are the instructions for this expresso maker? Nothing in the box.

garbage arrived broken!!! what a piece of crap !!!! i got ripped off !!!

The espresso maker came quick and was exactly how its described. I would recommend purchasing the 4 cup rather than the 2 cup espresso maker. At times, 1 cup of coffee was not enough for me. LOL. I didnt find the directions on how to use it, fortunately, I already knew. But for those that dont know how, it would be useful.

First, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who doesn't know much about espresso other than that it is strong coffee. I've seen other reviews that claim this doesn't make two cups. Those reviewers do not understand that when it comes to espresso, the standard cup size is ONE OUNCE. This makes up to six even though the package says four. Simply fill the bottom reservoir right up to the shoulder of the sleeve that holds the filter. Yes, you will see a tiny bit of steam come out but you will not really lose any water. I make six ounces every time without issue. If you follow the directions and your coffee doesn't come out good, it's the coffee, not this. Get better coffee.

It's perfectly fine, especially for the price and knowing it's made in China. First, the box says it makes two, 1.5oz (.47L) cups, therefore 3oz. But, it can make up to 4oz effectively if you fill water just below the release valve. Don't try to put more water in than that; it's a waste of effort as water will remain in the bottom. Coffee tastes acceptable and made in less than 3 minutes on my gas stove. I might try to drill some more holes in the stainless steel basket but it's not necessary. Grind the coffee a little more course than for an industrial electric espresso machine--it is a stove top model after all. Don't expect creme on top (I use Nespresso machine if I desire that.) Second, I did have to tighten the release valve as it leaked. Don't go crazy, just a 1/2 turn and try it til it doesn't leak. Third, the handle gets warmer than my Moka but it's o.k., and the top lid is a bit stiff but also allows one to partially open til you know when all the water is done. Fourth, the steel is thinner than an Italian 6-cup model I once had but that one was larger after all. Steel thickness is acceptable, and if it was thicker would take longer to heat. The inside lip isn't exactly sharp, but one could cut their skin if pressing firm with hands that had been wet for a while (say, doing dishes). Fifth, I've used it 4 times on gas range without it discoloring. But, if you are worried about that, don't buy a stove-top model. The stainless steel does retain heat longer than aluminum when running under cold water so let it cool well before re-opening. Sixth, I haven't tried to pry out the seal yet and not sure one could even get a replacement...easier just to buy a new pot for $8. It does clean up o.k., and one can always use a soft bristle brush on the gasket/strainer. I'm glad I bought it and would recommend it as long as one isn't a coffee snob or snooty.

The expresso maker works ok the only problem is that the lid is hard to open when you press it.

The release valve that you see towards the bottom of the picture is leaking. So when I make coffee, some of the water comes out there. It also took a pretty long time to arrive.

Works great and looks more modern and nicer than the traditional ones.

This is the best espresso maker that you could ever buy. It doesn't take any countertop space, is easy to clean, small enough so that there is no wasted coffee. It makes 2 really small cups, so if you like a big pot of reheated coffee to pour all day this is not for you. However, if you enjoy a morning a coffee and don't mind making another for the afternoon. This is the right maker for you. There are also bigger sizes if you have a bigger family.

Even if I fill it all the way to the top with ground espresso coffee, once made the coffee is not as strong as it's supposed to be. I'm returning this item and buying a bigger size so I can put more coffee and less water so I can have a real espresso.