Mr. Coffee (BVMC-ECM260-RB) Steam Espresso and Cappuccino Maker Reviews

I was seeking a way to make strong expresso/cappuchinos at home. This machine is easy to use and works well. I've tried 2 different kinds of locally roasted beans and it's just not that strong. I do like it though.

I was looking for a small espresso maker with a frothing wand. I had one like this (of another brand) and loved it. Love that it is small, but it gets the job done. A thing I do not like much is the fact that the lower part of the wand (metallic part) does not come off to clean it properly. I just make sure to clean it right after frothing the milk, to avoid milk build up and hardening.

this my third espresso machine and it is the quietest unit yet, makes an awesome cup of espresso

After researching many options I bought this to replace an old Capresso 302 that had simply died. I actually liked the Capresso fine, and after approx 10 years of daily use, I felt like I got my money's worth. Among others I also looked at the equivalent new model Capresso, and would have no problem going with it. However, this Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker simply was a better balance of price/quality (its reviews were a little better.) I considered pump-driven models as well (like the De'Longhi EC155), but in addition to being at least twice as expensive it seemed to me the life of pump-driven types necessarily had to have a shorter life before breaking down. I appreciate the simplicity of the steam method. I guess I'm biased toward steam having gotten 10+ years of good (in my opinion better than Starbucks/Tullys/etc.) espresso from the Capresso 302. I've had the Mr. Coffee now for about 2 weeks, using it once or twice a day, and only now does it feel like it's starting to get broken in. When I fist got it I ran/steamed water several times through both the main part and frothing arm to thoroughly clean it. When I first did this cleaning the water looked/smelled a little odd (from the newness I guess.) Positives: - The water heating element heats the water very quickly (faster than the Capresso). Since it's also quieter than the Capresso I had to keep an eye on it so I wouldn't miss my window for frothing. - Strong steam pressure makes espresso fairly quickly. I'm able to tamp extra fine espresso grounds (Costco in-store grinder's finest grind setting) quite firmly and steam is still plenty strong enough to do the job. It's stronger steam than the Capresso ever was. - Frothing arm works well also with strong steam pressure, quickly warming cream (Side Note: I highly recommend steaming heavy whipping cream in smaller volume than milk or half-n-half. It makes an amazing tasting latte.) - Frothing arm tucks out of the way. Not a huge positive, but every little bit extra of limited counter space helps. - Styling is reasonably good/attractive The first 3 Pros are much stronger, and more in favor than the following Cons are against the unit. Cons: - On / Off / Froth knob (on left side) is very poorly shaped. Your fingers can easily slip off if you're trying to quickly switch to frothing mode. I've learned to make due with it, but for someone with a weaker grip, it could be a deal breaker. A smaller traditional style knob (like on the Capresso) would be a big improvement. - Same issue with the top/water reservoir knob, though this one isn't as impacting. - The frothing arm black/rubber attachment. This is a pretty minor quibble, because even though I didn't like it, it's not needed anyway, so I'm just keeping tucked away in a drawer. On this point, however, I must note that I only make lattes not cappuccinos so I can't attest to the quality/amount of froth you will get that you'll need if you're more of a cappuccino type. Bottom Line: For a steam espresso maker this unit does a quality/quick job, and the price is very competitive.

did not make good coffee and made a very small amount, and milk frothier was not good

product was defected had to return it could not get the frother to work handle jamed

This machine is great, makes the best Cuban coffee, the only problem is that it doesn't last. The handling control is made of plastic and since it gets exposed to high temperatures it breaks in around a year an a half. They should replace this part for a more appropriated material.

The instruction booklet is not completely clear, but other than that this product is amazing and you'll be making quality coffee drinks that will compete with any Barista. Make sure to add more water than what you need for your drink, you will need it for steam to heat and froth the milk. Do not set it to brew and walk away, it takes just a short time to produce steam, but it brews extremely fast and once it has brewed to the proper level you must immediately turn the knob to the off position. Have the milk ready, and immediately upon switching to the off position raise the milk to the frothing aide, then turn the switch to the steam position to heat and froth the milk. It all happens very quickly so already have everything ready and in position. Good luck future Baristas.

A caution to would-be buyers: Hard to operate. I purchased the Mr. Coffee brand to replace an old Cooks model espresso machine from JCP. The Mr. Coffee brand makes a quick espresso and froths the milk excellently, and super hot. You get a nice 8oz espresso in just under 5 minutes. It is easy to clean. However, the smooth and slick design of the switch knob and water tank cap are "extremely" hard to turn. This might be a difficult problem for women or more mature owners such as myself. And you thought medicine bottles were hard to open?? Designers should have used a lever-type switch and put some groves into the tank cap so the user could have more leverage to open or turn. Also, the light on the side is useless even in the dark since you cannot see it unless you look straight into it. Better if the light was mounted to the front. If you are young and love your espresso's then this might be a good buy for you, otherwise I would suggest looking at other models and noting the ease of operating their tank cap and on/off switch. Spend a little more and get something easier on the hands.

i guess i had a defected one and the coffee was leaking through the steamer .