Commercial Expobar Office Pulser Espresso Machine

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
David M Kaz

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Still awesome after 7 years of use

I bought this machine 7 years ago and love it as much as the day I got it. It looks, feels, and works like a proverbial Cadillac. Pull shots and steam milk simultaneously for the perfectly timed latte; make drinks in rapid succession without having to worry about the group head "sneezing" on you (thanks to the three-way solenoid valve); call wholelattelove for on the fly help if anything goes wrong!

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Dual water system with heat exchanger.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Give it a full 15 minutes to warm up for best results.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Everything

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

I imagine the pressure and temperature gauges would be nice, but I haven't missed them.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Professional machines in coffee shops (forget the names). Gaggia home machines

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Conical Burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Solis

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Kenneth Fowler

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Expobar Office Pulser

I have been using this machine for over three years and it still continues to deliver an exceptional pull with beautiful crema and great steaming. It's easy to use, to clean and the simple lines make it quick to wipe down.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

simple to use

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

spend time learning the milk steaming process to get thick milk

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Barrington Roasters, Illy

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

so reliable I wouldn't change a thing except to add a view window for the water tank

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

about a dozen

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

doser

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Ceado professional

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
casey caughie

.Expobar has spent may years in our home working every day serving up excellent lattes and americanos! Simple style with basic but quality features and parts. The only criticism is having to fill the water container regularly with regular use of the machine. It would be nice to have a water plumb feature that would auto fill the container. Or if not that a simple water gage to let you know when you are running low so it won't stop in the middle of a pull unexpectedly. Still no regrets and happy overall and would buy again.

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Philip Hanline

I purchased this product approximately 5 years ago as my first espresso machine, and I have used it almost everyday since. I have really enjoyed this machine. The steam wand performs nicely with plenty of pressure. I have taken care to perform usual maintenance, and I have not noticed a degradation in the quality of the shots I pull over time. It is true that I have not had experience using other machines, and I am not particularly interested in bells and whistles. I just wanted a machine that was adequate and reliable for making good espresso/latte drinks. I feel very satisfied with the quality and value of my purchase. On a side note, the customer support offered by the WholeLatteLove people was helpful when I was first setting up my machine and learning how to use it. Hope this helps.

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Tom Murphy

After 6 yrs, this is still an awesome machine. Like the great iron horse. A little TLC once a year or so, to replace the portafilter gasket and it's back to the grind. Will buy this again if it ever breaks. Just like a pro machne, at 1/3 the cost. You can spend more if your ego needs to, but you won't beat this machine for making espresso, or steaming milk.

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Merole B Concordia

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Beginner

Great machine, delicious caffe

We have been using this machine for over 5 years, several times each day, and have only replaced the brew gasket and the drip pan. Instructions to install the gasket were online and easy to understand. (Less than 5 minutes to complete.)

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Easy to maintain and makes great espresso, capuccino.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Be sure to back flush. Keeps the coffee tasting fantastic and the machine running great.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Doppio Danesi whole Beans

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

The drip pan is constructed out of low quality plastic. it cracks and then water drips under the machine.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Saeco semi automatic Totally manual espresso machine purchased in Italy.

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

MDP Gaggia

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
gr8coffee

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Love this machine. Had it for something like 9 years of daily personal use for my wife and I before it finally gave up the ghost. Now I am kicking myself because I am sure that if I had spent some time with the folks at WLL we would have likley fixed it. Only parts during that time was new pump in the first 6 months that was immediately taken care of by WLL and group gaskets every year or two (easy to replace). This was a fantastic machine, built like a tank. Another Expobar - the plumable Office Lever is in our immediate future.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Steam Milk & make Coffee together for better half, repeat for me every morning (twice on weekends) every day year after year

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

If you can locate it close to your sink then use the sprayer to fill - it makes life much easier if you use it a lot as we do/did. The water tank is a good size.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Starbucks house expresso roast (their standard expresso)

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Not much, for the money I loved this machine. the only thing I wanted was a better gauge on the water supply level.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Way back a Salton - remember those little guys? Then an italian thing from Starbucks that lasted like 7 years and then the Expobar for we think around 9 years

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Pasquini Moka 90

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
Douglas DeHart

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Still going strong

Been using the machine for a bit over 4 years now. It has been professionally serviced once. New p-stat and descaling. Still going strong. I use it mostly for caps. Plenty of steam and nice microfoam with the gold two-hole tip.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Compact, stainless HX. Solid as a brick.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Backflush with Cafiza (or similar) weekly. Do a light descale with Cleancaf at least every 6 months.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Home roast

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

The water reservoir fills a bit over half of the avaialble space in the case. It could be at least 50% larger.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

La Pavoni, Rancillio

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Flat burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Ascaso I-1

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Stoutman

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Wow

Wow! This machine is Awesome. I've wanted to upgrade my espresso machine since I bought it 9 months ago. That is not to say my old one made bad espresso, but the steam capability was lacking, and when company came over it was not up to the task. The Expobar Pulsar arrived to day and I am impressed. My first shot was great. My first cappuccino was sweet. I am so glad I went the extra money this time. It is worth every penny. So, what makes this machine so great? It’s the quality. This thing has all the bases covered. It has a massive commercial brew group that heats up and stays hot. It has the ability to steam multiple cappuccinos, one after the other. And the micro foam is impressive. I can make the entire picture of milk into micro foam on the first day I have the machine. Setup out of the box was very straight forward. I pulled off the protective plastic to reveal all that shiny stainless steel. I filled up the water tank and purged the machine to get out any stale water or manufacturing residue. The instructions that came with it to supplement the Expobar manual were simple and sufficiently well organized that I didn’t mess anything up. Within one hour I was sipping a cappuccino with a big grin on my face. My grinder was already dialed in for my Saeco so I tried it as it was and the Expobar pulsar took it in stride. My first shot brewed in 25 seconds exactly with no sour taste or bitter end. The coffee had a natural sweetness such that I didn’t have to add any sweetener. It was the same story for my first cappuccino. The micro foam seems to make the milk sweeter, and the natural sweetness of the coffee made my usual brew almost too sweet with my normal amount of sugar.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

Steam, sweet steem. And the sweet espresso shots are nice to. The fit and finish is virtually flawless. It also warms up much faster than other reviewers have implied. I timed it to 12 minutes before the heater light went out.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Don't burn yourself on the group head, hot water wand or steam wand.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Home Roasted

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

So what is not to like? Not much at this price point. I did notice that the steam wand will scald some milk to itself and needs a good wipe. An anti-burn wand would be a nice upgrade. The drip tray seems a bit small. Keep in mind this is my first day and I have not even come close to filling it up. I guess the engineer in me sees that big old space under the drip tray that is not being utilized by half and wishes the designers would have found a different solution. Maybe a way to see when the water is getting low will be nice. I have yet to experience that either.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Delongi, Saeco Aroma

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Flat Burr grinder

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Kitchenaid Proline KPCG 100

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Janet Stark

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Still going strong

Purchased the Expobar Pulsar for my husband for Christmas 5 years ago, and it has exceeded our expectations. We use it every day - lattes, espresso, and coffee (either a long pull espresso or Americano - shot of espresso with hot water added). Maintenance is easy and quick, and it seems very durable as we haven't had any problems with it using it as often as we have for 5+ years. Though it was an expensive investment then, it has more than paid for itself in the savings at Starbucks over time!

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Ability to steam and shoot espresso at same time - don't have to wait for boiler to heat up again. Able to make several drinks in a row without long wait times in between.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Any Dark/French/Espresso Roast high quality beans

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Instruction manual. I learned more from this website than the manual.

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Solis

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Ian Rankin

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Expobar Office Pulser Review

Excellent machine, easy to adjust (brew temperature and pressure) with a little bit of work. Its great to be able to steam directly after (or during) brewing.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

Ability to adjust brew temp, and the ability to steam right after/during brewing

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Local Roaster

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

The machine could use a 2 or 4 hole steam tip

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Solis Crema SL70

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr Grinder

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Baratza Maestro Plus

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
ljguitar

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

My Pulsar after more than 6 years

I've had the Pulsar since 2003 and it has bee serviced twice with the pstat replaced once and the vacuum valve

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Ease of operation, proper pressure, and top notch results

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

After the machine is hot, pull a blank shot to reduce temp at the group head to bring it into proper temperature range to pull good shots...

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Roast my own

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Extend and bend the water wand and steam wand

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

La Pavoni, Rancillio Silvia

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

A variety of burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Barista for drip Rancillio Rocky Mazzer Super Jolly

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Robin McDonnell

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Beginner

expobar office pulsar

I have had this machine for a year and a half use it daily and it is a wonderful machine

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

of course the espresso but also its look ..not plasticy very spanish functional.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

if the machine has been on a long time without use just run the filter without coffee in it for a few seconds so that the water in the head is fresh and not over heated

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

equator estates organico espresso

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

a non plastic water container.I use another glass one that resides behind the machine. In earlier versions it looks like there was an attachment that could hook into a water line...would like that.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

none

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Capresso infinity burr grinder

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Douglas DeHart

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Pulsar has meet every expectation

Purchased my Pulsar a bit over 3 years ago as a budget upgrade to HX. The machine has met every expectation. It is solidly built, reliable, and steams like a locomotive. IMO, the best HX bargain around.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Very solidly built. Has all the advantages of a true HX.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Descale periodically.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Home roaster. Mostly Mexican, Central American.

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Could use a "no-burn" steam arm.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

LaPavoni, Rancillio

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Flat burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Ascaso I-1d

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Jon Peters

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Far exceeded my expectations in a H-X machine. At the time of purchase, it was an excellent value. It seem that the price has increased significantly. I'm not sure how it compares to others in it's field.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

rugged, attractive, easy to use, understated and simple.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Keep it clean! Pair it with a grinder of comparable quality.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Local VT roaster (Mocha Joe's)and others

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Would like a visual reservoir indicator and a larger capacity. A insignificant shortcoming.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Saeco Aroma, Capresso, misc. others.

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Rancilio Rocky

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Richard Warg

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Rugged, dependable, consistently perfect coffee

After 3 years of daily use this rugged machine is still making perfect coffee several times a day. It steams milk quickly and produces a nice thick consistency every time. I find I can control the amount of light, stiff, fluffy foam to produce a stacked topping. I wipe the steam nozzle clean after each use to prevent buildup. Once every couple of weeks I clean it with Cafiza to control the buildup of stale coffee residue. After 3 years of repeated exposure to heat, the rubber gasket on the brew group hardened, as one might expect, to the point where it wouldn't seal tight any more and started to leak. A new gasket from Wholelattelove was simple to install and gave me the opportunity to clean the screen as well. Our visitors always notice the rather large espresso machine on the kitchen counter and comment on what a nice luxury it must be. It really is too. When our power was out for several days last winter the thing we missed most was coffee from our Expobar. My wife tells everyone that it was the best Christmas present she ever received.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Its rugged simplicity and reliability. The reassuring sound of the pump when we turn it on in the morning.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Use only de-mineralized water. Keep it clean. Wake your true love with a perfect latte every day.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Peets French Roast Beans

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

This is one of those machines that probably can't(or shouldn't) be "improved", only changed. At one time I might have complained that the pump is too loud, but now I find its roar is an integral part of its personality and I'd miss it.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

None

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Gaggia MDF

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Kenneth Fowler

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

I can pull an exceptional shot of espresso (23 seconds)and the steamer is capable of producing that extra thick HOT frothed milk that makes a latte "to die for!" I no longer buy a latte anywhere. No one can make them as good as I make my own Expobar.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Easy as can be once I got used to it.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Others complain about the steamer wand getting thick with scalded milk. I clean the machine once a week with Urnex Cafiza and then put the drip pan and grill in the dishwasher. The steamer wand is a snap to clean when it builds up: put a steamer pitcher with HOT water on the drip tray and place the wand in the water while at work. The build up wipes off easily with a cloth.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Usually an espresso from our local roaster Barrington Coffee Roasters (Lenox, MA)

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

The instructions

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Everything from cheap to restaurant grade.

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

We still let our local roaster grind it and store it in an airtight container.

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

NA Considering a purchase of a burr grinder

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
gregory spin

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

My wife and I bought our expobar pulser about 6 years ago. Our daily morning lattes were breaking the bank. We have never before or since made a better investment. We each have a double shot latte daily and have no regrets. Our machine has reliably and consistently performed until this morning. We are online now, in fact, looking for somewhere to get it serviced. We'll keep you posted on the experience...

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

High quality craftsmanship. Very reliable.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Put a small plastic measuring cup under the lid of he container on top of the hose to keep it down in the water.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

peets usually

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

The hose in the water container tends to pop up out of the water.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Why?

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

solis burr grinder

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
scott kitzerow

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Pulser, one year later

One year later, my Expobar Pulser is still a dream....I make at least two caps every, AM every day...perfect performance without a hitch...I don't know what other people are saying about QC issues, but it has NEVER been an issue for me. I would buy this machine again, in a heartbeat.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

solid performance....I find that the operating temperature is reached within 5-10 minutes after powering up in the morning...at least, it works for me...but I am not one to hang around with a digital thermometer...I make 'em, then I drink 'em...and they are great!

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

keep your group spotless...a bit of cleanup after brewing every time is easy and keeps the espresso tasting good! Don't be so worried about fancy "moves" and tenths of a degree in temperature change....use a good grinder (Like a Mazzer), fill the basket, level with a straight edge and tamp at about 30 pounds...pull for 25 seconds and you should be good to go! If you are not, your coffee is stale or your grind is off!

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Big Truck (Olympia Roasting)

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

water fill system.....a bit awkward, but liveable....pull Expobar our from under the kitchen cabinet, remove the lid, fill the reservoir, replace the lid, move back under the cabinet, and repeat about every 4 days......

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Capresso Espresso Pro

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Mazzer Mini

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
scott kitzerow

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Unpacked my new Pulser today!

Just unpacked my new Expobar this evening...having used a Capresso Espresso Pro for 3 years, I had a pretty good idea of how to do things and what to expect. It arrived in a huge box full of annoying packing "popcorn", but it was very well protected...read the simple "supplemental instructions" provided by WLL, removed the plastic protective sheeting from the beautiful chrome body, soaked the water softener (after calling WLL for that advise...there wasn't an explanation in the instructions), filled the reservoir (not particularly handy...used a flower watering pot with good results, easier than pulling out the 2 water lines and the reservoir)....following the instructions, I primed the boiler (performed exactly as described in the literature), allowed the machine to warm up to operating temp (no more than 10-12 minutes).....then, the moment of truth. Frothed 4 ounces of milk and set aside (they aren't kidding when they advise you to wipe off the steam wand quickly...the milk will burn on and become cement-like immediately)...Set the Mazzer to the factory default "espresso" grind, spooned the grounds into the warm portafilter to eliminate clumping (by the way, a very amazing and wonderful grinder..a huge improvement over my Solis Maestro), tamped at 30 pounds with my new Reg Barber tamper (a perfect fit), loaded and locked , flipped the brew switch, and 25 seconds later, had my first great double shot complete with amazing crema...everything worked exactly as expected! I only burned my hand once on the brew group...I was not used to having a warm group with my old Capresso...also burned once on the steam wand, but it will never happen again! Overall, an extremely successful day one experience.....easy machine to use, made easier with a proper grinder. Can't wait 'til tomorrow so I can make some more!

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

Heavy construction, simple controls, very attractive unit..most importantly, it makes great espresso!

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Wipe off the steam wand immediately after frothing. Pre-soak the water softener inside the reservoir to eliminate trapped air. (Only necessary for the very first use of the machine) Call WLL for water softener re-charging instructions. Don't touch the brew group unless you are into burning flesh. The actual on/off switch is located pretty close to the brew group in a goofy spot.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Olympia Roasting, Malabar Gold, Illy, Lavazza, various others

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

I would rather have the steam wand on the right-hand side of the machine, but I'll get used to it. The doctor tells me that second degree burns heal fairly quickly and should not result in any permanent disfiguration. Reservoir is a bit of a pain to fill, as I have to pull the machine out from under my cabinets to access the fill port..no big deal, I'll get used to it! I guess I could just tear out my cabinets, but then my wife would have a problem. She's funny that way.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Capresso Espresso Pro, old steam toys from Krups

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Mazzer Mini..my new best pal Solis Maestro...adios, my friend..you were good, but it's time to move on.

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
Bob Holland

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

I occasionally check in here to see how the Expobar fairs over the long haul. I bought mine here in Feb.2003. Over the years I have owned it, it has performed great. I had little issue with the P-stat adjustment (too hot) but Tech support walked me through it without a hitch. I have the tupperware water reservour that is kinda hokey but it is easy to clean and remove. I gave up on the looking at the water level and just add water every time I use it. I have purchased three different steam tips trying for that A-grade microfoam. I get the best results with the single tip WLL sells as an add-on.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Consistant performance and quality build

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

20 minute warm up minimum. Pay attention to the "golden rule". Read "How I learned to love the HX espresso machine", especially the "Dancing waters" part.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Homeroast of course!

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Better position of the "on" indicator light. The water reservor has been changed; don't know if that is for the better? WLL extra instructions are critical!

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Delongi, Saeco, Gaggia

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Flat burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Rancilio Rocky

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Ben Potis

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Great Machine

Its been over a year now that I bought my Expobar and if you are looking for a machine with consistent quality (as long as you keep it clean) and ease of operation you need not look further. I have been a barista and wanted a home unit that would give me the same espresso I know is possible with a machine and at first I tried the Silvia which is a good machine but you cannot pull a shot and steam at the same time so I switched to the Expobar and have not looked back. I was using the bean that I had used as a barista from Coffee Masters in Chicago but while researching for machine use and maintenance I came across Vivace Cafe and thought if the information on taking care of the machine was spot on then I should give their espresso a chance and once again I have not looked back. I now use Vivace Vita blend and not only is it a fantastic flavor but it makes using the portafilter and obtaining a solid puck very easy. I used this bean to show first timers how to use a semi auto machine and not one person had a problem with creating a solid puck. I use the Pulser and do recommend this machine highly but if you want to simplify the process a bit you should order the Control with the programmable buttons that shut off by themselves. One last note, I bought the package with the Mazzer Mini and this is one hefty little grinder that is truly commercial quality, easily adjustable grind as well as relatively easy to clean. Once again I truly recommend this machine and this package.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Consistent quality, ability to steam and pull shot at the same time, comparable to a commercial machine in quality and use.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Keep it clean. Do as recommended, back flush often or even after each use (a bit extreme but old oils will turn rancid and effect the flavor and quality of the shot).Use high quality beans. If the beans are from store shelves or Sams club it won’t matter how much the machine costs the results are horrific, you spent the money for a quality machine now spend a little to get the quality beans. Lastly, I would also recommend to do some research on the use of this type of machine, the more you know, the better the results.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Coffee Masters Espresso Blens, Vivace Espresso Vita, Illy Regular

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

As mentioned by just about everybody, if they were able to make it plumbable that would be great.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Rancilio Silvia

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Mazzer Mini

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
robert weller

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Enough about the drip tray

Solid machine. Great value. No problems in the past 18 months. Best addition -- crotchless portafilter. I reduced the temp. to produce 202 at the brew group. This resulted in lower steam pressure, too, but it's nice and dry and consistent. If you make a mistake, you have more time to correct it. (Drip tray works just fine. See tip.)

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Low maintenance. It's a solid no-frills machine. Pulls great espressos and ristrettos.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

In general, though, the drip tray works fine. (I love the wire grid -- less surface to clean.) The tray does NOT need to be tipped to remove. The issue is water weight. As the tray fills, the plastic expands slightly. Just pull a little on the back edge and it clears the downspout and lifts straight up without tipping. (If the black plasting drip tray seems cheap, think of the time you save not polishing a chrome tub.)

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

home roasted

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

1) Different material for water reservoir -- after several hours, water picks up a strong plastic taste. (I start with fresh filtered water every morning.) 2) insulated steam / hot-water wands. (I cut a few strips from a silicon potholder to wrap around mine.) 3) drip tray could be 1/2 longer--you may lose a few drops over the front edge when cleaning the brew group. No big deal.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Krups Estro Vapore

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

mazzer mini

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Jack Sholder

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Expobar Pulsar

I've had the Pulsar for about 3 weeks now. As others have mentioned, it has had a slight redesign and no longer has a slot to check water level, and apparently the plastic reservoir was changed to one with a 1 1/2" hole in the top. A friend has a Bezerra, another HX machine in the same price range that has a spiffier Italian design that had impressed me as opposed to the more monolithic look of the Expobar. However, revisiting him, I notice the Bezerra is 6" wider and takes up that much more counter space, and it has a lot of plastic on it. The Expobar has a narrower, deeper footprint. Since you can't really put anything behind the Bezerra, the Expobar takes up less space. The height is just enough so that I can fit it under my cabinets, put some espresso and capuccino cups on top and have it clear the doors. It is also all shiny stainless so, while perhaps not as baroque, looks very professional and handsome and ready for serious business which it is. I love the hot water dispenser and the fact that both it and the steam wand are on ball joint swivels that feel very solid and reliable. My previous machine, a LeLit which is a good single boiler machine, had one wand that felt flimsy. The steam flow with the single hole tip felt slower than I thought it should be. But it is supposed to heat water to 160 in 60 seconds, and it was right on the money. I'm buying a 2-hole tip that is supposed to work faster, but the WWL staff tell me they find the slower process produces a better microfoam. We'll see. I must say the foam is really great, and the steam is very steady as it should be with a HX machine. What is best about the Expobar is the coffee it makes which is after all why I bought it. Once I get the grind dialed in and make sure to run some water before pulling a shot, the espresso is peerless. Thick, thick crema, wonderful taste, can't imagine it being better. I went to the best local espresso shop where they are very skilled and ordered a double when I picked up come Counter Culture Toscano, a great blend BTW, and it didn't taste as sweet and balanced as the one I pull.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

Very well made and solid all around. except for the drip tray. The hot water dispenser is great for Americanos, cup heating, and my kids' hot chocolate. Narrow footprint is a plus. Cup warmer works very well. And great, consistent shots that are as near perfection as I can imagine.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Empty drip tray frequently before it gets too full. Remove wire tray top first to make it somewhat easier. Fill reservoir every night. Since it sits under my cabinets, I'd have to pull it out to fill, so I picked up a funnel with a long collapsible flexible tip from an auto supply place, and it works great.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Lavazza Pienaroma, Black Cat, CounterCulture Toscana

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

The one great design flaw is the drip tray. Forget that it's plastic, that's irrelevant. It doesn't hold much water, gets filled quickly from the solonoid, and you have to tip is at such an angle to get it out from under the stainless steel column under the brewgroup that if it's half full it spills all over the place. WLL has got to get them to fix this. Other people have mentioned that it's hard to know how much water is in the reservoir which is true. However, with steaming, heat exchange, warming, hot water, etc. I use 3-5 cups of water a day with moderate use, so I just fill it every night, no big deal.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

LeLit

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Conical burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Nemox Lux

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
tom savastano

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Expobar Office Pulser

We have been using the Expobar Office Pulser for over a year now and it consistently does a great job in every category: expresso, steaming/frothing and providing hot water. We especially appreciate the large water reservoir: in the morning it easily lets us make multiple lattes and tea, while providing enough boiling water for instant oatmeal!

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Top performer, very reasonable price, easy to use, great reliability. Manual control of process is much more fun and offers more opportunity to customize than an automatic machine.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Kudos to W.L.L. for its excellent customer support, which is very helpful for this machine; both in supplementing the Expobar instruction manual, and in providing intelligent instructions for doing the maintenance yourself on the vacuum relief valve.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Four Seasons Simone

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

The vacuum relief valve periodically needs cleaning (every 4-6 months) or the machine will leak steam. This is a delicate operation, requiring carefully disassembling a part on the inside of the machine. The do-it-yourselfer can manage it just fine. And, of course, the Expobar instruction manual, not at all written in the Queen's English!

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Non-commercial small machines like Krups.

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Bezzera

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

No longer made

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
Scott London

Has owned for:
6 - 12 months
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Expobar Office Pulser

This is a wonderful machine. After six months of steady use -- I make an average of five or six espressos on it per day -- I would heartily recommend it. My only reservation is that the temperature is not as precise as I would like. This is not a problem if I turn on the machine, wait 8 or 10 minutes, and then fire off my shots. But if the machine stays on for more than 15 or 20 minutes, it starts running hot. If I forget that it's on and then make an espresso later in the day, forget it, it's undrinkable. I have to make several "blank" shots to clear out the water in the boiler to get the temperature to where I want it again. Or, better yet, turn it off, wait for it to cool and start over. As a result, I never leave the machine on. I have a friend who owns the Expobar Office Control, we like to meet for coffee and compare notes, and his machine has the same problem. There is a way to adjust the pressure stat and the folks at WLL helped me figure out how (more technical than I would have wished), but it didn't eliminate the problem. Now it didn't overheat after sitting on for a while, but it also didn't give me the perfect shots I was used to when I had first turned the machine on in the morning. This is an important consideration, I think, in buying an espresso machine. Are you planning on leaving it on all day? If so, a more expensive machine with better temperature management might serve you better. That said, I'm happy with this one. It makes better espresso than just about every cafe in town (and there are dozens). Plus it's a great conversation piece.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

6 - 12 months

What's Best About this Product?

Ease of use, stylish design, durability

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Prepare your espresso first thing after the machine heats up -- don't let it sit and overheat

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Lavazzo Pienaroma, Torrefazione Settebello, Illy, and a handful of lesser brands I wouldn't recommend

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Water reservoir system is a pain. I can't see the water level and every morning I have to pull the whole machine out from the wall, take off the lid (and any cups placed there), take out a big funnel, and carefully refill the tank -- making sure not to accidentally overfill it and get water in the macine itself. Crazy design.

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Donald Cazzell

Has owned for:
6 - 12 months
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Expobar Office Pulser

I wanted to use this machine a few months before I wrote anything about it. There are so many machines to choose from I'm glad I bought the Expobar Pulser, it is great and there is nothing I don't like about it (except the instruction manual). I would buy it again.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

6 - 12 months

What's Best About this Product?

brew and steam at the same time

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

instruction manual

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Mazzer Mini

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Ronald Forsey

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Beginner

Exbobar Pulsar evaluation. Machine pays for itself and then some.

Now that I have used the Expobar for a full year I can evaluate it with a fair degree of confidence. It makes better Lattes than I can buy at any esspresso shop -- I think largely because I can keep it clean which means I always produce fresh tasting coffee and excellent frothed milk. It is a solid looking and solid performing machine; heats up quickly and is ready to make lattes in 10 to 15 minutes. The quality of my lattes is very consistant and I don't think I have ever made one that wasn't just about perfect. The main reason I started thinking about buying an espresso machine was because I was spending so much at the coffee shops that I figured it would pay for itself -- by actual calculation it took just six months. From that point on it has been pure profit.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

The quality of the espresso coffee and of course the large volume of froth on the milk. It is very professional looking machine and and makes lattes that match its looks.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Fill the water before it runs out. Let the machine warm up for more than the minimum time. Be sure to 'bleed' the water out of the steam wand before you start frothing.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Peets Sulawasi

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

It is a little noisy and vibrates enough that I need to keep my finger on the cups as the espresso shot is poured (keeps them from moving around). I could probably solve this by buying heavier cups but I don't mind this problem.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

None

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Have it ground at Peets

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

N/A

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Earl Norris

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Excellent machine.... a million times better than the Capresso Ultima (which is a good machine for the move up from drip coffee makers). It's nice to have a smooth hot espresso everytime. Some reviews I read before buying complained about the noise, but I don't think it's noisy at all. From time to time I have had cups on top touching each other, or a cup or something touching the side of the machine... either of which will cause a whole lot of noise...just move the offenders and the problem is solved. I wouldn't hesitate to buy this machine again. The only problem is that I am now always dissapointed when I order an espresso from the restaurants or coffee bars.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Great espresso!

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Let it warm up at least 15 minutes before using each morning.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Peet's French Roast, Espresso Forte and French Roast Decaf

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Maybe add someway that the machine could be plumbed later. Owners' manual should be replaced.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Capresso Ultima

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Rancilio Doserless Rocky

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Margaret Schadt

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Beginner

Expobar Pulser Revisited

It is great to read actual consumer reviews on products to assist in the decision making. Often, though, the reviews are made very soon after the product arrives and I've often wondered what that reviewer thinks of the product months or years down the road. So I am back with a more experienced review of the Expobar Pulser after 1 & 1/2 years of use. I originally rated it 5.7, taking some points away for lack of mfg's useful instructions. Really, WLL provided their perfect version of instructions with the machine and once you've got it down it's history. Today I would rate this machine 5.9. My rating shows a 6.0 because there is no category for product design, where I would take off 0.1 points. Over the months the only troubling aspect in use has been a lack of means to see the water level in the reservoir. I have had it go try a couple of times pulling a shot because I forgot it could be close to empty. (Life is busy and you can't always remember these little details.) Certainly if I could be a little more disciplined and check it say Tuesday and Friday evenings even this little annoyance would be gone. If the pump does suck all of the remaining water out ot the feed line it is tricky to get the siphoning started again because the protective basket on the end of the water line is now filled with air. So I would caution that you make it a practice to check that water level once or twice a week depending on your espresso addiction. My Expobar has performed flawlessly the past 18 months and I hope it will continue for the next 18 years. I have even forgotten to turn it off at night and had no problems with it as a result. (Not that I would recommend leaving it on all night!) I can actually make better espresso drinks than the local *bucks. If there has been any variance in the quality of the lattes or caps it has been barrista error - too much or too little milk in the pitcher or insufficient tamping or inadequate dose of grounds. I highly recommend the Expobar Pulser and would buy this or another Expobar model if something (God forbid) should happen to the one I have. It is the best value for dollar. Life is too short too be lived without a really good espresso machine.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

Reliable and consistent performance. Ease of use. Manual control of pullings shots. Generous warming top with room enough for a variety of drink cups and saucers. Easy removal and emptying of the drip tray. Removable water reservoir. Gorgeous stainless steel - still gleams. It is solid, heavy and stays put on the counter.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Don't let the reservoir run empty.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Zabar's double dark espresso, dark decafe espresso and Peet's espresso (when the Zabar's hasn't arrived from NYC.)

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

A water level indicator or low level warning light. (Perhaps it could be coupled with a weight sensor under the reservoir pad to activate a light when the reservoir was under a specified weight.)

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Various Krups

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Stilling looking for the grinder and letting Zabar grind at #3.

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
joel fox

Has owned for:
1 - 6 months
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Good, solid machine

Machine is a very solid heavy unit which is very attractive on the counter; from the weight of the unit you can tell it is not made of cheap plastic components; the warming surface on the top is large enough for plenty of large cups- not just shot glasses. Very easy to use- be careful not to overfill the portafilter because you will not be able to lock into place.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

1 - 6 months

What's Best About this Product?

Brews excellent espresso- easy to use- I like that it is not a full auto so I can use as much espresso as I want and control amount of water dispensed. Very well built constructed machine- steam wand very easy to use and in a good location.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

After warm-up- before you start the brew switch (black button); open the frother valve and bleed off the water until you get steam- that way you won't dilute your milk w/ unwanted water.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

starbucks espresso

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Would be nice to have a timer to turn the unit on automatically so it is ready to go when you wake up. The warm up time is not bad though. Water level indicator would also be nice so you dont have to keep checking on the amount of water you have .

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

krups

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

mazzer mini

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Anthony Di Benedetto

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

THE Best Machine

The best machine on the market for home use.Best price. . Never a problem .

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Very easy to operate.You have total control on how to make the best Cappuccino and expresso.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Follow the Golden Rule.Keep the Gaggia grinder at 6.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Lavazza cream and aroma

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

None.

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Gaggia MDF. Also the best.

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Joseph CALLIPARE

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

A quality Italian bar at home

My Spidem "Trevi" of 7 years started a slow death. She is still dying. I decided it was time to upgrade. Finding this site I began to research what I wanted; froth and pull espresso at the same time and more than one solenoid valve. After too much reading I decided upon the Gaggia Classic for my budget. I called WLL and came in contact with Mark, who presented some additional considerations; more reading. After reading about the Rancilio "Silvia" and the Expobar "Pulser", I decided upon the "Pulser." The lady "Silvia" was too much drama for me. I placed my order for this "Pulser" and the Rancilio "Rocky" grinder which arrived on New Year's Eve. It took an act of God to get FEDEX home delivery to get it to me (a lazy driver, but that's another story). Everything arrived well packed. I wasn't prepared for the size and weight of the "Pulser." It took me a while to realize there was a protective paper around the stainless steel exterior. I remember reading a couple of reviews that said they opened the box, put the water in the reservoir and pulled perfect espresso. I was not as fortunate. I must admit I was immediately disappointed with the performance of the machine for the entire weekend. I couldn't pull a good espresso. The frother was great and performed beautifully. But let's face it, I drink one cappuccino a day, and many espressi, so why would I want an expensive machine for frothing milk once a day? I began to realize I needed to do some experimenting. Although I read the WLL articles on pulling a great espresso and the Golden Rule, I couldn't get that great espresso that I got with my Spidem. I called Mark and he suggested a new tamper and expedited it to me. Using the beans and experimenting with the grind and the tamp made a great improvement. I am a convinced whole bean user now. The frothing was superb from the first attempt. The Illy website which has a video of the "Francis, Francis" (another consideration)gave a great demo on frothing. I followed that demo and I've got bar quality froth each time. To avoid the problem of having to wait in the a.m. for the boiler to heat up, I bought a heavy duty timer and the "Pulser" starts pulsing about 45 mins before I'm ready for my first shot, and stays on all day, and goes off at the appointed time. It has taken me about 2 weeks to get Italian bar quality espresso (not the American commerical kind they pass off for espresso). Although there is a bit more to cleaning than I am accustomed to doing, the Spidem was minimal, I'm enjoying the Expobar Pulser. It is a great value for the person who truly enjoys a good espresso. I believe the Spanish have created a high quality machine. I'll update this review after the "Pulser" surpasses the 7 years of good service I got from my Spidem "Trevi" which I am certain it will do.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

The 2 boiler and the ability to froth milk and pull coffee at the same time. It rocks. Also, I'll add here: Mark at WLL is excellent. He patiently answered each question, gave great advice and emailed to me all the written material on the "Pulser" that they have produced.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Toss the directions from Expobar---"pull"ease. Just include the WLL directions. I opened my box, read the directions and asked, "What did they say?"

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Medaglia d'Oro (could only buy this in the late 80's in NWFL), Lavazza Qualita' Oro and Crema e Gusto and Caffe' Illy

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

The location of the water reservior and the cheesy metal plate it is suppose to sit upon. Give us a view window so we can see the water level decrease even though it is good that the machine stops dropping water or frothing if the water level gets too low.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Krups, Braun, DeLonghi, Spidem "Trevi"

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Prior to this purchase, I used only ground coffee (c.f.above). I purchased with the Pulser a grinder, per the recommendation of WLL's Mark.

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Rancilio Rocky

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Richard Warg

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Beginner

Perfection right out of the box

The Pulser arrived a couple of hours before my guests. I had already read all of the reviews so I knew what to expect from the instructions, but as other reviewers have reported, setup is obvious. Just fill it up with water, bleed the air from the steam line, wait for 20 minutes and it's ready to go. I set the MDF to 5 and loaded a double shot. The first one was perfect! Nice crema, great flavor I was floored. It's important to emphasize that this was my FIRST EVER espresso shot and it came out perfectly. I just lucked into the right grinder setting by following the instructions (how novel). I steamed some 2% for a latte and it foamed up beautifully, a bit much for a latte but perfect for a cappucino. My wife the coffee critic proclaimed it excellent. Perfect steaming THE VERY FIRST TIME!! And every time after that. As I said, I read the instructions online first. So that's my first latte ever and it got a rave review. I pulled drinks for the rest of my guests, six people in all, in less than 15 minutes. Every one a winner. Same story this morning. Both caff and decaf, americanos, tea, lattes, mochas. I'm ready to quit my day job and start a new career. But seriously, after reading the reviews I had high expectations and I have been completely gratified. This is a winning combination.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

The price! The ease and simplicity of setting it up. The high quality feel of its components. Knowing that my money was wisely invested. I expect this machine to last for years.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

The only important and non-obvious instruction is to open the steam valve the first time the machine fills to allow the boiler to fill properly.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Peets French Roast

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

The simplicity of this machine is beautiful. A couple of switches, a couple of valves, a place to put water, a place to put the coffee. I would be very cautious about suggesting "improvements". (OK, the manual, but that's become part of the charm of this product hasn't it?)

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

none

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Gaggia MDF - Works like a charm even with oily beans

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Al Sterling

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Best in class! Heavy as heck...

If you need "weight" to make you feel like you invested in a winner...then this is just another benefit of this "Stainless-Steel Mini-Behemoth." I really felt like I got my money's worth when this puppy arrived. Unlike the "plastic fantastic machines", I bet you could sell this one for scrap and nearly get your investment back! The portafilter alone could probably be used as a small sledge hammer. (Did I say built like a brick house?) Using the Expobar, you almost begin to think your name is Antonio and you could open that "Bagel Shop" they talk about in the WLL machine write up! Oh well.....I started with the Gaggia Compact, a very automated machine. Unfortunately, (see my review in Gaggia Compact), the automatic route didn't give me the control or results I wanted. After returning the Compact, I bought the Expobar Pulsar on recommendations from the customer service staff. It was the very right thing to do.....for me. The Pulsar, same as the Office but without the automatic shot timers, is an incredible "Commercial Like" machine for the home. I am in total control of making the best, or less than best shot of espresso. When WLL boasted about being able to make a shot and froth at the same time, they were not kidding. It really does! The machine also has an incredibly quick recovery time. I use the water dispensor to "quick heat" my cups. This alone is worth the added investment over the Rancilia Silvia; a good machine for the price. Why do I love this machine? I now make "HOT" cappucinos. No more putting my shots in the microwave on low power while I work on my frothing. You don't have to work at frothing the milk, with minimal practice it just happens; micro-froth too. The steamer on this unit is excellent. I got micro froth from the get-go.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

Heavy duty outer stainless steel cabinet; high polish finish. Hot water dispensor excellent for pre-heating cups. Everything it dispenses is "on temperature." Definitely makes shots and froths almost simultaneously. Great steaming function. Unlike a previous comment, I like the plastic catch basin and grill. Except for a little sheet metal fit issue, it removes and cleans up way easy. Our house is for sale. Looks good on the counter.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Work at the "Golden Rule." I'm going through several test shots with every new bean I try. Take advantage of the water dispensor. I thought it would be useless, until I started using it for cup pre-heating. Hand pushing and gentle bending easily can help with correcting the fit and finish of the cabinet to tank cover, etc.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Imported Brasilian roasted beans from Minas, Peets, Starbucks, Illy, Trader Joe's (CA), any roasted bean I find while traveling. (Whole new hobby...buying strange coffee beans?)

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Top water tank cover could be better fitted with a formal slider or hindge mechanism over the rough fit. Water access is a little inconvienient. If you keep the unit under a counter, you have to pull it out a bit to have room to remove the tank cover. I would partition the cover so that the area over the water tank could be hindged........come to think of it.....I may take the top to my shop and do just that! Oh.....the Op's manual......I speak Spanish and Portuguese......it still didn't help much. WLL includes a "supplimental" manual. Read it first, then go to the OEM manual. I think the factory used (www.freetranslation.com) to create the English version of their instructions. It's almost comical....in fact, it is. But then, I don't make my coffee with the manual!

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Gaggia Synchrony Compact, Krups 964 (similar to Gaggia DeLux)

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Cuisinart Premium

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Gary DEVoss

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Expobar Pulsar

This double boiler expobar is the best machine i have ever used.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

it makes perfect espresso with great crema every time. easy to clean. powerful!!!! the price is right for a professional-quality double boiler machine.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

lavazza

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

nothing much. controls are simple and sturdy. there is a water supply hose to the boiler that can slip and needs to be pulled out occasionally. otherwise great, good-looking, powerful and sturdy machile.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Saeco super auto, francis francis

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
CJ Jahncke

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Love the expobar pulser

I LOVE this machine. Last spring my Barrista died, and I needed a new machine, I did LOTS of reading and decided to upgrade to Rancilio Silvia. I was very frustrated with this machine. Sometimes I got a great shot, but most of the time it was really lousy. I was constantly fiddling with the grind. Maybe I just didn't give it enough time, who knows. I called whole latte love, and they recommended the expobar Pulser. I purchased the machine and I haven't looked back. I have been very pleased with this machine. The big difference between the Pulser and Silvia for me is consistency. I get great shot after great shot of espresso. I love not having to wait to steam the milk or pull the shot. There is tons of steam and it makes great microfoam.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

Quality and consistency

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

My only helpful tip is that I find that the Solis Maestro Plus has plenty of adjustability and works well with the Expobar. I haven't seen any need to buy a more expensive grinder. Unless you are grinding a lot of coffee at a time, I'd go with the Maestro Plus. It isn't good for lots of grinding because the little motor gets hot and effects the coffee flavor. However, you can easily grind enough for two double shots, and the motor will cool down while you make those and then you could grind more.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Alterra

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

It is hard to see the water level. More importantly it is hard to see where the water will start to overflow if you put too much water in. I wish it came with a water softener or at least an easier way to attach the water softener. It would be nice to have a drip tray that looked a little better than the black plastic one. But these are all minor issues that really don't effect my enjoyment of the machine much at all.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Krups, Starbucks Barrista, Rancilio Silvia

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Solis Maestro Plus

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
Terrence Works

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Beginner

My First Real Espresso Machine.

I just received the Expobar Pulser today. I was worried about how difficult it was going to be for an inexperienced beginner (i.e. me) to pull a quality espresso. My first try the girnd was too fine and the water would not come through. I changed the settings on my Rancilio Rocky Doserless Coffee Grinder two clicks and this time I got a 40 sec shot. Changed the settings two more clicks and this time I got a 24 sec shot with great crema. I thought maybe this was just luck so I pulled another shot. This time it was a 22 sec shot and as good as the last. With this shot I made my wife a Carmel Latte. The steam was what I was looking for. No waiting and got the job done fast. When I bought the Expobar I had been looking at another espresso system. The other system was $300 less and I'm sure it is a very good system but I don't think I would have been as happy as I am now. I love the heat exchange set up. I like not having to wait for the water to heat up enough to get steam. The system looks great and is built very well. You can't go wrong with this espresso maker.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

Very simple to use. Makes "HOT" coffee. Built very well.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

If you are looking for a espresso maker that does what is should for a great prince look no further.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Bongo Java

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Stronger Stainless Steel Drip Tray.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Krups

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr Grinder

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Rancilio Rocky Doserless

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
Jose Pla

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

After 12 years of using and loving my manual LaPavoni I know it was time to get a machine that would permit me to offer espresso to 6-10 dinner guests. However replacing a machine such as LaPavoni took many months of research. Ultimately I settled on the Exponbar given it's excellent reviews. Currently after 5 months of moderate daily use, I am very pleased with my decision.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

The Expobar is very consistent in it's heating time and brewing characteristics

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

If the machine begins to act funny you are most likely low on water. Use only destilled water and clean/backflush at least twice a month. The quality of brewing greatly increased when I swithed to the burr grinder with premium bean.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Yaucono Selecto- Beans

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

The placement of the on-off switch stinks. If your not careful, you end up with burned knuckles.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

LaPavoni Europicola

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr grinder

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Rancilio Rocky

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Ben Potis

Has owned for:
1 - 6 months
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

I really enjoy this machine

At first I purchased the Rancilio Silvia bundle and as good as the machine was I found that I didn't like waiting to build up steam pressure just to cool it down to pull a shot. So, after some convincing conversation with my wife I was able to purchase the Expobar Pulser and Mazzer combo. Once I remembered how to use a machine from my burista days and dialed in the grinder, you couldn't ask for a better machine. I would hope that the longevity of the machines will be as good as the product that they produce. My only concern with my order is that when I opened my grinder I discovered that there was no directions or tamper that mounts on the front and when I went to clean out the doser portion I saw ware on the inside. Being that I have had the machine for only a month I am concerned that the machine was recycled and sent to me as new. I have sent the support team an email and picture and am waiting to see the results. Again, other than that one concern I have nothing but raves for this pair of machines.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

1 - 6 months

What's Best About this Product?

I enjoy every bit from the chrome to the ability to pull a shot while steaming the milk.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Keep your machine and grinder clean, if you don't those oils will go rancid and you will have bitter shots. Take the time to get the grind and shot time to where it should, your taste buds will thank you. I would suggest doing research on espresso techniques to better understand what it entails to use a machine of this caliber.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Coffee Masters Rebellion Blend, Illy Medium Roast

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

I would like the water reservoir to fit the cavity that is provided for it, more water would then be available, I also was not able to use the filter that I bought because it will not fit through the opening provided for the tubes. The only other thing would be the ability to plumb it.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

La Pavoni, Rancilio Silvia

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Mazzer Mini

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
david hughes

Has owned for:
6 - 12 months
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Bought the Expobar Pulsar machine and am very happy with it. It took about a pound of coffee to find the correct grind and get used to the machine, but I have it down now and it is quite easy. The results are much better than with my previous machine. I will say that it has intimidated my wife to the point that she won't use it. Next step is the backflush process. The directions that Whole Latte Love provided in addition to what came with the machine are very helpful...even necessary.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

6 - 12 months

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Varies

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Rotel Espressomat

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Capresso Burr grinder

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Jon Duchon

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

I purchased the Expobar Pulser as a replacement for a Gaggia Espresso Model that has provided years of excellent service. I wasn't really prepared for the level of upgrade I have made. The Expobar unit is really a commercial level machine. Until you use one you never know what you are missing. This machine has POWER. It may not be whisper quiet, but it is not overly noisy either. The espresso produced is superior to anything I have ever been able to make. I think this machine is a little more forgiving on grind and pack than I have read. As I have been experimenting, I almost always produce an excellent cup of espresso with a thick crema. I am very satisfied with this machine. The steam produced by this machine appears to be unlimited and powerful. The hot water dispenser works great. The machine has an industrial flair, simple and darn good looking. The machine is a complement to my kitchen.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

The machine has power, the stainless steel fit and finish is near perfect. The machine make excellent espresso and doesn't balk at multiple shots. The auto shut down with low water level functions perfect.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

So far this machine lives up to my expectations. Don't let the drip tray get too full. Flush water through the screen after every shot to keep things clean between formal cleanings.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Illy Dark, Starbucks Espresso Roast

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

The water storage system. A top loading water reservoir with a cover would be a plus. I understand the new models include a covered top water load.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Gaggia Espresso Krups

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Gaggia Burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Gaggia MM