Review Date - 01/18/2009
This is a great machine. After a few months of using it now, I'm still impressed by it every day. It's a machine with commercial temperature stability and steam power packed within a home machine footprint on the counter. At first I was not very impressed by the potentiometer style temperature control knob but I now enjoy the ease of use. I've measured the outlet temperature with a fluke and f ... read more
Review Date - 07/23/2009
This machine makes the best shots I have ever had, home or away. First the cons: The metric threads on the water supply hose gave me fits. I finally got another (US thread) adapter from WholeLatteLove, but never could stop the water leaks on the connector (we live in the middle of nowhere, and getting a plumber out here tough- a pro might have fixed it). I finally just drilled a hole through the c ... read more
Review Date - 01/14/2009
We splurged on this machine and I love it. It's not only beautiful but pumps out great espresso. I'm married to a former barista so I've learned a few tricks on getting good crema, but c'mon...it's all in the coffee and i'm pretty much over starbucks. My hubby and I have double shots every morning (and sometimes at night), and I feel pretty good that this machine will last us a very long time (wit ... read more
Review Date - 08/06/2009
The La Val is one of those extreamly well made pieces of equipment you can keep for a lifetime. After owning a manual Gensaco machine (essentially the same machine as the Pasquini Livia 90) for 10 years (and still going strong) I got tired of hauling my machine back and forth to a second home, so I moved the Gensaco and sprang for a new home machine. The La Val has been used daily for almost 2 yea ... read more
Review Date - 07/22/2008
In short…Epoca is what Rancilio advertises it to be: A commercial grade heat exchanger style machine which can be used at home.
Warmup: Boiler reaches factory set boiler pressure of ~15 psig (adjustable) within 15 minutes of turning on. Before pulling a shot, I leave the portafilter in the group head for another 15 minutes, then pull one blank shot. After this the machines ready to go. This ... read more
Review Date - 06/01/2009
After first deciding I wanted a dual boiler machine, and coming to the conclusion that most manufacturers use stock components, my decision was directed toward the retailer and cost. On these two issues it seemed to me that Whole Latte Love and the Brewtus offered the best value. The machine has performed impeccably and makes superb coffee as well as sufficient steam to make proper foamed milk. ... read more
Review Date - 03/22/2009
This is a great machine, buy it if you are looking for reliability. Mine has seen moderately heavy household use for 4 and 1/2 years (several coffee lovers in the house) and still works like a new one. We entertain often and the machine gets heavy use one night a week. I do not worry about this machine holding up. It is definitely commercial build quality. ... read more
Review Date - 07/06/2009
I've had my Livia 90 for 10 years and have used it every single day. Each day I make 6 shots. Besides replacing the gaskets every other year(even though every year is recommended), the only thing I've ever had to do with this machine is replace the dispersion filter on two separate occasions. I pd $1K in 2000-- that was a daunting purchase for sure. However, if I spend at least $4 every time I go ... read more
Review Date - 07/01/2009
When I got the Brasilia, I realized that I could no longer regard my interest in espresso as that of a “hobbyist” – somebody who took a healthy interest in espresso but wasn’t fixated on it. I’m now making better espresso than I ever did before, and I’m driven by a desire to make it even better. How can a machine do this to a person? Read on.
The Brasilia Mini-Classic combines a heat exchanger ... read more
Review Date - 06/19/2009
I got this to get away from my single boiler machine and haven't looked back. The only down side is the 15 minute warm up in the morning, so when the alarm goes off I get up turn it on and go back to bed until the next alarm, works for me. I can steam milk for 3 large latte's in about 3-4 minutes. Pulls get shots. Easy to back flush and clean ... read more
Review Date - 09/13/2009
I've had this machine for about 2 years now and have never had a problem with it. It's still going strong and has been very reliable and turns out great espresso with beautiful creme as long as you keep it clean. The steamer works like a champ, as does the hot water dispenser. Great entry level machine and will do everything you ask of it. ... read more
Review Date - 02/22/2008
Beautiful and solid prosumer machine. I'm too new to brewing espresso to comment on the quality of the brew, but I love this machine. I went with the combo package of the machine, Lux grinder, and base. The machine and grinder came with two xeroxed and stapled pages. ... read more
Review Date - 08/06/2009
First I'd like to say Kitchenaid is fantastic about quickly replacing this product with a refurbished machine. Our only problem was that each replacement has developed a leaking problem. The original machine leaked from the foamer nozzle which soon could not be turned off all the way. The second leaked from the large boiler and overfilled the tray. The third and current machine leaks from the lar ... read more
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