Capresso 121.01 Ultima Semi-Automatic Coffee and Espresso/Cappuccino Machine Review
Received this machine for Christmas, and retired my old Bellman. I use this machine several times a day, and each time it is a treat. The ease of use and clean up are major plusses.
It heats up in no time flat, gives me fabulous microfoam with both 2% and whole mile (I never use skim, so don't know about how it works with that) and I have had none of the issues with water coming out of the steam spout that a couple of people have reported. I'm wondering if they have failed to move the steam selection lever correctly. The steam spout is easily cleaned with each use simply by wiping with a wet towel, and giving the steam valve one quick blast.
The water reservoir is easy to fill. I prefer to start each day with fresh water -- one of the reasons that I did not want an automatic machine, so love the ease of filling the tank. I use a Zassenhaus burr grinder, and get fabulous crema from this machine.
I've received countless compliments from guests on the quality of the cappuccinos, crema, and just good old fashioned coffee.
Pros: Ease of use, great steam, fabulous drinks, super easy clean-up.
Cons: Haven't found any. Would not hesitate to purchase another one. Can't beat it for the price.
Capresso 121.01 Ultima Semi-Automatic Coffee and Espresso/Cappuccino Machine Feature
- Measures 15 by 16 by 12-inch; 1-year limited warranty.
- Steaming wand froths milk for cappuccinos and caffe lattes
- Removable 53-ounce water tank; double brewing spout fills 2 cups at once
- No-mess, no-fuss: automatically tamps coffee and discards used grounds
- Brews from 1-1/2 to 12-ounce of espresso or regular coffee in seconds
Capresso 121.01 Ultima Semi-Automatic Coffee and Espresso/Cappuccino Machine Overview
Capresso.01 Ultima Semi-automatic Coffee Maker and Espresso Cappuccino Machine - Capresso 121
Capresso 121.01 Ultima Semi-Automatic Coffee and Espresso/Cappuccino Machine Specifications
By eliminating the usual fuss and mess, this 1,200-watt machine makes it easy to brew espresso and make cappuccinos and lattes at home or in the office. It's semiautomatic because all that's required is to fill the water tank, place ground coffee into a receptacle, and pull a lever. Within seconds coffee flows from the double spout, which adjusts for different cup heights, into one or two cups. No tamping is required because the machine tamps the coffee precisely and automatically. Nor is it necessary to clean used coffee grounds out of a messy filter holder, because there is no filter holder, and the machine automatically discards grounds into a waste tray. The tray also catches overflows, and a light shows when it needs emptying.
For steaming and frothing milk to make cappuccinos, lattes, and hot chocolates and for delivering hot water for tea, there's a wand that rotates out to fit inside a pitcher or cup. The coffee receptacle accepts 7 to 15 grams (one or two fillings of the included scoop), and the powerful pump supplies enough hot water each time to fill cups from 1-1/2 ounces to 12 ounces, which means it will make a big mug of regular coffee as well as an espresso. The 53-ounce water tank is transparent for water-level monitoring. Water heats quickly thanks to the 1,200-watt heating coil, and a thermostat light shows when the water is hottest. The machine has internal storage for the power cord and comes with clear instructions, drink recipes, and a one-year warranty against defects.
--Fred Brack
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Mar 02, 2010 09:01:11