DeLonghi BAR32 Retro Pump-Driven 35 ounce Espresso Maker Review
Like many of you, I pored over the Amazon customer reviews of many espresso makers before making my purchase. I was replacing a cheap Mr. Coffee device that was a lemon. I have been making espresso and cappuccino for many years using the department store-grade articles that come with a four (espresso)-cup carafe and controls consisting of an on-off switch and a steam valve and I was very satisfied with the flavor of the product. However, I was never able to reproduce the lovely crema of the espresso I enjoyed in Italy or of our better baristas in the U.S. but that was just an aesthetic compromise. Other customers' comments encouraged me to consider a pump-driven espresso maker, so I took a chance with this one: it seemed to be in the middle of the price range and most customers were pleased with the results they got, although some unhappy folks obviously bought defective devices and were dissatisfied with DeLonghi's customer service. For me, so far, so good and I am delighted with the results. Although making espresso with the DeLonghi requires a bit more attention than the less expensive basic models I'd grown used to, it is a minor compromise. This machine makes superb and beautiful espresso. Because the water is drawn from a 35-oz. reservoir, you cannot just wait until all the water you've poured into the machine runs through (like you can with the machines that hold only a cup of water in their reservoir) but you have to stand by to shut off the water flowing through the grounds when you've made enough. Therefore, you can make your espresso as strong or as weak (that defies logic!) as you prefer. Don't worry; your "wait" will amount to less than a minute.
The controls are simple, yet efficient. The silver knob on the front has four positions, left to right: preheating water for steam - off - preheating water for coffee - water flowing through the coffee. A red light indicates that the heating element is energized. A green light indicates that the water has reached its desired temperature for steaming or coffee, depending on the mode you've selected. The valve/knob on the top of the machine regulates the flow of steam through the nozzle to froth your milk.
The milk frothing nozzle is superior to any I have ever used. The frothing starts almost immediately and is a very efficient process. When the milk is frothed, click the control knob over two positions and you will probably find that the water temperature is ready to make coffee immediately. Less than a minute later, you're done.
The DeLonghi does not come with a milk frothing pitcher. It does have an attached grounds-tamper which is a convenient perk. My only complaint is that when making espresso, a few drops of water tend to drip out of the milk frothing nozzle, as if there is minor leak-by the valve. Also, before frothing milk, I drain the steam line into a separate cup to purge a teaspoon to a tablespoon of water from the line before the steam is expressed.
I am delighted with this DeLonghi Espresso Maker and recommend it highly.
DeLonghi BAR32 Retro Pump-Driven 35 ounce Espresso Maker Feature
- Retro - Pump Driven Machine - 35 ounce
- Large Space Coffee Filter & Drip Tray-allows use of coffee mugs.
- Patented Easy Serving Espresso can be used with coffee pods. With ESE filter holder, expresso has never been easier to make.
- Patented Sempre Crema Filter produces a rich, creamy froth for use with ground coffee.
- Swivel Jet Frother makes frothy milk for cappuccino, latte & other beverages.
DeLonghi BAR32 Retro Pump-Driven 35 ounce Espresso Maker Overview
DeLonghi is proud to present this unique and popular BAR32 Retro Pump-Driven 35 ounce Espresso Maker. Just a few of it's features include pump driven, makes coffee in mug-size or smaller cup-sizes, brews standard or with pods. With ESE (Easy Serving Expresso) espresso making has never been easier. The Sempre Crema filter produces a rich, creamy froth and the swivel jet frother makes frothy milk for cappuccino, latte and other beverages. The easy cleaning 35 ounce water tank is removable and fills easily right at the faucet. This model features an exclusive anti-drip design
DeLonghi BAR32 Retro Pump-Driven 35 ounce Espresso Maker Specifications
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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Dec 03, 2009 09:55:08
