Ideal for entertaining or everyday use, this convenient two-in-one appliance can brew up to 8 cups of coffee or up to 4 cups of espresso at the same time. The espresso/coffee machine’s removable cone filter basket and removable water reservoir provides easy filling, while its brew-strength setting accommodates individual preferences. And frothing or steaming milk for cappuccino and lattes is quick and easy with the variable steam control and swivel steam valve. Other useful fea…
Buy Mr. Coffee ECM21 4-Shot Espresso Machine and 8-Cup Coffeemaker Combo, Black at Amazon
Filed under:
Coffee Makers
I have had this machine since February and use it nearly every day. This is definitely one of the best coffeemakers I have ever owned, and I haven’t had one single problem with it.
When I was deciding whether or not to buy it, some of the negative reviews had me a little skeptical. But I am SO glad that I took a chance. It was absolutely worth it for me.
I honestly don’t see how some of the reviewers have had some of the problems that they have. Reviewer ‘Joan of Arc’ seemed to have quite a bit of leakage problems. It must have been a defective machine, because ours hasn’t leaked one time — not even a little drop. I’ll go over a few of the issues she and some others had:
- The removable water reservoir (or “bucket” as she called it) for the coffeemaker is easy to remove and replace. If you don’t want to take it out to fill it with water, just pour water into it. It is marked clearly and is easy to read even when stationed on the machine. No problem.
- The showerhead over the filter basket swivels outward to allow you to change the coffee filter. When you’re done, you just swivel it back into place. I don’t see how you can forget to do it, because the lid is designed so that you can’t even close it if the showerhead isn’t moved back into place. It really isn’t even something you have to think about.
- Some people have had problems with the carafe lid. It doesn’t open fully, but opens wide enough for me to clean it with little problem. We haven’t had any problems with it dripping or leaking at all. It’s like any other carafe that I’ve used over the years.
- ‘Joan of Arc’ mentioned that it was easy for her to forget to put the 1st lid on the espresso side before putting down the second lid. I’m not exactly sure what she was referring to, but I think she meant the water reservoir cap and lid. Again, I don’t see how you could forget to screw the cap back on after you fill it with water. I suppose it’s a learning curve. The first few times I used the machine, I referred to the instruction manual to make sure I did everything right. Now I can crank out good espresso and cappuccino in minutes without really even thinking about it. It just takes a little practice, like with anything else.
- Some people wished for a frother that was a little more accessible to make it a little easier to froth milk in a larger pitcher. That would have been a nice feature. It isn’t too difficult to use, however, and seems to work just fine. The milk is always steaming hot, and the froth doesn’t get cold for us.
- The coffee and espresso COULD be a LITTLE hotter. I don’t like scalding hot coffee anyway, so it doesn’t bother me too much, but for someone that does, it might be a small issue. Again, it doesn’t seem like a deal-breaker, though.
- A clock or timer would have been a nice addition as well, but not having it doesn’t affect the quality of the machine. It would have made a good product even better.
We have used both the coffee side and espresso side many times, and have yet to have any problems. I think some people may have received defective machines, but any product can be purchased defective. Some issues can easily be resolved with a little practice in getting used to the controls and operation of the whole machine, but once you do, it’s more than easy to make good quality coffee and espresso.
I would definitely have to say that I got a great deal on a sleek, stylish machine that also works very well and makes good quality coffee. If you ‘get what you pay for’, then I made out like a bandit. Perfectly satisfied and VERY happy I bought it.
I purchased this coffee maker a few weeks ago, and I enjoyed many good coffees since. I am Italian, and I find the espresso as good as a good espresso prepared with a moka. This is good enough for me, but don’t expect a REALLY good espresso, the kind you can have in that special little bar in a hidder corner of an Italian city. I did not have any trouble with leaks anywhere, so far (as some reviewer complained about). Only small complain, the espesso sometimes has a “metallic” flavor coming from the high temperatures reached by the water container. But no big deal, overall I am happy I purchased this product so far.
P.S. I posted the review in May 2007 and I am writing this PS one year later, in April 2008. The machine still works perfectly, with no leaks. I have also used the milk frother several times, and it makes a pretty good cappuccino! Maybe I should upgrade my rating to 5 stars!
P.P.S. In February 2009, everything still works fine!
i ordered my coffeemaker after reading the reviews below.. since they were mixed, i went for it anyway- i had a good experince, the coffee was good and i did not spill when i poured – overall id have to agree that i am pleased with my decision to purchase this coffeemaker