The Cooks' Den » Krups Coffee Makers http://www.thecooksden.com Cooking Tools - Gear for Cooks and Chefs Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:49:11 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Krups Coffee Maker & Combination Espresso Machine | Black 10 Cup XP1500 http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-maker-combination-espresso-machine-black-10-cup-xp1500/ http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-maker-combination-espresso-machine-black-10-cup-xp1500/#comments Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:44:28 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=8785 Krups Coffee Maker & CombinationThe Krups XP1500 Coffee and Espresso Machine is a moderately priced combination coffeemaker that wants to please everyone but unfortunately ends up falling short in its coffeemaking abilities and convenience.

With the aim to produce an appliance that satisfies the coffee as well as the espresso drinker, Krups has come out with this model that features a ten-cup drip coffeemaker and a steam driven espresso machine. The coffee side uses a swing-out basket filter and glass carafe. Pretty standard stuff. The carafe sits on a nonstick warming plate, and the unit includes a brew pause feature for sampling a cup while brewing. The espresso machine advertises water pressure of 4-bar (I think just to get the word "bar" in there because it is not a very impressive feature). Virtually all the steam driven machines deliver this pressure, compared to the more costly pump driven machines that produce an impressive 15-bar for a superior espresso product. The controls could not be simpler: On/Off and a steam control valve for the milk frother. Sorry, no fancy programmable clock for this coffeemaker. While I appreciate the stripped down style of this model, the included features really don't make it worth the price when there are so many competing combo machines on the store shelves.

Users have been very vocal with opinions, and there are precious few buyers of this coffeemaker that are satisfied with the performance. Weak coffee and espresso, leaking from filter basket, and poorly constructed components are the most common complaints from the coffee community. It seems Krups is in danger of brand dilution if they continue to manufacture these budget appliances that disappoint the consumer.

Here's a similar Krups coffee & espresso maker.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-maker-combination-espresso-machine-black-10-cup-xp1500/feed/ 0 Krups Espresso Machine | Black Pump Thermoblock XP4030 http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-espresso-machine-black-pump-thermoblock-xp4030/ http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-espresso-machine-black-pump-thermoblock-xp4030/#comments Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:53:44 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=7865 Krups Espresso Machine This espresso machine certainly looks to have all the features one desires for producing quality coffee drinks at home, and the sale price makes it a very attractive competitor to costlier appliances.

First of all, the XP4030 is manufactured by Krups, a leader in the field of coffee brewing devices for the kitchen. It features some commercial quality components, most notably the 15 bar pump system and the thermoblock heating element. These separate the machine from the more common and budget priced steam driven units that produce an inferior espresso drink. Typically, you will pay upwards of $200 and more to get an espresso machine with a pump and thermoblock system such as this. Other features include the simple controls, one dial to set the brewing and steaming functions for easy milk frothing, and the removable water reservoir that allows multiple brewing and steaming before needing a refill. For additional convenience, this model comes with three separate filters. One each for single or double sized shots, and one for using a coffee pod -- one of those pre-measured coffee packets available in a variety of flavors. Something this espresso maker doesn't come with is a carafe of any sort. You will have to find a small cup of your own that fits underneath the spout.

As with any espresso making appliance, user experience has been mixed. This machine has some fans, but there are plenty that have been unsatisfied with the ease of use and the resulting coffee. Numerous complaints of excessive leaking, trouble finding replacement gaskets, and short working life have me questioning whether this truly is a bargain.

Might want to check out this Cuisinart espresso machine instead.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-espresso-machine-black-pump-thermoblock-xp4030/feed/ 0 Krups Moka Brew Coffee Maker | Steam 8 Cup 468-42 http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-moka-brew-coffee-maker-steam-8-cup-468-42/ http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-moka-brew-coffee-maker-steam-8-cup-468-42/#comments Tue, 12 May 2009 04:28:06 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=4940 Krups Moka Brew Coffee Maker The Krups Moka Brew is unusual even in how the water is added- it is filled through a container below the warming plate. The Moka brewing system refers to the use of pressure from steam to extract the flavor from coffee. A stainless steel heating element and water reservoir produce fast results at an optimal temperature while the aroma-saving filter chamber helps preserve the fragrant aroma of the coffee.

To get more from this machine, it should be paired with a good grinder and a carafe for storage. These are recommended to preserve the temperature and quality of the coffee. It takes a little more prep time than regular drip coffee (it works better with a bit of packing to the grounds), but you get a greater intensity of flavor from your beans. You'll likely need to use less coffee and want to re-experience some brands you've passed over previously as the machine and preparation change the taste significantly.

The machine comes with filters, but using the filters and finding replacements have given people some concern. Thankfully, regular filters can be easily adapted for use. In fact, for some, the use of slightly larger filters has made their manipulation even simpler.

Many refer to this as the best coffee maker they've ever used, period. The beverage produced approaches European-style coffee without requiring an espresso maker. The simplicity of operation is refreshing; the coffee is strong, smooth, and not bitter.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-moka-brew-coffee-maker-steam-8-cup-468-42/feed/ 0 Stainless Steel Krups Coffee Maker | Programmable Digital 12 Cup KM4065 http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-maker-stainless-steel-programmable-12-cup-km4065/ http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-maker-stainless-steel-programmable-12-cup-km4065/#comments Sun, 15 Mar 2009 22:15:58 +0000 Alice http://www.thecooksden.com/?p=3962 Krups Coffee Maker The Krups 12 Cup Designer Coffeemaker garners attention first with its upward facing control panel. The panel sits on the top and front of the machine and offers the user large, soft touch buttons and a high contrast black on white LCD screen. The commands are easy to see and program. The machine provides 1100 watts of power inside attractive brushed stainless steel housing. The item comes with a one year limited warranty.

The features are where this machine really stands apart from others. Dual auto-on presets allow you to set the machine for separate days and times, such as weekday and weekend brewing or morning and evening cycles, so you won't have to wait or fuss with settings to get your regular pot started. The aroma selection option will create an extended brew for better flavor. The warming plate has a one, two, or three hour auto off function to keep your coffee warm and help prevent heating a pot until dry. An automatic shut off safety feature is also included.

The glass carafe is well designed; it has markings near the handle for easier measuring and a lip which prevents drips. With an oversized shower head to thoroughly wet your grounds, the added convenience of an auto lift brew basket, and a duo filter water filtration system, the Krups aims to provide better coffee flavor and to extend the life of your machine.

Compare this with the Cuisinart Brew Central coffeemaker.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-maker-stainless-steel-programmable-12-cup-km4065/feed/ 0 Krups Automatic Coffee Maker | Compact Digital 12 Cup FME2-11 http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-automatic-coffee-maker-compact-digital-12-cup-fme2-11/ http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-automatic-coffee-maker-compact-digital-12-cup-fme2-11/#comments Thu, 05 Feb 2009 01:12:21 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-automatic-coffee-maker-compact-digital-12-cup-fme2-11/ Krups Automatic Coffee Maker With many excellent features, the 12 Cup capacity FME2-11 Programmable Coffeemaker has a checkered history of actually delivering on the company's ambitious promises. Some cost cutting design changes have resulted in durability issues that will be obvious to loyal fans of older Krups machines, while the improvements do not always meet expectations.

With a large easy to read blue LED readout, this coffeemaker serves as both an automatic brewing system and a clock. Overfilling the water reservoir should be avoided, since unlike many other machines it was engineered to make as much as you put in. Put in twelve cups of water, you get twelve cups of coffee. Put in thirteen and you get a mess on the countertop. Water filtration to remove that tap water taste and an automatic indicator to warn of lime buildup are standard features. A wonderful feature called Pause and Serve allows interruption of the cycle for an emergency cup of coffee. The unit can be programmed to remain hot for from one to five hours after brewing is finished. Programming is no more difficult than setting a modern digital watch--by which I mean, read and keep the manual, or consult your grandchildren for professional help.

Some issues have been noted by end users. You can't reheat a pot when the cycle is finished, which is understandable--but sometimes the machines get a little mixed up about this and won't begin the cycle at all. Probably unplugging and starting over would reset the sensor (and all other settings as well). As many owners love the coffee as say it makes something that tastes like burned plastic. You may get a great deal on a fine coffeemaker, or something you have to send immediately back.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-automatic-coffee-maker-compact-digital-12-cup-fme2-11/feed/ 0 Krups Coffee Espresso Maker | Stainless Steel Combination 10 Cup XP2010 http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-espresso-maker-stainless-steel-combination-10-cup-xp2010/ http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-espresso-maker-stainless-steel-combination-10-cup-xp2010/#comments Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:12:20 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-espresso-maker-stainless-steel-combination-10-cup-xp2010/ Krups Coffee Espresso Maker This compact combination espresso machine and 10 cup coffee maker could be the coffee machine of your dreams. The simple controls allow users to easily switch from brewing espresso to frothing milk--water filtration is optional, and the water reservoir (removable for easy cleaning) holds enough to provide 25 shots of delicious espresso. The coffee brewing function is simple--on and off.

User reports can't be ignored. The people who are happy with this machine haven't owned it for long. The construction is delicate--plastic parts are inherently brittle and fracture under ordinary use, resulting in a multitude of problems. Although the quality of the brew is high, the unit often does not outlive the one year warranty. Electrical problems as well as problems with the steamer fittings (which sometimes fail under pressure) have not been well addressed by the company's service department. Replacement parts are scarce, and replacement units are of the same quality as the originals.

Considering the types of failures reported, caution is advised. Unplug the unit when it is not in use and treat the XP2010 as though it's made of glass. Don't run the espresso pump if the reservoir is dry--that will ruin almost any pump, not just this one.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-espresso-maker-stainless-steel-combination-10-cup-xp2010/feed/ 1 Krups Stainless Steel Coffee Maker, 10 Cup | Digital Automatic FMF5 http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-automatic-coffee-maker-stainless-steel-10-cup-fmf5/ http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-automatic-coffee-maker-stainless-steel-10-cup-fmf5/#comments Tue, 03 Feb 2009 01:12:20 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-automatic-coffee-maker-stainless-steel-10-cup-fmf5/ Krups Automatic Coffee Maker The Krups FMF5 intends to be what any coffee drinker wants from an automatic coffee maker--something you can set up before you go to bed that has a hot pot of good coffee ready when you get up. Its fully-programmable brewing system allows complete control of strength and aroma even if you make one cup in the ten cup pot. The FMF5 includes water filtration to remove unwanted tap water flavors and reduce lime, and internal sensors announce when lime scale should be removed with a diluted flush of vinegar.

Field testing by owners has not been completely favorable. Many of the issues reported are small ones, the result of operator malfunctions rather than machine problems. However, this is the first machine you will encounter in your day, and these little issues are important. Of more concern is that coffee temperature is often too low--Krups recommends heating the double walled stainless steel vacuum carafe with hot water before use, which can't be done unless you wake up to do it. This makes it a better choice for the break room at work than the kitchen at home. That's balanced somewhat by the welcome addition of a mid-brew option, allowing you to halt the process, pour an emergency cup of joe, and start it up again without making a mess.

An even more important issue is that a number of FMF5's consistently brew coffee that has a distinct melted plastic taste. The company's service recommendations haven't often resolved that issue, so if you get a machine with that fault and have an exchange option, take advantage of it quickly. The most common problem reported by owners of the FMF5 continues to be the low quality of the coffee it brews.

If you're one to value taste over convenience, check out the AeroPress Espresso Maker.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-automatic-coffee-maker-stainless-steel-10-cup-fmf5/feed/ 1 Krups Coffee Maker | Automatic Grind and Brew 10 Cup KM7000 http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-maker-automatic-grind-and-brew-10-cup-km7000/ http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-maker-automatic-grind-and-brew-10-cup-km7000/#comments Mon, 02 Feb 2009 01:12:19 +0000 JT Hats http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-maker-automatic-grind-and-brew-10-cup-km7000/ Krups Coffee Maker Possibly the only thing better than the smell of freshly ground coffee beans is the taste of the coffee you make in that magical five minute window after you grind them. If that great cup of coffee is what you want, but going to all that extra trouble is too complex for the first action of the day, Krups designed the KM7000 Grind and Brew just for you.

This ten cup automatic coffee grinder/maker only requires that you fill the water reservoir, add the beans, and set the timer. The conical burr grinder is quiet and powerful, and will work without waking the entire house. Multiple settings give you exactly the strength and aroma you want. An automatic valve closes after coffee grounds slide down the chute to the basket, so steam won't cause grounds to cake to its sides and clog the mechanism. Controls that could be affected by heat and steam reside in a separate matching tower beside the machine.

On the cautionary side, this is an advanced and complicated coffee maker and things do sometimes go wrong. While the company has been cooperative about fixing errant machines, some people find its quirks irritating. If valves or gates don't close properly, or the user doesn't close lids according to the manual's instructions, you may wake up to a counter covered with coffee grounds. It's a machine you need to love and understand. Read the manual carefully and learn to clean the all important valves and chutes. The burr grinder isn't rated for use with oily beans, so choose the right variety for the machine and avoid an early burnout. Be willing to do more than just pour in beans and water.

The good news is that you can do the small maintenance required later in the day.

Also see this Krups coffeemaker in brushed stainless steel.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-maker-automatic-grind-and-brew-10-cup-km7000/feed/ 1 Krups Coffee Combination Machine | Espresso Maker Programmable XP2070 http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-combination-machine-espresso-maker-programmable-xp2070/ http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-combination-machine-espresso-maker-programmable-xp2070/#comments Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:40:13 +0000 Dan http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-combination-machine-esperesso-maker-programmable-xp2070/ Krups Coffee Combination Machine This is Krups latest entry into the "combo coffee/espresso maker" market. The XP2070 appears to have all the necessary high-tech features. Pushbutton controls and a blue backlit digital display promise to take any guesswork out of your morning coffee fix.

The fully programmable coffeemaker has a 10 cup capacity along with a removable filter holder, anti-drip system (huh?), and will accommodate an optional water filter. The electronic controls can also be set to control the size and strength of espresso as well as switching to the milk frothing feature.

The espresso maker has a thermoblock heating element with a 15 bar pump system. These features are meant to more consistently control the water temperature and pressure, which translates into a better cup of espresso.

The espresso filter has attachments for both ground coffee and coffee pods. Complete with a removable water tank for ease of filling, this unit has everything one would need, right?

Well, according to many users this machine isn't quite ready for prime time. Numerous complaints of breakdowns as well as overly confusing controls have prompted many buyers of this coffeemaker to return it in favor of competing models and brands. If this seems like the ideal machine for you just make sure to investigate, check all the reviews and weigh the pros and cons before making the commitment. Often a company will upgrade a product in response to enough negative feedback, sending out a much improved version. So keep an eye out for version 2.0.

If you'd rather have just the espresso machine, a good model to consider is this one by DeLonghi.

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]]> http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-coffee-combination-machine-espresso-maker-programmable-xp2070/feed/ 1 Krups Fast Touch Black Coffee Grinder | Kitchen Appliance Model 203-42 http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-fast-touch-black-coffee-grinder-kitchen-appliance-model-203-42/ http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-fast-touch-black-coffee-grinder-kitchen-appliance-model-203-42/#comments Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:44:50 +0000 Lora http://www.thecooksden.com/krups-fast-touch-black-coffee-grinder-kitchen-appliance-model-203-42/ Krups Fast Touch Black Coffee Grinder The price is right. The size is right. And what I like most about the Krups 203-42 Fast Touch Coffee Grinder is that it has more than one use. Unlike a waffle iron that can only be used for making waffles, this coffee grinder does more than grind coffee; this is a great thing, because, believe it or not, not everyone loves coffee.

But even if you use this tool only for its nominal purpose, it's still worth it. Grinding your coffee just before brewing improves the flavor of your joe because it preserves the beans' unique natural oil. Releasing these oils just before brewing enhances the aroma, taste, and feel of the coffee. Who knew it was possible to make a great thing even better?

Now if you want to think beyond the bean, the grinder's stainless steel blades can be put to any number of uses. Just as grinding coffee releases the bean's natural oil, the same is true for grinding spices- cardamom, coriander, cumin, whatever your palate desires. In fact, grinding up some cardamom with your beans could be a delectable treat!

Or you could use this handy tool for grinding nuts, grains, you name it.

At only six inches tall, the grinder won't dominate your counter space, which is more than I can say about your typical waffle iron.

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