KRUPS XP5240 Pump Espresso Machine with KRUPS Precise Tamp Technology and Stainless Steel Housing, Silver

I ordered this Krups after returning the Saeco Aroma. I had been concerned about the frothing attachment based on the reviews. I noticed the Krups web site acknowledged redesigning the frothing attachment. I do not know if the machine delivered represents the new design or the one with which so many customers had concerns. This Krups is very similar to my mid 90's model which proved very reliable for 18 years. Based on my experience with the previous machine, the controls are intuitive. The tamping mechanism seems like over kill but it does work. The steamer works very well but I would be satisfied with a simple, permanently attached, stainless feed. Based on the experiences of other reviewers, I am attempting to be very careful removing and installing the the frothing attachment. Only time will tell if it is sufficiently durable. Based on the quality of the brew, ease of use, and performance to date, I am completely satisfied.Update: Well three months of use and the plastic frothing attachment separated from the stainless wand with surprising force. One of the three plastic prongs cracked clean off under the pressure. I had consistently cleaned the frothing attachment by steaming clear water after milk. I believe the frothing attachment was blocked despite these procedures and the pressure was sufficient to cause the plastic tang to crack.Update: After 18 months of use the steamer wand failed at the mounting point to the main body of the machine. The swivel mounting point is a plastic spout; the stainless wand threads onto the plastic spout. The plastic spout failed at the top of the thread section leaving the threaded plastic portion in the stainless frothing attachment. Based on this failure, I would recommend against buy the Krups. An 18 month service life for a home machine is unsatisfactory.Update: Upon contacting Krups, a repair was authorized. After examining the failed machine, Krups authorized a replacement. Back to recommending the machine based on the fundamental performance and features.Update: Krups has provided steamer wand replacements and verbally provided additional cleaning maintenance instructions intended to address the failure of the threaded wand seal. Based on this owners experience, the threaded collar seal will fail. Anticipated life of the thread seal is 3 months. There is no redesign pending. Krups does not have a significant history of this failure and no known redesign is pending nor is an alternate machine available in the Krups catalog that addresses this failure and provides more reliable performance. The cost of the replacement part is $17.99 and should be factored into any decision to buy this machine.

When my 4-year old Krups XP5220 gave out after it's daily use, I decided to look around. I did extensive reviewing and purchased a DeLonghi for about $175. After unpacking it, I simply put it back together and returned it because all the parts that looked like silver in the ad were plastic. I knew it wouldn't hold up to my daily use. Then I purchased a different style Krups, one without the "precise tamp technology", but we hated the how we had to whack the coffee arm to eject the used espresso grounds (so so loud in the morning!). I returned that model too. After 2 returns, I'm sure Amazon isn't happy about my Prime Membership. Finally, I went back to the Krups XP5220 but upgraded to the silver housing and purchased model XP5240. AND I LOVE IT. Here's why: the precise tamp feature allows the coffee arm to "ratchet" into place so you know it is snug and not about to dislodge. After getting the nice creamy espresso, you remove the coffee arm and push a button - the used grounds pops out. You don't have to bang that arm (like they do at Starbucks), and my hubby and I love the ABSENCE of that loud whacking sound in the morning. Now here is my big caveat.....I do not use the steaming wand. After reading so many reviews, I see that the steam wand might not be working as well as people desire. We make our frothed milk in the following way - we microwave our milk for one minute and then use a whisk to produce hot frothy milk. Bodum D3040-294 Battery Operated Schiuma Milk Frother, Red For us, that's preferable to the noise and mess of a steam wand, but decide for yourself. After several models, I'm stuck on Krups XP5220/5240.

The steam wand on this machine has a tendency to come off at high velocity. Into your milk. Which may be between 120 and 160 degrees. The carnage from this event usually means a wall has to be wiped down and clothes have to be changed.We have followed the cleaning regimen to the letter. We follow the assembly directions exactly.The collar which compresses the hooks over the frothing wand rim is just not sturdy enough to secure it. When it heats up, it becomes pliable and transforms into a rocket. I jest, but hot milk and unexpected steam jets are no joke.It does make great espresso though. Easy to clean and works quickly.If you are going to use this primarily for lattes and cappuccinos, find another model or brand.****Update****3 Weeks have lapsed.The threaded portion of the wand has cracked. The steamer is now useless. Krups refuses to issue me a new assembly until I get them their reference number. The problem is obvious and rampant and I would advise anyone looking to purchase this type of device to steer clear of Krups until they get this problem addressed.If I could return the device I would gladly do so.

A few things impressed me and one serious issue turned me off.Pros -Very cool milk froth/steamer nozzle. This made it very easy to make some pretty good looking cappuccinos.The big CON-The expresso made was not up to my standard. The crema was lacking heavily compared to the machine I am used to (Mellita 14 bar machine) and this unit, though much nicer looking, was more expensive than the Mellita. But I have to stick with function over form, and since I am looking for a delicious cup of espresso, I stick with the cheaper Mellita and a good conical burr grinder.