Mr. Coffee Pump Espresso and Cappucino Maker

If you are expecting to get the highest quality coffee experience, then keep looking. However, this machine is perfect if you accept it for what it is, a cheaper espresso machine that is made for easy use. It is super easy to get started and everything is easy to clean. It creates good enough coffee for home use that is about on par with Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and the like. However, it does not compare to the mom and pop coffee shops, but that should be expected at this price range. I really have been impressed with this machine. It does use the weird pressurized portafilter or whatever which is a con for some. However, this helps you with the brewing process as it doesn't matter as much if your grind or pack are off. I have not had an issue with the handle being hard to insert and twist all the way in the machine either.One thing to note, the holes in the portafilter basket deal do not go all the way through by design. Some people have been mentioning in their review they keep getting faulty parts but that is just the way they are manufactured. It is very different coming from ones that have the holes all the way through, but rest assured it works just fine.Others have complained about the difficulty of removing the water tank to refill it as it degrades the seal over time. The solution to this is simple, don't remove the water tank. The top lifts up and over and is still attached. It makes it very easy to just fill it up via filling up a cup and dumping it in. It actually is super convenient as I top it off every time I go to use it.Also, I did purchase an extended 3 year warranty (really just two years since the manufacturer covers the 1st year) for an additional $5 since quite a few mentioned that they had issues after a year.Another common complaint is that the machine vibrates and moves the cups around when it brews. This is due to the finish on the cover for the drain compartment. However, you have to stand at the machine anyways while it is brewing to shut off the flow once you have the desired amount in the cup. You might as well hold it while it fills. However, you can also just set the cup inside a rubber band or something tacky to keep it in place. It is frustrating that this is an issue, but really its an easy fix.One last note, the machine drains into the removable drip catcher after every time you use the steam function. It just about fills to the top with moderate use so be sure to empty it each time. Otherwise you will end up with it overflowing onto your counter. This is what I believe the other reviewers are complaining about. Also make sure it is aligned correctly when you put it back as the back left goes into the machine and is the point of contact for the water to drain out. If it is not aligned correctly it can leak as well.Overall, this is a great machine. It is cheap, easy to use, and creates decent enough results to satisfy my craving for a latte without having to go to a coffee shop. It also saves money in the long run. The pros by far outweigh the cons in my opinion and I'm sure you will love it too as long as you go into it with realistic expectations.I have added photos of the drip catcher with the cover on and off, where the drip catcher aligns in the machine, the water reservoir open, and the filters tops and bottoms.

EIDT. January 2013: I have now worn my first one of these out,or more accurately beat it to death. It was still working but I had gotten more out of it than I had ever hoped and it was time to retire it and buy another mostly due to operator abuse. I am on my second one for myself and I have given one as a present over a year ago which is still working well. I can't imagine morning without it.**ORIGINAL REVIEW FROM 2009**I had one of those steam pots for making espresso for years. (See my review of the Capresso Mini.) The little steamer was still working fine but I had banged it up a bit over the years. I went in search of a replacement and came across this machine.I am not an espresso nut. For some people creating the perfect shot of espresso is reason to live in itself...not me. I just want a tasty cappuchino in the morning with the minimum of fuss. That is exactly what this machine delivers.The quality is a bit plastic-y...but what would you expect for the price? Even so it is attractive enough that I don't mind it sitting on my kitchen counter. The foot print is a bit bigger than what I was used to with my Mini, but I do not think it is overly large when compared to other pump style espresso machines.Like many other reviewers I immediately removed the rubber tip from the frothing wand and stashed the single-brew porta filter in the back of the junk drawer. doubt I'll ever use either one.The coffee it produces is very good. A real step up from the old steam pot. Steaming for the milk is adequate though hardly robust. Still I have never failed to get the steaming results I wanted, so no complaints. One thing I do like is that the machine can be ready to froth milk in a few seconds without ever having to brew espresso. There are times when I like to use frothed milk in various "Adult" winter beverages, and now it is easy for me to to whip them up anytime.As has been mentioned by other reviewers there is enough room beneith the portafilter (that's "brew basket" to the uninitiated)to place a full sized mug...not that you would want to brew a mug full of espresso all at once, but so that you can directly brew your shot into what will be your final cup. That is the real convenience of this feature.The porta filter basket is a bit strange in that it has a double bottom to it. On the inside there is a layer with very fine holes to act as a filter as one would expect,....but turn the metal filter over and on the bottom there is only one single tiny hole. I believe that this may be a crema enhancing trick, but I am not sure about that. What I do know is that I have never seen another one like it. I also know that it causes a lot of constriction to the brewing of the coffee. Perhaps it is designed to make the dosing and tamping less critical in achieving a good cup of espresso? I do not have the answer, but so far it works, so I'm not complaining.If you buy this espresso maker you will also need to get a tamper. The plastic one that comes with the machine is pretty flimsy. I got this one:RSVP Terry's TamperWhich fits properly and does the job just fine without a lot of expense or fanfare.If you are thinking about trying an espresso machine, but are not sure if a fancy one is worth the expense, this is a great choice.UPDATE: After 9 months I haven't had a single issue with durability. I have discovered by trial and error that it is possible to over pack the filter basket (portafilter) and when that happens the pump struggles. But by now I have gotten my "dosing" down to a system and I always get excellent results. The leaking that other reviewers mention is caused because the pump purges into the drip tray when you are done brewing. If the drip tray isn't emptied regularly, or if it isn't seated in the base correctly it will leak water onto thte counter. The instructions tell you this. I have never had a leak problem with my unit.I love this machine! I wold buy another without hesitation if I had need of one, or I would give one as a gift with confidence. Good job, Mr. Coffee!