Hamilton Beach 40729 Cappuccino Plus Espresso Maker Silver/Black

Reviewed By: smdboost on 12/21/2009

Tech Level: average - Ownership: more than 1 year

Pros: fast and easy espresso maker, has great pressure and the steamer is easy to work. this is a great espresso maker for the money. I paid around $100 for it when they first came out. I am going to buy another one for the office at work.

Cons: they strainer cup in the handle comes out after about 6 months of use, not a big problem but just be aware of it. it's just once more part to have to keep up with, it does not effect the performance of the machine.

Other Thoughts: I'm glad I have one

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Gets the job done but not eithout shortcomings

Reviewed By: frik on 12/1/2009

Tech Level: high - Ownership: 1 month to 1 year

This user purchased this item from Newegg

Pros: -Makes consistent cups of espresso.
-Having the tamper on the scoop rather than integrated into the machine allows easier control of tamping pressure.
-Steamer/frother gets the job done, well.
-The "cup warmer" is a neat idea. A little slower than using the steamer, but I still thought it was a nice touch.
-The drip tray, while a standard feature, is easier to remove/wash than some of the other machines I've used.

Cons: I have gone through two machines (one sent back for replacement) due to a leak at the spout between the water tank and the machine. This problem is commonly reported elsewhere on the internet. After the warranty ran out I ended up taking the machine apart to reroute the water hose and plugging the tank's outlet to solve the problem. The catch is upon doing so I suspect they knew the machine was going to leak, since below the spout there is a small reservoir/passage to guide the leaked water to exit the machine, molded into the plastic body. Perhaps they found this out at the final stages of the design/production and it's easier to put on a bandaid than to redesign.

Also, using the same beans I was able to make espressos with much better crema on a DeLonghi machine than on this Hamilton Beach one. But I do have to admit this is something I'm working on and maybe this is just a less forgiving machine. (Also a common issue reported elsewhere on the web...)

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awesome machine!!

Reviewed By: on 10/17/2009

Tech Level: somewhat high - Ownership: 1 week to 1 month

This user purchased this item from Newegg

Pros: Makes the BEST expresso/lattes I ave ever had----even my wife....who initially hated it the minute I unpacked it, after she had her first drink......she loves it....a lot.

it can use pods, which is more convienient

Cons: the metal filter can be hard to take apart

yea...kinda a tight fit (ie mugs)

the resorvoir needs an infinite supply of water---which cannot be easily done

it doesnt make expresso by itself with a push of the button or clean itself :-(

Other Thoughts: if its too "watery," I noticed that sometimes my pod may not be properly seated---just readjust......and expresso comes out!!!

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