MarkPrince Moderator Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 4,700 Location: Vancouver Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Frankenstein'ed LM Linea Grinder: Anfim Super Caimano Vac Pot: 1922 Silex Drip: Krups Moka Brew Roaster: Hottop
Posted Sun Apr 16, 2006, 5:12pm Subject: Who says Krups can't pull a decent shot...
Today I was finishing the photo shoot for the Krups XP4020 / XP4030 for the CG site review, but also for a magazine article (a journalistic view at a variety of espresso machines), and part of the photos was (natch) of espresso shots produced on the machine.
I know in the past I've been as guilty as others of just putting down Krups, but they've really done something decent with the XP series machines. Proper brewing temps, brass and chrome portafilter, decent pump, okay size and definitely a good price point. It's still got issues, namely the froth-aider only wand (boo) and the pressurized filter baskets (boo), but check the photo out. If you think I'm just a converted cheerleader for Krups because they sponsor the USBC, or are providing a machine for me to give away on the CG podcast, you don't know me very well. I praise based on results ;)
ThaRiddla Senior Member Joined: 27 May 2003 Posts: 178 Location: Chicago Expertise: Professional
Espresso: LM GS/3 Grinder: Mazzer Mini
Posted Sun Apr 16, 2006, 5:58pm Subject: Re: Who says Krups can't pull a decent shot...
They gave me the machine i used on the air the night before to test out - XP4050, which is the one all the competitors and judges got at the USBC.
I only got to use it for a few hours.... I only had preground.... (#1 on a Mahlkonig) I didn't get to test the steam wand... I used the included plastic tamper... I had never used a home machine before... I was in a hotel room... It was really late...
I still pulled a decent shot after a little practice. Props to them for bringing it to the masses.
Posted Mon Apr 17, 2006, 3:52am Subject: Re: Who says Krups can't pull a decent shot...
I am glad to see Krups is finally getting with the program on their espresso makers. I have had an Espresso Vivo model for many years. It is a clever design, well built, reliable, great price point and could steam acceptably. But it couldn't make an espresso worth a damn. The temperatures were so low every shot came out sour, and there was no way to modify the temperature. Calls to Krups only resulted in "Call an authorized service center." Good luck on their new machines. I hope Krups learned.
Posted Mon Apr 17, 2006, 4:18am Subject: Re: Who says Krups can't pull a decent shot...
Impressive. I was just saying to someone the other day that Krups never makes anything worth a damn. This is after having two of their steam toys and a drip machine (before I knew better) and putting up with my mother-in-law's Krups "ProAroma" machine when visiting. Maybe they're finally getting wise.
Perpetual_Buzz Senior Member Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 330 Location: Charlotte, NC Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Pimped Silvia Grinder: Rancilio Rocky Drip: No drip, French Press Roaster: Whirley Pop/Char-Broil Grill
Posted Mon Apr 17, 2006, 6:27am Subject: Re: Who says Krups can't pull a decent shot...
I'm guessing that they are still using the thermoblock technology in these, correct? Is there any way to modify the PF to be non-pressurized? How do these compare to something like a Gaggia or Silvia in price?
Chris
Everybody needs an addiction.
I'm not addicted to coffee, I just have to have a cup EVERY morning.
poison Senior Member Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 1,074 Location: www.westcoastroasting.com Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Silvia? Nah, teh PuLs3R!!! Grinder: Maestro Plus, Super J deal Drip: Cone filter Roaster: RK drum
Posted Mon Apr 17, 2006, 11:09am Subject: Re: Who says Krups can't pull a decent shot...
Bah, that's just your $3000 camera and trick lighting, it makes stainless steel look edible...
lol I've have no problem with Krups. I used a $50 thermoblock for several years at work, and in tandem with my Solis Maestro, I made some tasty espresso. It didn't look great, but I always got a decent approximation of espresso with good crema. A thousand times tastier than my moka pot and camp stove, and far closer to real espresso.
Posted Mon Apr 17, 2006, 3:21pm Subject: Re: Who says Krups can't pull a decent shot...
the cheaper sunbeam machines in Australia use the same baskets. Some guys in australia have carefully drilled off the bottom chamber of the basket, effectively unpressurising it.
Posted Mon Apr 17, 2006, 8:24pm Subject: Re: Who says Krups can't pull a decent shot...
I think Breville is doing the same thing with their 800ESXL, it's a slick looking machine for the home and would be interesting to see it up against the Krups. Might just swing by Williams Sonoma in the near future, they carry both Krups and Breville and let you do "taste tests".
Makes you wonder though how many hours the engineers spent using gadgets such as these pressurized baskets and thermoblocks to help create crema that looks good.
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