I'll give tips after a little background info, what wasn't right and what customer service said to do, that WORKED!
First off my background. I am not, nor have I every been a barista. I am an average person who likes mochas from the coffee shop, but I live 80 miles from town, so I don't get them very often and wanted to try making them at home. This is my first espresso machine. I read a lot of blogs and watched online videos from real baristas giving tips how to make good espresso drinks at home before purchasing this. I got this thing and things didn't taste right to me, bitter. So I did more research and figured out the problem, it wasn't heating up well. I checked temperature and it was only getting to 157*F on average (too cold) and took 14-15 seconds to make one shot (too fast). NOT what the online advice says you need. Online advice says 170-180*F and 27-30 seconds is about right. So I called Mr Coffee for help before I sent it back to Amazon. GLAD I did.
The call: In short, customer service told me to run a cleaning cycle per directions from page 16 in the user manual. Which is 1/2 tank of white vinegar, hit the button for double shot. Repeat as many times as you need. Also run a cleaning cycle through the milk dispenser. My thought was, "what the heck, its a new machine! I did the priming as directed before use, how can it be dirty?" But I had to give it a try or send it back. Well I'll be go to heck, it WORKED!
While directions said you only need to run it few times. I had the time, so I ran the whole 1/2 tank white vinegar through (double shot at at a time) since I has to toss the vinegar anyway, so why not really clean it eh? Anyway, after a couple times running the double shot espresso button the temperature went from consistent 157*F to 175-182*F. Wahoo! It seemed to matter how long I let it warm up between shots. Running two times consecutively got the 175-177*, which is just what you want. Letting it sit and warm up a few minutes before runs got it 180-184*, which is getting a little too hot. BTW, I was using a good quality quick, calibrated thermometer that I use for caramel making, which is a very exacting process to do right. So I figured it could accurately measure the espresso before it cooled from air temperature, which by the way is mere seconds I found out.
NOTE: The higher temperature is NOT for drinking comfort (how hot you like it) it is what the espresso NEEDS to properly extract and not be bitter. You can let it sit a few minutes if you don't like it that hot, personally I don't want a burned tongue, so I wait a little. Coming out of the machine perfect drinking temperature is NOT a good thing.
SECOND NOTE: Running the vinegar through is NOT descaling, it is cleaning. Descaling is something else you do, read the manual on how. The vinegar clean is NOT priming, it is cleaning. Don't know why you need to clean the new machine in addition to priming, but DO it anyway. Make sure to rinse the reservoir out, then run some PLAIN water through to remove the vinegar afterwards, do it as many times as it takes to get the smell out, mine took a full reservoir. Honestly though it's faster shipping it back and waiting for a replacement machine because it doesn't get hot enough, this WORKS.
When I first got it, as I said it was taking 14-15 seconds to run the shots through. During the cleaning process they got longer and longer. Now that it's clean, it's about 28-30 seconds. Again, just what you want. I use my cell phone stop watch feature to be accurate.
In summary, based on what I've read and how I got it to work well, at least for "normal" person standards. This a good machine. Here's my TIPS TO GET IT WORKING RIGHT:
1. Learn to grind grounds well. Do NOT buy pre-ground, buy beans and grind them yourself. It has to do with when the oil is release one how well it works. If you are going to the trouble to use a machine like this (rather than just normal a coffee machine) you can go to the effort to grind as well, it's just part of the process.
You can use the hand held cone burr grinders for the most accurate fine ground. Or you can spend a bundle on an electric burr grinder. From what I read, you REALLY do need to get a good one if you go electric. In fact that is almost more important than the machine they say. Inconsistent size of grounds will yield inconsistent shots. Too fine (Turkish grind, which is like flour) and it clogs the filter making the machine unable to push all the water through. Too course (regular coffee machine grind) and the water goes through too fast making it bitter. Espresso grind has to be the consistency of table salt.
I'm cheap, so using the hand grinder does work and I advise it for other cheap people. However, in the morning I am cranky and impatient, I'm also lazy, so I've ordered a couple different electric burr grinders to see if that works as well. I plan to return which ever (or both) that don't grind as the espresso NEEDS (good ol Amazon prime and their return policies). No, I did not take the online baristas advice and buy a $200 burr grinder (I am cheap after all), but I did spend about $50 on a burr grinder and $20 on a blade style. Will update when I have decided what works or not, which I kept or if I end up just doing the hand grind.
2. Learn how full to fill the cup. At least to the top of the rim, or a little higher. You want the end result about 1/8-1/4" from the top. The amount in the cup DOES matter.
3. Learn how to pack your grounds to 30lbs of pressure. How to do that, put your bathroom scale on the counter. Use your tamper to push until you get the feel of 30lbs pressure. Repeat several times until you can push it pretty accurately. This is very important. Also, but a metal tamper, the plastic one isn't sturdy enough for 30 lbs pressure, it bents and packs unevenly. You can get metal tampers cheap, it's worth it.
4. Before you make your cup each morning, warm the machine as directions indicate, but ALSO run a shot of plain water through first. The second time through will be hotter, and it only takes 30 seconds.
5. Even though it's a new machine, and you did the priming as the manual says, run 1/2 tank of white vinegar through it (directions on page 16 of manual) and it will make a tremendous difference. Don't argue, just do it.
6. You can open the lid and fill the reservoir with it ON the machine with a pitcher if taking it on and off is too hard.
NOTE: I did NOT receive this at a discount in exchange for an honest review. This is a good machine for the average espresso based specialty coffee drinker. I gave it a full 5 stars because it's pretty idiot proof (I'm not the most mechanical person) and it makes mochas that are pretty darn good in my average persons opinion. I have no idea what a real coffee expert would say, and really, shouldn't they have a professional machine anyway? [...]
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From the manufacturer
Experience the Taste
Since 1970 the Mr. Coffee brand has been doing one thing and one thing only brewing coffee. No one has served cup after delicious cup to more Americans than us. For us, bringing a rich coffee experience into your home is our top priority. Along with coffee makers, we are here to share everything coffee with you.
Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista
Be Your Own Barista
Craft delectable, robust coffeehouse-quality espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes with the Mr. Coffee Café Barista. Featuring an electric 15-bar pump that creates powerful pressure to extract bold, rich flavors during the brew. Anyone can become a cafe expert with the simple-to-use espresso maker. One-touch controls let you choose between single or double shots and automatically froths milk with an adjustable control knob. The milk reservoir is removable to store leftover milk not used during the brew in the refrigerator, so you just fill it and let the Café Barista determine the amount needed. A recipe book is included to easily create impressive coffee drinks or inspire you to invent original recipes all from the comfort of your home.
One-Touch Control Panel
Allows you to choose from a single or a double shot for your espresso, cappuccino, or latte.
Easy to Use
Simply pick a single shot or double shot filter, select your grounds, fill the milk reservoir, and choose your brew.
Automatically Froths Milk
Automatically froths milk into cappuccino and latte selections.
Removable Water Reservoir
Removable water reservoir fills and cleans easily at the sink.
Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso and Cappucino Maker
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Mr. Coffee Pump Espresso and Cappucino Maker
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Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista Pump Espresso Maker with Milk Frother
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| Customer Reviews |
7,717
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3,704
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| Great for | Perfect starter espresso machine or a gift espresso machine | Coffee House lovers and Coffee Connoisseurs | Latte and Cappuccino lovers and Espresso Aficionados |
| Pressure | Creates steam pressure of about 3 bars. | An electric pump creates about 15 or more bars of pressure. | An electric pump creates about 15 bars of pressure. |
| Water Tank | Fixed | Removable | Removable |
| Milk | Manual Steam | Manual Steam | Automatic Frothing with Removable Milk Tank |
| Tools | Glass Carafe, Measuring Scoop/Tamper | Measuring Scoop/Tamper; Filter for Single and Double Espresso | Measuring Scoop/Tamper; Filter for Single and Double Espresso |
Product information
| Brand | Mr. Coffee |
|---|---|
| Color | Silver |
| Product Dimensions | 8.86"D x 11.22"W x 12.6"H |
| Special Feature | Milk Frother, Programmable, Removable Tank |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
| Style | Café Barista with Milk Frother |
| Specific Uses For Product | Cappuccino, Espresso, Latte |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Office, Home |
| Exterior Finish | Matte |
| Included Components | Café Barista |
| Operation Mode | Semi-Automatic |
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
| Model Name | Cafe Barista |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Human Interface Input | Buttons |
| Customer Package Type | Standard Packaging |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00072179232117, 09311445022894 |
| Manufacturer | Mr Coffee |
| UPC | 747719857630 072179232117 |
| Item Weight | 10.37 pounds |
| ASIN | B007K9OIMU |
| Item model number | BVMCECMP1000RB |
| Customer Reviews |
4.3 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank |
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| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | September 15, 2012 |
Warranty & Support
Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here [PDF ]
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Product Videos
Impressive machine!
Okay, so I just got this machine yesterday but so far I absolutely love it!!! I have been researching machines for weeks. And I have several saved but I wanted one now that wasn't super expensive. I also didn't want one that used pods because my last one did and putting the pod in was always hit or miss. The way the machine was set up the pod would drop down too far and not allow the panel to close, so I had to keep it held up with one finger inside the machine until the process was started. Pain in the butt!!! Plus, the espresso shots always came out too watery! So, this machine was on my saved list but it turned out to be the deal of the day yesterday, so I decided it was now or never and bought it. I also saved $50 since it was the deal of the day!!! Yay!!!!!!! It was packed really well to protect from damage and I received it in perfect condition! The machine came with a scoop/tamper and a single and double shot interchangeable porta filter. First thing I did was read the instructions which were very clear and made set up super easy. I didn't realize that there were 2 separate pieces for the single shot and double shot espresso until I read the instructions either, so that was helpful. Also, if you don't read the instructions, you might not realize that you have to move the steaming wand from the down position and aim it in the center of the cup. Then you'd have a huge mess! It's a little hard to see the wand at first. I successfully made several kinds of drinks yesterday within 15 minutes of setting the machine up and plugging it in. I love when a company makes set up and instructions a breeze!!! Things I love about this machine!!! First, it's very appealing to the eye. Call me girly, I'm but I love the stainless panels and the lights around the buttons! There's a single and double for espresso shots, cappuccino's and latte's. If you hold the cappuccino button down for three seconds, it will bypass the cappuccino and just do milk and frothing only, which is perfect if you want to add vanilla chai tea mix but don't want a shot of espresso!!! By far my favorite feature!!! You can adjust the amount of froth with the knob on the front of the milk reservoir! Genius!!! And it works really well!!! I'm talking gobs of froth for the froth lover!!! Cleaning the frothing wand out is a breeze. You just adjust the frothing knob to the down position where it says clean. Press and hold the latte button till it clicks and the pump starts then release the button and it runs hot water through so milk doesn't clog the wand! Plus, the milk reservoir comes out and you can store it in the fridge so you don't have to dump the milk and waste it!!! Again, genius!!! Also, I only used bottled water on my last machine and I never had a problem with lime scale or hard water, so I will only use bottled water on this one as well. I also made some home made caramel whipped cream for a delicious topper!!! There's no grinder but that's not a big deal. I am using Starbucks ground espresso roast and the result is a strong and perfect espresso shot!!! Not watery like my last machine. *My advice, read the instructions. They will most likely teach you a few things you didn't realize you needed to know. So far I am super giddy over this machine!!!👍
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