I purchased this machine more than a year ago, but never used it until this morning. Having been using my Krups steam espresso machine for the past few years happily. This morning I tried to give HB a try but espresso taste funky! I followed instructions exactly. Any idea? I purchased this machine more than a year ago, but never used it until this morning. Having been using my Krups steam espresso machine for the past few years happily. This morning I tried to give... » Read More I purchased this machine more than a year ago, but never used it until this morning. Having been using my Krups steam espresso machine for the past few years happily. This morning I tried to give HB a try but espresso taste funky! I followed instructions exactly. Any idea? « Show Less
1977004
Did you clean the machine well before you used it? Mine was a lemon and kept getting clogged we kept having to clean the trap and finally the water would not come out at all. I think this machine really sucks.
1977005
Yup.....Make a boat anchor out of it. This machine is a piece of junk. I tossed it...(actually ran over it) and went to a Cuisinart model. Much better. Happy caffeine!!!
315713
Try tamping the portafilter not so densely. If the machine has good water flow without coffee in it, experiment with the fineness of the grind, the amount in the portafilter, and the amount of pressure you use to tamp. there is definitely a learning curve!
727993
All I know is our coffee started to come out slower and I tried to clean it and it helped a little, did you check in your manual ? Or go to the Hamilton Beach website and see if they have parts info. Our machine started to leak so we had to toss it out this was the third we had. We bought a Keurig and absolutely love it...
1608547
Do use more coffee grounds than suggested on the package. Also, if you still have your old coffee maker try that too. The newness of the coffee pot may also affect the taste.
41236
Do not tamp it down too hard and as long as your hear a 'chugging' noise, it is working. Check your grind, too. It may be too fine. Espresso grind is too fine, use a slightly coarser grind. Also, get a burr grinder. Blade grinders make too much fine powder and will clog the filter. Cool?
2068380
I don't have a tried and true answer for you because I have not had a problem. But here are a couple of suggestions to try. Make sure you let it cool down before trying to dump it. Make sure to take it all apart (including the rubber gasket) and cleaning really good at least once a week or maybe more. Make sure you don't put more coffee in than you are supposed too. Make sure it's the right grind of coffee and not espresso grind. Hope you get the problem figured out.
19916
Our machine seems to make it hot (hot enough that I can't hold the glass cup bottom). I will say, though, that the FIRST espresso after we turn it on seems cooler than the subsequent attempts (still very warm; just not hot). I imagine there is some water in the lines that isn't heated, but I don't know that.
158832
Mark- My bad. I checked it out and now it grinds espresso really well!Thanks dude.
1342234
I am sorry you have had problems with your coffee maker...Have you made sure the beans are on fine grind and the cup selection is on the darkest...I love coffee and this coffee maker does make good strong coffee it is a hair lighter than an espresso. Maybe you should look at espresso machines too.
274226
There should only be a little water in the espresso holder when you empty the used grounds. It may be that you are pacing the espresso in to tightly or too loose. After the grounds are in the holder you should tamp or press them lightly; not jamming them down, but not having them loose. Hope that helps
720281
I have not experienced this problem, but check if the steam is actually being vented from the relief valve. I own two of these espresso makers, the first one purchased 2 years ago from Sur La Table, the other purchased recently from Amazon. The one more recently purchased has issues with steam leaking from the valve. My first one never did this. If the steam is, in fact, leaking from the gasket, don't over tighten, but rather reseat the gasket and see if that works. If it doesn't replace the gasket with a new one. If that doesn't work, there may be an issue with the fit of the top and bottom parts and the espresso maker should be returned for a replacement.
396327
What kind of coffee are you using. I find that problem with regular coffee but not with espresso beans.
1180062
I bought one of these machines and that was one of my concerns as well. In fact I returned the first machine becuase I thought something was wrong. The second machine seems to throw a lot of sugar on the side as well. I think it must just be a part of the design. You can break off the sugar from the side and give it out as a kind of Rock Candy. It does taste a little different then just sugar since it has been melted and reformed. Dont know that you are doing anything wrong, I just think its the machine.
1628309
hello from Java Exotic Imports! This low cost espresso machine does a pretty good job. Check you water bin and make sure it is FULLY seated. There is a valve below the bin and the bin must go into that valve. We have noticed on occasions where the bin does not make full contact. Try dropping the water bin hard into the valve to be sure it is seated properly. If you can hear the pump running, it sounds like a seating or priming issue. Try priming again to be sure there is no air in the lines. Hope this helps!
720283
I have not experienced this problem, but check if the steam is actually being vented from the relief valve. I own two of these espresso makers, the first one purchased 2 years ago from Sur La Table, the other purchased recently from Amazon. The one more recently purchased has issues with steam leaking from the valve. My first one never did this. If the steam is, in fact, leaking from the gasket, don't over tighten, but rather reseat the gasket and see if that works. If it doesn't replace the gasket with a new one. If that doesn't work, there may be an issue with the fit of the top and bottom parts and the espresso maker should be returned for a replacement. I have not experienced this problem, but check if the steam is actually being vented from the relief valve. I own two of these espresso makers, the first one purchased 2 years ago from Sur La Table, the other purchased recently from Amazon. The one more recently purchased has issues with steam leaking from the valve. My first one never did this. If the steam is, in fact, leaking from the gasket, don't over tighten, but rather reseat the gasket and see if that works. If it doesn't replace the gasket with a new one. If that doesn't work, there may be an issue with the fit of the top and... » Read More I have not experienced this problem, but check if the steam is actually being vented from the relief valve. I own two of these espresso makers, the first one purchased 2 years ago from Sur La Table, the other purchased recently from Amazon. The one more recently purchased has issues with steam leaking from the valve. My first one never did this. If the steam is, in fact, leaking from the gasket, don't over tighten, but rather reseat the gasket and see if that works. If it doesn't replace the gasket with a new one. If that doesn't work, there may be an issue with the fit of the top and bottom parts and the espresso maker should be returned for a replacement. « Show Less
1569821
its just a steamer, can not make any espresso. you may take a look at other type.
1183800
Why? Because they aren't well made would be my evaluation. It leaked there, and from above the filter basket. In fact they sent me two as warranty and they both malfunctioned similarly, one even leaked out through the on/off switch. That couldn't be too safe, I've since given up on that brand, and espresso machines generally.