I just got mine and it is very nice and simple to use. I have one question. What in the world is that ORANGE PLASTIC PIECE used for? I read the manual and parts list but it doesn't seem to belong anywhere. I have made espresso and used the steam wand successfully and this piece doesn't appear to be needed at all. I just got mine and it is very nice and simple to use. I have one question. What in the world is that ORANGE PLASTIC PIECE used for? I read the manual and parts list but it doesn't seem to... » Read More I just got mine and it is very nice and simple to use. I have one question. What in the world is that ORANGE PLASTIC PIECE used for? I read the manual and parts list but it doesn't seem to belong anywhere. I have made espresso and used the steam wand successfully and this piece doesn't appear to be needed at all. « Show Less
1156171
My machine is a couple of years old, so I don't know if everything is the same. However, on the frothing wand there is an orange ring. It looks to me as if the frothing wand is actually 3 pieces, with the orange ring fitting into a little groove between the top part that screws onto the metal portion of the wand and the bottom, pointed part -- all of which the bottom portion finally slips over. I have no idea what it does or if it's necessary, but I'm pretty sure that the frothing device was fully assembled with the machine and that ring was on it.
105746
Hello, it has been a while. I have another machine now. But are you taking about the Orange piece that is in the drip tray? I believe it tells you have full the tray is getting. I don't remember any other Orange piece. Hope it helps. -Mike
1156172
The orange piece is placed under the tray. I suppose it acts as a level so that when there is too much liquid it comes up and you have to dump the tray. I don't really know why else it is there, but that's where mine sits :)
1281506
2-4 shots, better (imo) at 4 shots because it's easier to tamp; easiest machine I've used for frothing milk. Steam is super-powerful, so respect the machine. Nozzle moves so you can position it how you like. If anything, it can boil your milk if you don't keep an eye on it. I add a little extra water for extra steam for cleanup: use a damp sponge after frothing your milk, use the scrubby side, and twist over nozzle a few times for mega-easy cleanup. I've used it tons (every day for a month) and haven't had to use needles yet to clean milk out of little holes. Amazing pressure for crema in your espresso (little brown creamy froth on top of espresso pulls). Yeah I love it. 2-4 shots, better (imo) at 4 shots because it's easier to tamp; easiest machine I've used for frothing milk. Steam is super-powerful, so respect the machine. Nozzle moves so you can position it how you like. If anything, it can boil your milk if you don't keep an eye on it. I add a little extra water for extra steam for cleanup: use a damp sponge after frothing your milk, use the scrubby side, and twist over nozzle a few times for mega-easy cleanup. I've used it tons (every day for a month) and haven't had to use needles yet to clean milk out of little holes. Amazing pressure for crema in... » Read More 2-4 shots, better (imo) at 4 shots because it's easier to tamp; easiest machine I've used for frothing milk. Steam is super-powerful, so respect the machine. Nozzle moves so you can position it how you like. If anything, it can boil your milk if you don't keep an eye on it. I add a little extra water for extra steam for cleanup: use a damp sponge after frothing your milk, use the scrubby side, and twist over nozzle a few times for mega-easy cleanup. I've used it tons (every day for a month) and haven't had to use needles yet to clean milk out of little holes. Amazing pressure for crema in your espresso (little brown creamy froth on top of espresso pulls). Yeah I love it. « Show Less
1692957
I haven't heard of anyone keeping one for more than a year. They just stop working. Keep trying to find a frother that will do the job and last. I just bought another conpresso because I found it for 30.00. I'd pay a decent price if I knew it would last.
2280522
These are the stainless steel frothing pitchers to steam the milk that you put in your espresso. Make your design after you put the steamed milk and foam/froth in your cup. Don't put too much foam/froth on top of your espresso or you will not be able to make a design. Have fun with it and enjoy!
937402
I noticed that the stream/water pressure is released into the bottom tray after use. This seems normal and a good thing since I would rather have that happen than what I have seen from other machines. Just keep an eye on the level sensor and dump the water from the tray accordingly or better yet empty the tray after each day's use. I love my machine and had it for ~6 months. It is the best espresso machine out there for the money.
158832
Mark- My bad. I checked it out and now it grinds espresso really well!Thanks dude.
971520
Hi Joseph... You ask an excellent question. As an 'old-school' beatnik when it comes to Espresso, I have usually been able to secure funnels or stainless steel baskets to my other Italian espresso makers ...but..this one no. I have not yet needed to try to. I only use this one when I have extra guests or a dinner party. I prefer the quality of the good ol daily use of the no frills ones from Italy. Check out an Italian Supplier on the internet or Chefs suppliers in the U.S. Hope this helps ..Caío~gabríell
165397
No. I use it to steam my milk first (about 2 minutes) using the wand. Then I press the espresso button and it makes 2 one ounce shots of espresso, which I pour into my cup, then add the steamed milk for a cappucino drink. does a good job.
124626
I don't use it. But if I would use it. I would clean the ti daily. The frother is made of two parts. The tip and the attachment to the metal pipe. The attachment can also be removed if needed.
1080389
Another option...I don't even use that bothersome setup. I just stick the steamer nozzle straight into my cup of milk, froth it and then stick the cup under the espresso spout and finish up. In the meantime, I take off the steamer nozzle and go rinse it and put it back on. It's just a lot faster and less of a hassle.
2159458
Sounds like you need to return it. There is some steam but it doesn't affect my coffee. I love the machine by the way. I've started using organic half and half and buying more expensive cafe. I've recently tried/enjoyed espresso from trader Joe's & juan valdez.
1440864
Espresso needs to be packed firmly in the portafilter basket and a tamper is great for this because it fits nicely inside the portafilter. When I got my espresso machine, I forgot to buy a tamper too and I was left trying to tamp the espresso puck with other objects, but a tamper does this much more evenly than trying to use a makeshift tamper. Tamping is one of the necessary steps to great espresso shots!
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.
2115690
well after i reached a level of frustration i started playing around with it and noticed that right by the frothing wand there is a narrow opening that is vertical and if you take the water tank out you'll see the short hose....push the short hose through the vertical opening and it should stay pushed thru...mine has...and then it will drain into the catch pan that is under the wand and espresso area....the other two hoses go inside the water tank...so far i haven't had any water leakage * )
1630223
I purchased used from a co-worker. I've had it for 6 mths ... he had it for a few years. I use it twice a day and never once had a problem. But I have never tried the frother so can't speak to that. I use for espresso.
1624347
Can I use my bricks or does it only grind? Also, this is my first Espresso machine, I know almost nothing about them. Does it come with a good manual? Based on some reviews I read I feel I need to hold a doctorate to operate one. Tell me it aint so.
1953642
the model I have was purchased over 5 years ago. it is built well. I replaced the wand last year ($50) and have have replaced a few bands. i actually use it without the bands also like a T. mine is very thick metals. it knocks down to small components so can transport ez. hopefully they did not cheapen it by thinner metals it would not surprise me. I would check out a sporting store to see if it is now junk. agood tool if they did not ruin it.