Taste I've been making this in my Mr. Coffee espresso machine (search ECM160) and can't get it to taste right. Does anyone with a similar machine have any suggestions? I'm putting two scoops in and tamping it down slightly with RSVP Terry's tamper. I think it's taking way too long to come out... it's more of a drip rather than the stream you would expect. My theory is that this is because it's ground finer than the previous espresso I was using (ground at home). Taste I've been making this in my Mr. Coffee espresso machine (search ECM160) and can't get it to taste right. Does anyone with a similar machine have any suggestions? I'm putting two... » Read More Taste I've been making this in my Mr. Coffee espresso machine (search ECM160) and can't get it to taste right. Does anyone with a similar machine have any suggestions? I'm putting two scoops in and tamping it down slightly with RSVP Terry's tamper. I think it's taking way too long to come out... it's more of a drip rather than the stream you would expect. My theory is that this is because it's ground finer than the previous espresso I was using (ground at home). « Show Less
1836244
It may be your machine I have the same one (but I'm fixing to get a new one). It may need to be cleaned with vinegar like the instructions say. I had the same problem but once i did that it was fixed.
679735
I think it is a problem with the grind. I have been using this coffee for a while now and the last 2 cases I have ordered have been very un-even in the grind...some of it is too coarse and there has been a lot of "dust" that is just way too fine to pass through the filter properly (tamped or not)
900636
I see that others have already answered, but I did want to put in my opinion, for what it's worth! I love this machine. I have a Keurig at work and we have one that sits in the garage, unused. I like full bodied coffee and I feel the Keurig, for me, doesn't fit the bill. It's fine for that second cup when I get to work, but the Verismo makes espresso and regular coffee, depending on the pods. It makes coffee that tastes as good, or better, than my very expensive Saeco espresso machine. I know Keurig is all the thing now, but I feel the coffee can be weak and tasteless. Just my opinion! I've had my Verismo for a year now and I still sing its praises!
1048234
I suspect that you're not putting enough coffee grounds in. First, grind very fine, espresso grind (powder, as fine as you get get it). Then put 2+ heaping Tablespoons of grounds for every 6oz of water you pour through. This means, when I make a cup of coffee, normal mug, I use 4 heaping Tablespoons of grounds -- my mug comfortably holds about 12 oz of coffee with a bit of room at the top. When I make two cups, one for my wife and one for myself, I use 5 heaping Tablespoons of grounds. It nearly fills up the #2 filter, but I pour the water slowly and keep the water topped up throughout the pouring process. If you let it go down and fill again, the filter tends to get clogged and it takes *forever* for it to brew and flow through. My wife likes a slightly weaker cup of coffee, so the second cup is hers. If you are looking for strong, add more grounds. Hope that helps!
233480
Too fine of grind would be my guess. I use Gevalia espresso roast (ground) which is fine for my unrefined taste. Alesso is another good pre ground. I've used Starbucks whole bean ground by their grinder and for the money I'll use Gevalia and get better espresso.
2071334
The fineness of the grind is critical in this thing. I find that Espresso grind is way too fine. If I get a bag of Verona or Espresso roast beans from Starbucks I have them grind it "fine drip." That seems to work perfectly. I have taken to taking half fine drip and half espresso grind to use up the finely ground coffee. It takes a bit of pressure, but the coffee is fine.
291241
I fear that your espresso machine has probably run its course. You might try running a descaler through it (very cheap at Morrissons) in case it's just scaled up. Failing that, you'll have to replace it.
352276
Dunno if you're still monitoring this, but if four cups will do it for you in the mornings this may be your machine. Experiment with different roasts to get the flavor you like. I've found going to a darker roast gives me the strength I like even less than a full carafe. It'll brew those four cups faster than the Keurig does one with no noise.
1681698
Like, K. Bader, I have a Delonghi EC155 machine. Sadly, the pods did not perform well in mine (and, I did use it in the single serving filter). The espresso that I got was watery. I tossed all the pods because of this.
740720
Hi Charles. I too do not want my coffee to have ANY modifications to the original coffee bean's tastes. I simply rinse the entire apparatus thoroughly with plain tap water each and every I time use it. About once a week I'll use a couple of drops (no more!) of Dawn and a soft sponge on everything, but I've never felt compelled to disassemble any parts; although I suppose you could it just doesn't seem necessary. The instructions say "If it's very dirty" to use a small amount of bleach, but I wouldn't dare use anything so harsh. Besides, after quite a bit of use, it's still squeaky clean. Just keep rising after EVERY use - it'll be fine. Hi Charles. I too do not want my coffee to have ANY modifications to the original coffee bean's tastes. I simply rinse the entire apparatus thoroughly with plain tap water each and every I time use it. About once a week I'll use a couple of drops (no more!) of Dawn and a soft sponge on everything, but I've never felt compelled to disassemble any parts; although I suppose you could it just doesn't seem necessary. The instructions say "If it's very dirty" to use a small amount of bleach, but I wouldn't dare use anything so harsh. Besides, after quite a bit of use, it's still squeaky... » Read More Hi Charles. I too do not want my coffee to have ANY modifications to the original coffee bean's tastes. I simply rinse the entire apparatus thoroughly with plain tap water each and every I time use it. About once a week I'll use a couple of drops (no more!) of Dawn and a soft sponge on everything, but I've never felt compelled to disassemble any parts; although I suppose you could it just doesn't seem necessary. The instructions say "If it's very dirty" to use a small amount of bleach, but I wouldn't dare use anything so harsh. Besides, after quite a bit of use, it's still squeaky clean. Just keep rising after EVERY use - it'll be fine. « Show Less
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.
1671021
I was unable to get the coffee to brew without holding the lid down while brewing. Otherwise, the machine continued to say "not ready." When I did get the coffee brewed, it tasted awful and extremely weak (it was a dark espresso brew), however I have not tested the K cup yet to see whether the taste is the same.This is with the B70, which is about 2 years old. Ekobrew just purchased last week.
1644171
The carafe did not show up yet. I expect it today (12-1-08). I will repost again based on its arrival. My wife and I shopped for a new pot just in case this does not work and WOW, there is a lot of moving parts on the other models. Mr. Coffee was rated by consumers as a good buy but the people who have bought and used the unit said it is a terrible design. Cuisinart has way to many cheap feeling plastic parts. The newer Melitta unit was also rated low. I sure hope my older Melitta holds out for a while.
776389
just got mine out of the box and i'm having the same problem. the filter holder is hot, the steamer seems to be working, but water isn't going through. i thought i tamped the grounds too much, so i have now tried with a loose tamp and with no coffee grounds at all. All I get is a horrible noise. I'm very frustrated!
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!
233481
You guessed it! Finer grounds and just keep packing it into the portafilter. I was having the same issue, it looked more like a cappuccino than an espresso. I'm using a different scoop from the one that came with the machine. After an initial scoopfull, I keep sprinkling more coffee in there, and give it a tamp until it's right to the rim. I'm also being careful to clean the gasket after each time I use the machine. Good luck!
233479
Sounds to me like the coarseness of the grind. Another symptom of too course a grind is that the coffee would be weaker than expected and the flow/output would be faster. I would recommend you experiment a little, timing carefully the grind time. Increase it in increments of five seconds or so and see the impact on crema and flavor. Once you find the grind time you like, you'll want to be fairly precise in repeating that time to get a consistent result.
1160414
Angele: I was describing the coffee I received. There are companies selling inferior quality products using quality brand names. Maybe I just got a bad batch. I recommend a coffee you can buy in American supermarkets called PEETS Coffee Major Dickason Blend (ground). Quite good. http://www.gianteagle.com/ProductImages/PRODUCT_NODE_369/785357836563.jpg