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I've been a daily drinker of lattés and cappucino for the past two decades, so I've gone through a few machines in my time. I've replaced machines for several reasons, although I've only had one just quit on me. I've owned low-end (Mr. Coffee Blechhhhhh), mid-range, and higher-end machines. This is my second Krups, and it is by far my favorite for the price. If you want the absolute best lattés, cappucino & espressos, feel free to spend upwards of $200 for a residential machine (or thousands for a commercial one). But if the price difference isn't worth the taste difference (as it is with my budget), then the Krups Allegro is a good and affordable choice. The only thing I dislike about it is that there is not an emergency valve on the frothing arm, so if you put in too much water and allow too much steam pressure to build up inside, this machine will start releasing steam at the top of the filter basket. This can get a little messy and the noise will awaken anyone sleeping in the next room. Like I said earlier, though - this is my second Krups, so obviously it's easier to cope with than spending a fortune on another machine. Have a cuppa krups! LynneRead full review
The Krups FND111 makes a nice starter espresso machine. If you aren't a heavy espresso drinker, or will use the machine only occassionally, this may be the machine for you. The low cost makes this very appealing, but for heavy use it is not ideal. A plus for this machine is the slightly larger capacity. Many espresso machines are only 2-shot machines. This one can make a tad more. Good for serving cold espresso drinks - but again, not too many at one time. The large dial for the frother/steam nozzle is handy. Much easier to control than the smaller switches that are on the older model Krups machines. Drawbacks? If you are making cold drinks, or drinks that require more shots, you may have to wait for the machine to cool a bit in between brewing your espresso. You also want to make sure that the machine is done drawing/brewing before you release the espresso basket. Releasing it too soon can cause serious burns. And please, please, please make sure that when you are steaming milk, the steam nozzle is inserted into the milk before turning it on - and turn it on slowly! Otherwise you risk being seriously burned.Read full review
I have owned numerous Krups expresso machines over the years and have always been happy with the excellent expresso produced for these low cost machines. This one produces great expresso but, the usability design is way below standards set by previous models. The coffee grounds receptacle has changed from 3 "ears" to 2 "ears" and in oriented such that it is difficult to put into the machine. Additionally the water cap and on/off knob are smooth and difficult to grip and turn. The visual design is improved, making it look sleeker on the counter, but I use mine several times a day, and usage is paramount to me and is lacking.
For all the pump style espresso machines I have tried (and payed for), I always go back to the good ole Krups steamer when I finally get fed up with wasting time and energy with the too little, too much, plugging up and just plain tempormental pump machines. Of course, although the flavor may be lacking slightly, there is definetly more consistance and control with better frothing and much easier cleaning of parts. The Krups Allegro FND111 can be purchased for a great price and is just fine for it's size and power. All Caffenated in Utah!
What an excellent little espresso/cappuccino/latte maker! If you are good at the milk frother, you'll love how much money you save by using this machine! My daughter works at Starbuck's so she figured it out quite easily. Just be careful with the glass carafe since the handle is long & a little heavy, it slides easily off if the machine is tipped even a little, and breaks. Overall if you can follow instructions, this is a nice little espresso machine for the money and it will pay for itself in just a short time.
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