Strikingly retro in appearance but thoroughly up-to-date in performance, this machine comes with two filter holders to brew espresso either from ground coffee or from coffee pods. (Pods are readily available from companies such as Illy and Starbucks.) The ground-coffee filter holder has filters for brewing either one or two cups, and the other filter stores in the top of the machine along with an accompanying coffee scoop. A unique frothing chamber makes it easy to froth milk for cappuccinos and café lattés. Other contemporary features include a durable stainless-steel boiler, a 2-quart, transparent water tank that removes for filling at the sink and cleaning, and a self-priming system that eliminates annoying startup preparations.
The machine’s retro look is achieved by combining shiny and matte-finish black plastic with matte-finish silver plastic and plenty of the curves popular for everything from automobiles to appliances in the ’50s. The plastic cleans easily, and the frothing chamber comes off with a twist so it, too, can be readily cleaned. Made in Italy and packing 1,100 watts of power, the machine measures 11 inches wide, 13 inches high, and 12-1/2 inches deep and carries a one-year warranty against defects. –Fred Brack
DeLonghi BAR41 Retro Espresso/Cappuccino Maker Features:
- Brews espresso and froths milk for cappuccinos and caffe lattes
- 1 ground coffee filter holder, another for coffee pods
- Unique frothing chamber; automatically self-primes, provides quick startup
- Removable 2-quart water tank for easy filling; stainless-steel boiler
- Measures 11 by 13 by 12-1/2 inches; 1-year warranty
List Price : $199.99