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Krups FND111 Allegro Espresso Maker, Black & Silver | 
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| Brand: Krups
Rating:  137 reviews
Color: Black and Silver
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Shipping Weight (lbs): 6
Dimensions (in): 11.9 x 11.9 x 9.8
Legal Disclaimer: Sale Ends: 05-11-2008. You may return or exchange merchandise purchased from Macy's @ Amazon by mail only. Certain items are covered by warranty as indicated. To obtain a copy of the warranty prior to purchase, please write to: macys.com Customer Service Dept.; P.O. Box 8215; Mason, OH 45040; Small Ticket Department-Warranty;
MPN: XP1020
Model: FND111
UPC: 010942202493
EAN: 0010942202493
ASIN: B0001I9R82
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| Features:
| • | Easy-to-use, 4-bar steam espresso machine for espresso, cappuccino, and lattes | | • | Convenient large-capacity carafe with lid and handle equals easy pouring | | • | Steam nozzle quickly froths milk, easily controlled by oversized dial | | • | Space-saving design; removable drip tray for easy clean up | | • | Built-in safety valve provides safe operation |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Most of the higher priced espresso makers use pump driven mechanisms to deliver espressos. If you're seeking a simple one-cup espresso or cappuccino, the steam-driven espresso machine is more affordable and requires less maintenance. With no pump, it's more compact. Yet there's virtually no compromise in flavor and aroma. Sized for use at work or home, the Krups XP1020 may just be that simple little espresso machine you've been looking for as an easy alternative to typical American coffee.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 5 more reviews...
 OK Not Great June 6, 2008
Wendell A. Werner (Castle Rock, CO)
Gets the job done, but with some corners cut.
The handle on the decanter was not straight. Could not disassemble and correct the problem without marring the plastic.
The drain is molded into the unit not removable. You have to take the whole unit to the sink to rinse it out.
The lid on the decanter broke only after a few months of use, meaning it does not stay on and will fall off when you're pouring.
The unit does not appear to have as much power as my previous. It needs to heat up about 5 minutes before it is ready.
The plastic cover for the steamer seems to do a good job frothing up the milk.
not the quality manufacturing as in the past June 4, 2008
Coffee Maverick (Fremont, CA United States)
I've had this brand and model for more than ten years. It can make excellent expresso and latte. But the manufacturing quality is now pretty poor. The gasket where the coffee sets sputters and spits water. The selection knob is not so accurate, I have to adjust it so the spring inside is working. Same product but probably made in China and so the quality is very poor.
But then it is still better than some of the other low end brands for comperable $$. And it doesn't cost $600. I suppose you could capture that in a year if you bought all your previous coffees at Starbucks.
 Very Happy with Purchase May 30, 2008
John P. Walters (Vincennes, IN)
This frother is excellent and all that I hoped that it would be. I would highly recommend it to others.
 Termperamental and a bit violent May 19, 2008
J. Telhada
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I had high hopes for this machine, as my last Krups model lasted nearly 10 years of daily use. Wow, what a downgrade. Not only the longest brew time I've ever encountered, but the process stutters - stopping up to 2 minutes before continuing - several times before it's done. The engineering is flawed, and steam leaks from everywhere. It's also prone to explosive outbursts, spewing water and sometimes grinds 2-3 feet. This machine has scared the hell out of me more than once. I'm already looking into a replacement.
 Good "espresso-like" coffee for the money April 30, 2008
V. Basok (NY)
You don't really expect to buy an espresso machine for $50, do you? This Krups Allegro makes good (not great) strong coffee. I had it for about 3 years and overall it's a good product. During this time the pitcher was broken (my favorite glass coffee mug replaced it) and the little plastic piece on the filter handle fell off (no big deal), but otherwise it still runs like new. My wife forgot to turn it off a few times and realized it some 20 minutes later, and while I expected the heating elements to burn down and die - it survived. The milk frother works just fine for cappuccino (but warm it before frothing).
So, while Krups calls it espresso maker it definitely is not. It lacks the pump to deliver sufficient pressure to make it a real espresso. If you try to make espresso on Allegro the way it should be done (get really fine consistent grind coffee tamped to a level "brick", etc.) Allegro will choke on it and the pressure build up will turn it into life-threatening device as it is not build for it.
To get a good strong coffee (which some may even take for espresso) you need to put regular (i.e. medium or drip-coffee) grind coffee and tamp it down a bit so that it does not have a fresh snow softness. When I did not have a tamper I was using my vitamins' bottle cap :). Without this little tamping - your coffee will probably suck (but don't pack it down too hard - see above).
Did I mention that you have to put enough coffee? "4" marker inside the filter is to be matched with "4" on the pitcher. However, for better results try to use with 2+2. And please, use only just-grinded coffee.
If you want to enjoy a real creamy espresso at home you need a good pump machine and burr grinder. I personally really like my Gaggia Carezza coupled with Capresso Infinity (about $300 together) - although espresso "experts" might look down at them as not classy enough.
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