|
Krups XP4050 1200-Watt 15-Bar-Pump Programmable Espresso Machine | 
 enlarge | Brand: Krups
List Price: $400.00
Buy New: $223.79
You Save: $176.21 (44%)
Rating:  30 reviews
Color: Black
Shipping Weight (lbs): 16.7
Dimensions (in): 0 x 0 x 0
MPN: XP4050
Model: XP4050
UPC: 010942122302
EAN: 0010942122302
ASIN: B0009YDHO8
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
| |
| Features:
| • | 1200-watt programmable espresso machine with Thermobloc 15-bar pump system | | • | Easy push-button programming for controlling size and strength of espresso | | • | Filter holder offers 3 interchangeable inserts that hold single, double, or E.S.E. pods | | • | Froths milk to perfection; 32-ounce removable water tank; drip tray; cup-warming tray | | • | Measures 9-1/2 by 9-2/3 by 12-1/4 inches; 1-year limited warranty |
|
| Accessories:
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
The XP4050 programmable espresso maker offers a 1200-watt, 15 bar pump machine that brews cafe quality espresso. It features easy push-button programming to customize size and strength of espresso and control steam and hot water functions. The patented auto-cappuccino function mixes steam and air precisely for foolproof froth. It also has a removable stainless steel drip tray for easy cleaning and a 32-oz. Removable water tank. The filter holder includes 3 interchangeable pre-measured inserts that hold a single, double, or E.S.E. pod.
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 5 more reviews...
 Tips for using the XP4050 August 30, 2008
GG
I have owned the Krups XP4050 for over nine months now and have used it daily ever since it was purchased. I knew I was taking a risk when I bought the XP4050, as I had read the many negative reviews on Amazon. The primary reason why I took that risk was that I was able to get an extremely good deal - getting well over $100 off the typical retail price. I feel fortunate not to have experienced any of the serious issues some of the other users have had.
There is a learning curve to the XP4500. That's for sure! Here are the things that I have learned in the time that I have owned the machine:
1. The water tank must be seated properly. Period!!! If it's not, you will get the flashing blue lights as others have pointed-out. When inserting the water tank, it should firmly stop when fully seated. You will feel a slight detent when it's seated properly. If it feels "squishy" and the tank pushes back up slightly, pull it out and start over again. I have noticed that the tank inserts easier the more the XP4050 is used.
2. Clean the inside of the brewing head frequently. It doesn't need to be after every espresso, but it should be done at least when you've finished for the day. I usually use a paper towel to do this after I have run a cycle without the filter holder. I also occasionally use a brush to remove grinds that accumulate in the brewing head.
3. Yes, the machine has a "rubbery" smell when it is new. It will go away after a while of usage.
4. Do not use the "auto cappuccino accessory." While the auto cappuccino accessory usually does an OK job if you want a latte, it suffers from three drawbacks: A) Results wildly vary. B) Milk does not get hot enough. C) There is only enough foam produced to top off a latte. It does produce enough foam for a real cappuccino.
5. For a decent cappuccino, purchase a frothing pitcher and use the "perfect froth accessory." Oddly, the instructions for the XP4050 on the Krups website does not mention the perfect froth accessory, so I do not know if it was not included in the older units, or if it is no longer included in the newer units. Hopefully, it is still included. If you don't have it, you really need to get it if you want to make a decent cap. More importantly, you need to learn how to use it. This took me a long time to figure out because there are no decent instructions on how to use the attachment. Really, I should record a video on how to do this, but for now, I'll try to get the idea across here:
A) Remove the small stainless tube from the perfect froth accessory (PFA).
B) Attach the PFA to the steam nozzle so that the black rubber protrusion (that holds the small tube) points away from the machine.
C) Fill 1/3 to 1/2 of your frothing pitcher with cold milk (depending on how many caps you want to make).
D) Start steam process on the machine (I assume that users already know how to do this).
E) Once steam (not water) is coming out of the PFA, raise the frothing pitcher up to the bottom protrusion of the PFA so that the top of the milk is just barely over the hole in the protrusion. If the placement is correct, you will see the milk being sucked in to the hole along with a little air. If the hole is too high, you will get large air bubbles. If hole is too low, the quantity of foam will be significantly reduced. The foam will build upon itself if you are doing this correctly. Continue to create the foam until the milk has been heated to your liking.
Hope these tips help. Good luck with your XP4050.
 PIECE O' CRAP June 30, 2008
Dennis Murphy (Global Listing Service)
Just like everyone else, worked for a couple of pours, then all I get is blinking lights and no pumping. Don't blow $250.
I returned it for my money back. June 6, 2008
John Dennis (Seattle, WA United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This machine just doesn't work. Basically, I have nothing to add to the criticisms already in other reviews. Just as noted in other reviews, it doesn't want to make coffee, it just wants to blink all its lights (not mentioned in the instruction book). When you get it to make coffee, it puts waaaay too much water in the espresso, and the program function to change the amount of water it puts in doesn't change a thing.
I sent it back, and I am hoping for a seamless refund to my credit card.
I think the point is that you can't get a good espresso machine for such a low price.
Good coffee - Horrible product reliability April 17, 2008
Gennady (Bay Area, CA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I am a coffee snob but I am pretty easy to be satisfied and normally not a big critic... I read all the bad reviews on the KRUPS espresso mashines prior to buying it but desided to buy it anyway.
Do not do what I did!
Let me tell you, this machine drove me nuts even though it made really great espresso. Too bad it lasted exactly two weeks and the replacement was the same - high pressure pump broke again. Aside from the broken pump, within two weeks of owing it I had other constant malfunctions that were described by other reviews, and that required my calls to KRUPS CS and troubleshooting drills.
The explanation from the KRUPS customer service on the broken pressure pump was "... you might have used bad beans..." BTW, I am using La Crema beans by LAVAZZA - pretty much the best beans for espresso machine out there... CS also said that I was not supposed to "tap the coffee down into the filter" - even though their instructions specifically tell you to do so and they provide a special tool for it - a rounded scoop/tapper. Crazy, huh?
They told me that "the new" instructions that are not printed and distributed yet are to mention it in the future... Who the hell cares or knows it if you already own this machine? How helpful is that?
Do not buy or you will face a hassle of dealing with a broken one...
What a mess April 13, 2008
Julia A. Rossi (Salt Lake City)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
We returned the Krups XP4050 after several attempts to use it. We faithfully followed the directions, priming it three times just using water and we even called the help line. We ended up with hot water spraying everywhere as though the pump wasn't able to force the water up through the machine. It made a lot of noise. When we finally did try it with actual coffee, it was no better. The steamer did not heat the milk, half the water still ended up in the collection space below the carafe, and the steam spewed out all over us. Perhaps we needed lessons but, being that my husband is Italian and a professor of mathematics, we thought we should be able to purchase a product, read the instructions and make it work. We have returned to our little stove top espresso maker used in almost every home in Italy and wonder why we ever thought of spending this kind of money on a yuppie espresso machine in the first place.
|
|
|
|
| |
