Hotpoint HCM60 Espresso/Cappuccino Maker

Advantages: Simple to use and reliable
Disadvantages: Not kitchen eye-candy

...This is not a sexy coffee maker. It isn't chrome, post modern and has less controls than your average nuclear power station, but it is an easy to use and reliable coffee maker. I have owned one of these for four years and use it frequently. It is two machines in one, on the left a 8-10 cup filter and on the right a basic espresso machine with a simple frother. As far as I am concerned a filter machine is only as good as the coffee you put in it and in my opinion the hot plate keeps the coffee good for 45 minutes. I use the espresso to make one or two cups with only a small amount of powder and it proves to be an economical way to brew 'real' coffee quickly at home. The frother does not give Starbucks standard froth but is good enough to make a latte or quasi-cappuccino.... Read review

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Advantages: good froth
Disadvantages: awkward to fill

...I have owned 2 cappuccino makers in the past, and both have made a lovely cup of coffee with a good depth of flavour, but the frother has eventually stopped working on both and I have had to make do with a tasty, but not frothy, cup of coffee. As I really missed the froth, I asked for a coffee maker for christmas, and I got this one, the Morpy Richards Mister Cappuccino coffee maker. It is just a regular filter coffee maker with a frother which just works by pressing a button, rather than using steam, which I think gives exactly the same result, and is much less likely to break down. This really isn't a cappuccino maker though, so the description is a bit misleading. Filter coffee is very nice, but it doesn't have the same depth of flavour as coffee made from a proper cappuccino machine, and if you know your coffees, I think you... Read review

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Advantages: Very stylish and easy to use
Disadvantages: Slightly expensive

...The Delonghi EN 680 Latissima Nespresso can create a more or less perfect cup if espresso. It is completely unique with it's patented extraction to aid the flow of water through the ground coffee. Nespresso's specially designed coffee-filled capsules are used to give the unique taste you only get with Nespresso. A bit pricey at £300 but certainly a long term investment. Style The Latissima Nespresso is very stylish (see picture) and is a great add to any kitchen. The silver and black frame works very well together and the buttons make the machine very high tech when it is actually very easy to use. Ease of Use The Latissima Nespresso is very easy to use, just as easier or maybe even easier than other espresso makers - simply insert a capsule and the machine does all the work for you. After brewing is completed... Read review

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