Kenwood ES550 Retro

...the machine went back to Kenwood service department (who incidentally were very slow to respond to emails) and we were generally unimpressed with how they handled our problems. They were too ready to try and blame us for not cleaning the machine properly. This was untrue - we followed the manual to the letter. Cleaning instructions which came separately from the service department contained a bit that involved unscrewing a nut from the filter head ...
...a price! However, this Kenwood got us started on espressos and is a pretty good little machine at a good price - and has a fun look. The coffee is made quickly, it produces a good crema. I have seen very similar designs by another manufacturer for at least twice the price.   ... more

We had this machine about a year. Like the previous review, I agree it makes a pretty good cup of coffee - particularly a good crema and in just a few minutes - . You will definitely need to preheat the filter holder before making coffee otherwise it is not hot enough (careful reading of the manual!).

There is a temperature gauge on the front which is both useful and fun (when set to steam it will rise to 150 degs) and both an on/off switch and a switch for starting the coffee flowing - with illuminated lights (difficult to see in bright daylight though).

The milk frother works by pulling the large lever to the right downwards.

Unfortunately, we had to send the machine to be checked out twice in one year. Initially it worked without a hitch but after a few weeks we noticed that it was becoming really hard to turn and lock the filter holder into position and also the machine had a tendency to continue dripping coffee into the cups while waiting for the steam to heat for frothing, resulting in the cups almost filling to the brim by the time we were ready to add milk.

The water holder is on the small side so always check it is full before starting. However, it is a bit fiddly as it pulls out from the right hand side and you need to be careful its tubing is properly in place afterwards. (It is just about possible to fill it with a jug if careful, without having to remove the water holder.). It is best to use filtered water.

It claims to have a cup warmer - on top of the machine - but this is barely lukewarm.

There is room enough under the filter holder to place a mug if wanted (other espresso machines are less generous with room height for cups).

At one stage the machine went back to Kenwood service department (who incidentally were very slow to respond to emails) and we were generally unimpressed with how they handled our problems. They were too ready to try and blame us for not cleaning the machine properly. This was untrue - we followed the manual to the letter. Cleaning instructions which came separately from the service department contained a bit that involved unscrewing a nut from the filter head etc - this was definitely not mentioned in the manual!! After the machine came back to us from the service department, it did not work at all and hardly any coffee emerged from the filter holder - so back it went to Kenwoods - it took them a month after repeated emailing to respond. I would therefore not be in too much of a hurry to buy anything from them again.

We have since bought a Gaggia Classic (got a bit carried away) which is built solidly and makes great coffee, however comes at a price! However, this Kenwood got us started on espressos and is a pretty good little machine at a good price - and has a fun look. The coffee is made quickly, it produces a good crema. I have seen very similar designs by another manufacturer for at least twice the price.  

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