Capresso 121.01 Ultima Semi-Automatic Coffee and Espresso/Cappuccino Machine
by Capresso
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List Price: Category: Kitchen See more product details |
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Capresso 121.01 Ultima Semi-Automatic Coffee and Espresso/Cappuccino Machine
Customer Review: The right compromise between manual and fully automatic !!!
Summary: 4 Stars
I have either owned or used several fully automatic espresso machines and can say that I'm much happier
with the "semi-automatic" Ultima. Why? Because the fully automatic machines (the ones that grind for you) are just too finicky in one regards or another. For example, using a bean thats too oily will gum up the works very easily, so the I've told to "dont use oily beans" ... huh? Further more no matter which bean I used the automatic dosing was never consistent. So my solution to this problem was using the bypass doser (i.e. grind your own). So much for fully automatic. My personal experience was with a fully automatic Capresso and it despite my complaints, once I learned its quirks and what to keep clean and when, it made great espresso/coffee. But when it finally need some refurbing I decided that trying the Ultima was more of what I wanted. My conclusion regarding Super Automatics ... just not worth the expense and quirky behavior.
So I got the semi automatic Ultima (refurbed). So far no regrets. Other than the automatic grinding/doing, the Ultima is more convenient for me than the super automatic. Its easier to clean. So easy that I dont mind cleaning it every time I use it!!! But it does not need it that often. Once / twice a week should be fine depending on usage.
The coffee is on par with the Super automatic although I did find the grind needs to be finer to obtain the same results that I'm used to.
As with my other (Super Automatic) Capresso, I also found that the temp of the coffee/espresso was a little cool for me.
The only feature I wish it did have was a way to adjust the amount of water to use for crema coffee. As it is, you either use the same cup or measure the quantity produced to get the exact results. It would be fantastic to have a water dial (I think this is showing up on other brands) so it puts out the same quantity every time.
Otherwise, this is a great machine (so far, only had it for a few weeks).
Pro's: great coffee/espresso, easy to use, easy to clean, heats up quickly. great value compared to Super Auto machines. Also the customer service for Capresso is excellent!
Con's: coffee to cool (for me), no water output setting.
I would definitely recommend this machine. I'd give it 5 stars if it had the water output control.
Customer Review: Capresso Failure
Summary: 1 Stars
I purchased my Capresso in October of 2007 and was initially very satisfied. I worked at the time so only used it on Saturday and Sunday mornings. I moved in August of 2008 so my Capresso was packed and shipped. I took delivery in October of 2008 and used it from then until January when it went belly-up. Of course, it was no longer under warranty. I called the company and for an $80 charge, which included the repair charge and shipping, they offered to refurbish it. Once returned to me it was guaranteed for three months. Within 6-8 weeks it failed. I sent it back again under the new warranty. I spent most of April and May traveling. After I returned I began using it again -- each morning because we are now retired. I have no complaint about the quality of the brew or froth -- only that the plastic machine parts do not hold up. I am about to order a new espresso machine and this time around I will make sure that there is no plastic involved. This machine was a big disappointment and I paid the full $300 for it. Customer Review: Versatile Long Lasting Machine
Summary: 5 Stars
I have had one of these in my office for about 7 years. I use it, as do some colleagues several times a day. It looks like pretty cheap plastic, but it is a workhorse and easy to use without the need to develop a technique, as is the case with most.
It is really versatile as to the size of the grind, and forgiving. In fact, it is so forgiving that I am really tempted to put loose leaf tea in it to see if it can make quick, pressure brewed tea like the Keurig. Has anyone tried this?
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Customer Review: Amazing machine, great customer service!
Summary: 5 Stars
I got the Capresso Ultima for Christmas of 2007 and I have had only one issue (which was fixed 5 minutes after I called the customer service line). This machine works amazingly well and it produced amazing espresso for my lattes. The cleaning is quick and easy.
I use this machine almost everyday and has been so dependable. If for some reason it ever fails me I will PROMPTLY buy another one in a heart beat!
Thanks Capresso for making an AMAZING product! You have a customer for life!
Customer Review: Very good machine
Summary: 4 Stars
Our first unit was initially damaged during shipping, but amazon sent us another one very quickly and it works great. I can't give it 5 stars because we've only had it 2 months, but so far it works really well. Love that frother!