Opinions on Braun Espresso Maker for home

[Matthew Bouchard]

I want to get an inexpensive espresso and cap. maker for my
apartment at school. I am considering the Braun (E400-T) "Pump
Espresso/Turbo Cappuccino Master" for $120. Says it has a 30oz reseroir
and it actually looked fairly nice (and sturdy) in the store.

The question is, is this a good maker for the price? If anyone has
had experience with this machine, I would appreciate any opinions. Also,
would the popular DeLongi (or other) maker be a wiser choice? I only need
a small machine to just serve me and I am not willing to spend more than
$150. Thanks in advance.

Matt

[Bogiesan]

The prices on home pumpers seem to be coming down but (InMyHumbleOpinion)
I've always felt you get what you pay for in home appliances.

Good pump machines are designed to last a long time: couplings for 8-plus
bars, heating elements that won't burn out or spontaneously turn your
kitchen into a two-alarm inferno, portafilters that won't dent if dropped
in the sink, fittings and gaskets that won't deteriorate, and a case that
won't melt down or crack if you tip the thing over.

After attending two coffee trade shows and researching home machines
extensively (true, I don't see them *all* from Boise, ID) I still think
$200 to $400 is what you can expect to pay for dependability and superbly
made espresso on demand.

I've had a Krups Espresso Novo for almost four years. I decalcify
regularly, keep it spotlessly clean, and have enjoyed two or three double
cortos everyday (Let's see, 1200 days x 3 doppios, plus Americanos for my
wife and caps for guest...that's about 8,000 shots). I'd buy another in a
minute, altho...the newer models come with much lighter metal castings on
the filter and group head. The market has expanded, too. FAEMA now has a
new line of home machines that are really sweet looking with steel casing
and heavy duty hardware all around.

In four years with my Novo, I've replaced the rubber o-ring on the head
twice and I broke the thumb guard off the filter holder. Krups came
through on each replacement.

Good luck on your purchase decision. Remember all the rest of the doodads
you'll have to buy: milk pitcher, demitasse, tamper, storage containers
for coffee, and, ulitmately, you'll have to buy your own burr grinder.
That's another $200.
David Bogie, Boise ID "I'd like a double shot, please, straight. And
short."