Coffee & Espresso Makers Tips

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We’ve owned three of these Krups 871 espresso and capuccino machines. After about two years of twice-daily use, they tend to develop pressure leaks: then the steam nozzle no longer works very well and the coffee comes out tepid. We’ve encountered this problem with other Krups models as well. They’re great until they lose it.

Dimensions: ~10.75″ high, ~9″ wide (including steam knob), and ~10″ deep.

OPERATION

The Krups 871 has the steam nozzle on the left and that is also where the knob that controls the steam is located. The knob is continuous: the steam is either OFF completely, or ON in ever-increasing intensity as you turn the knob away from the OFF position. Other Krups models, like the Krups Allegro, have the steam nozzle on the right, and the knob controlling the device is on the left. On the Allegro the knob works differently. The middle position is OFF. Turning in one direction produces steam; turning in the other direction sends hot water through the filter. With the model 871, some hot water will continue to be sent through the filter into the carafe even if the steam knob is turned to its fully ON position.

CAPACITY

This unit is not designed to brew several carafes of coffee in rapid succession. (I don’t consider this a design flaw.) But if you’re quite careful or impervious to pain, it can be done: steam can remain under pressure in the chamber and you may have to let the steam nozzle run for a minute or two to release it, or risk burning your hand as you unscrew the cap of the water chamber (located on top of the unit under a hinged lid). Also very hot is the filter assembly you’ve packed with coffee (tamp the coffee down for best results). So, if you need an espresso maker to serve more than four people at once, this is not the one.

FROTHING THE MILK

We make capuccino, rarely espresso, and always fill the carafe to the 4 cup line. I start the frothing when the carafe is a little more than three-fourths full of coffee.

For best frothing results, use 1% or fat-free milk. We’ve found the fat-free organic milk from Stonyfield Farm in New Hampshire to be excellent for capuccino.

When frothing, don’t let the milk touch the (scalding hot) stainless steel arm. Submerge the black rubber end of the steam nozzle so that a little rubber remains visible at the top. To prevent the steam nozzle from becoming blocked, continue to run the steam for a second or two after taking the milk away. Dunk the steam nozzle in a cup of clear water and wipe it off after each use. From time to time, take the rubber nozzle-end apart and soak the pieces in water to keep them clear and functioning well.

We have had very good results with a variety of coffee beans ground at the espresso fineness setting. For the best cup of coffee, use Fair Trade beans

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