Steam Power! Prepare milk for latte and cappuccino
I bought this so I can steam milk alongside my manual espresso machine. I have not made coffee with it.
Heat up time to steam when full: 5-7 minutes (quicker with less water)
Time to steam 150ml cold milk: about 15 seconds (quick for a beginner like me)
Power: 550W (I have seen others on eBay with 700-900 watts, which would heat quicker)
Why you should buy it:
-If you want to truly steam milk without buying an espresso machine or a restaraunt grade standalone steamer, this is the ticket. A Quick MIll 0961, for example, costs $1300 CAD,
-This does a much nicer job than an electric milk frother or the french press method.
-While you can buy Bellman stovetop models that are essentially the same, the built in kettle on the Vesubio means you can use it away from the stove.
-It is less expensive than a new Bellman.
-While I haven't made coffee with it, the Vesubio works similarly to a moka pot, but with slightly higher pressure and a release valve. If you like moka pot coffee, this will presumably make something similar and enjoyable.
-The Vesubio feels really solid and well built. Unlike modern small appliances, I won't be tossing this in the trash in five years.
Why you shouldn't buy it:
-This machine DOES NOT MAKE ESPRESSO, despite the fact that they are often described as espresso makers. The Vesubio brews at around 1-2 bar and has a safety valve that lets off the pressure before it can get much higher than that. True espresso generally requires 6-9 bar of pressure, though people are always experimenting with different pressures. It's not that you can't get good coffee out of the Vesubio; you can't get espresso out of it.
-This thing gets HOT! The boiler is steel and conducts heat well. Add to that the pressure produced by the closed system, and you get a very hot surface that is not safe for children. The steam can also be dangerous, so caution is required.
-The boiler cap must be tightened fully. Opening and closing it could be difficult for a person with arthritis or similar conditions that limit dexterity or hand strength.
Manuals can be found online for CXE25
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned