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Reviews (19)
Nov 16, 2013
Great machine that lasted us about 3 years, we bought another !
1 of 1 found this helpful This is the third Esam 4200S that I have purchased! There is nothing I can see as good at anything like the price! It has the functionality of some machines twice the discounted price. It looks good but not as lovely as say a fully stainless steel model. The finish seems to last well under normal use. [The black version we believe would show every water mark and need regular polishing [!] rather than a wipe down with a damp cloth !
The first 4200S I purchased about three and a half years ago and it served us well, dying in June of this year! While repairable I judged it to be uneconomic to do so. This one is a Christmas present for our daughter.
We unhesitatingly bought another [in June]and found there were differences, not in looks but, in the way it works.Importantly the temperature of coffee output is a lot hotter than the old one ever delivered... a real plus point. It also seems to come to operational temperature a lot quicker than the old machine. Neither of these points were a real problem on the old one, just welcome enhancements. Other differences seem to be minor changes in the way it provides a few of its messages. All seem to make it just a bit easier to operate, though it was never difficult !
We make around 6 to 10 coffees a day, family and friends.
Experiment with your Beans, [it can make a great difference to your enjoyment] After all, the best blends come out at only pence a cup. so that arithmetic is easy. You can use instant[single shot] and decaf as well if you want to!
Operation and set up is simplicity itself. just read the instructions Cleaning is easy , I give ours a weekly hoover out and cleaning out as needed, you will have a very few unused coffee grounds escaping within the machine. The de-scaling needs are simple and flagged by the machine at pre determined points. You set up your local water hardness and the machine then indicates when a de-scale is needed. A deeper de-calcification programme is also, infrequently called for. All very easy ! You can still make coffee when it calls for a clean, but need to do it fairly soon....
ON the down side, frothing milk is not what it does best. Instructions call for frothing to be done first then make coffee, this is where the double boiler [horrendously more costly ?] machines score. That is not a problem for us, I prefer a separate frothing method as cleaning after heated milk use is a major consideration, it's why I never liked integral frothing on household [low use?] machines.
I could argue that everything would be better just that extra bit bigger, water at 1.8 litres, bean hopper at around 200 grammes, and the grounds container, which needs emptying around every dozen coffees[dead easy] could all be larger, but then it would not be the compact machine it is !
I unhesitatingly recommend this machine, my only concern is that our first one broke down after about 3 years, I generally expect a life of[at least!]5 years from domestic appliances. That said this machine does a great job at a realistic cost, just compare it to the competition.
Sep 08, 2017
Just the thing to give a small child a smile !
At a modest price this is a great smallish sized pencil case, It bought a great big smile to the face of the little girl it was given too, She currently uses it all the time.
It seems quite well made, and while I don't expect it to last a lifetime, should do the job for a fair while.
Before use I would suggest lubricating the nylon (?)zip, which was a little tight, this I put down to its newness. The smile alone was worth the price!
Oct 12, 2017
Be Prepared!
I have reviewed Shoe Goo before, I find it invaluable to repair favourite old shoes. It is so much cheaper in the States, how the price is as high over here beats me. However it can do a very good job, which makes it worth it, if used correctly.
Preparation is the key to shoe goo doing a successful job. Any trace of grease, dirt or contamination on the area the SG is to adhere too will result in a premature failure of the repair. Likewise don't expect it to stick a split, in a sole, for instance, where it has been caused by the sole flexing. To cure that kind of problem with SG needs a substantial enough SG filling, so its the SG that does the flexing, in the future use of the shoe/boot. This means it will probably will take 2 or 3 days of repeated applications as the amount needed in these circumstances means the SG needs repeated applications. As it dries it shrinks somewhat. I have found grinding with a mini drill grinder provides a good keying surface.
Hope this helps all you shoo gooers out there...good Gooing!..