Krups F8744338 Crematic Coffee Centre

Makes a very good cup of coffee, although I only really ever used the espresso function. I have owned it for just over 3 years, and it has now packed up. I descaled it regularly every month or two, but the performance got worse and worse over time, until it now can't pump water through the filter at all. An electrical service centre says that they cannot help, so I have decided to bin it and buy something else.

I was given a Krups F8744338 Crematic Coffee Centre as a Christmas present in the year 2000, and after five years of excellent (and frequent) service, it is showing no signs of giving up. I have made use of both functions, i.e. the filter percolator as well as the espresso maker, and consider this machine to have been an ideal investment.

If you're looking for one you can depend on that's going to last a long time, I'd certainly go for it.

The only downside is the appearance. Standing beside the La Pavoni pump machine and certain Elektra models, it has to be said that this one can look a bit chunky and ordinary. It is a lot less expensive however, and I'd be surprised if the more elegant ones could really make a better cup of coffee.

While I do like it, the Krups makes a great coffee and it's a '3 in one', there are slight things I'm disappointed about... The coffee filter for the expresso coffe is a bit small. My old, cheap, basic one held more - so I could make more expressos....plus I'm a bit disappointed there isn't either cups (the box has a picture on it of two nice chrome cups!!) or milk jug to go with it...I have to use a gravy boat to catch the expresso as it is low and wide. My old one used a normal milk jug. BUT the expresso coffee is great (not used the filter yet - what filters do I need for it - none came with it.....!) it does look good. I agree you need to read the instructions, then forget them and just try it yourself - they aren't that clear BUT it is pretty easy.

I am a newcomer to the Espresso coffee scene and was given a Krups F8744338 Crematic Coffee Centre as a birthday prezzie from my partner. I must say that it produces a great espresso and the added bonus of the frother/hot water nozzle is great for making a quick cuppa when you fancy something different (much quicker than boiling the kettle!)The only downside is that the instructions could be written a little more clearly as it does take a little getting used to. Then again I am one of those people who tries to work it all out before reading the instructions,so it's probably not as bad as I thought!