Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Over the years I’ve owned Krupps, earlier Hamilton Beach models and for the past decade I’ve stuck with Delonghi even though the pumps are weak and go bad after 18 months or so. I read the reviews for this unit and decided to give it a try after my latest Delonghi pump failure. It makes an outstanding cup of espresso! Extraction is excellent. A rich crema is produced every time through superb engineering of the espresso filter and the espresso filter holder. The unique espresso filter holder clamp illustrates Hamilton Beach thoughtfully approached not only making the best cup of espresso at this price point but also making it consumer friendly. There is only one problem. After my first use I dumped the espresso grounds, rinsed the espresso filter and filter holder and placed them on my drying rack. The next morning I noticed that the interior of the espresso filter holder was oxidizing. Numerous powdery aluminum deposits were visible. I contacted customer support and let them know the problem I was having. They immediately sent a replacement filter holder and again after one use the same oxidizing occurred and the same powdery aluminum deposits were present. The outside of the filter holder seems to have a kind of coating but for some reason this does not continue to the interior. So until Hamilton Beach fixes this issue with the espresso filter holder, I strongly recommend you pass on this otherwise outstanding espresso maker. Powdery oxidized aluminum is probably not a good thing to drink.