Okay, fellow caffeine addicts, let’s spill the beans on the Krups 867-42 Il Caffe Bistro. Full disclosure? I recently spent some quality time with this now-discontinued combo machine, and let me tell you, it was an experience. As a blogger whose veins practically flow with coffee, I’ve tangoed with a fair share of brewers, and this one? Well, it’s got character, to say the least.
First Glance:
Right off the bat, the Krups 867-42 looks like it’s ready to get down to business. Its sleek black design gives off a professional vibe, and the promise of both coffee and espresso from a single gadget is seriously tempting, especially if, like me, your kitchen counter is a constant battle for space. It’s not huge, measuring in at 10″D x 12″W x 13″H, and at a feather-light 5 pounds, you won’t need a forklift to move it.
The Coffee Lowdown:
Let’s kick things off with the coffee side of things. Brewing a regular pot is as easy as pie – pop in a filter, spoon in your favorite grounds, add water, and hit the button. It whips up to ten (smallish, 5-ounce) cups into a carafe that chills on a warming plate. And get this – it’s got a 20-second pause for mid-brew pouring! Perfect for those mornings when patience is… well, nonexistent. The coffee itself? Not too shabby! It’s your run-of-the-mill drip coffee, nothing to write home about, but it’ll definitely jolt you awake.
Espresso Escapades:
Now, for the espresso – buckle up, because this is where things get a tad…quirky. You’ve got your traditional tamping, twisting, and knob-turning routine. The machine boasts up to four teensy 2-ounce cups of espresso, and the steam nozzle with its frothing attachment is supposed to deliver those dreamy cappuccinos and lattes.
And here’s where my personal saga begins: I’ve battled that frothing attachment more times than I care to admit. Getting that silky-smooth microfoam? It’s an art, not a science. The steam nozzle does its thing, but it’s not exactly a powerhouse, so prepare to spend some quality time convincing your milk to cooperate. The espresso, when you finally nail it, is pretty decent. It won’t replace your local barista, but it’s a solid base for a latte.
The Oddities and Gotchas:
This machine definitely has its quirks. The separate water tanks are great for brewing coffee and espresso at the same time, but they also mean more refilling and cleaning. And speaking of cleaning, you’ve gotta keep that frothing nozzle squeaky clean to avoid clogs. Oh, and did I mention it’s discontinued? Finding spare parts might turn into a scavenger hunt.
The Final Sip:
The Krups 867-42 Il Caffe Bistro is a serviceable all-in-one machine for folks who want both coffee and espresso without emptying their wallets or sacrificing half their kitchen. But, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The espresso side takes some getting used to, and the overall build quality isn’t exactly top-of-the-line.
So, who’s it for?
- Someone craving a simple machine that does both coffee and espresso.
- Someone willing to learn the ropes with the espresso functions.
- Someone who’s okay with a discontinued model and the potential parts-hunt.
And who should steer clear?
- Espresso snobs who demand perfection.
- Those who want a super-easy, brainless coffee experience.
- Those who prefer readily available parts and customer support.
My Rating:
I’m giving it 3 out of 5 stars. It’s a decent machine with a bit of charm, but it’s showing its age and has a few quirks that might drive some people nuts. If you stumble upon it for a steal and you’re up for a challenge, go for it. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you if you end up spending more time fiddling with it than actually brewing.