KRUPS XP1500: A Blast from the Past – Does It Still Brew Up a Good Cup?
Okay, coffee lovers, let’s dive into a machine that’s been around the block a few times: the KRUPS XP1500 Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine Combo. Forget those fancy, app-controlled gadgets for a minute. This is old-school cool, a solid, no-nonsense machine that promises both your regular joe and a shot of espresso. But does it deliver?
First Impressions:
Right out of the box, the XP1500 has a certain vintage appeal. The black finish with stainless steel accents? Classic. But yeah, the plastic bits definitely hint at its age. It’s a hefty unit, taking up a good chunk of counter space at roughly 15 x 12 x 13 inches, so measure twice! What’s cool is the combo design – a full-size coffee maker on one side, a smaller espresso machine on the other. Pretty neat, right?
Coffee Time:
The coffee maker side? Pretty standard stuff. It’s your basic drip machine with a swing-out filter, a brew-pause thingy (perfect for sneaking a cup mid-brew), and a warming plate. It brews a decent pot, no fireworks, but reliable. I do like the water-level thing; it’s a small detail that helps.
Espresso: Adventures in Steaming (Literally):
Now, the espresso side… well, that’s where things get interesting. It’s a 4-bar steam machine, which is a far cry from the pump-driven ones you see everywhere now. Let me tell you, getting that dark, rich crema? Tricky. It takes practice, and you need a super-fine grind.
I’ll never forget my first attempt. I tamped like a pro, locked the thing in, and flipped the switch. The machine sputtered, and eventually, a thin stream of something vaguely espresso-like dripped into my cup. Taste? Meh. Not the intense shot I was craving. But, after a few tries, I figured it out: super-fine grind is key, and tamp that sucker down! Oh, and be patient; it’s slower than those fancy pump machines.
The steam nozzle? Works okay for frothing milk. Getting that perfect microfoam for latte art? A challenge, for sure. But, with some elbow grease, you can whip up a decent cappuccino or latte.
The Good Stuff:
- Two-in-One: Coffee and espresso in one machine? Handy, especially if you’re tight on space.
- Easy Peasy: The controls are super simple. No PhD required.
- Tank You: The removable water tank makes filling and cleaning a breeze. Seriously.
- Budget-Friendly: Given its age, you can often snag this machine for a steal.
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
- 4-Bar Blues: The low pressure means your espresso won’t be top-tier. Just being honest.
- Plastic Fantastic? The plastic feels a bit cheap and might not last forever.
- Small Shots: The 4-cup espresso thing is a bummer if you’re making drinks for a crowd.
The Bottom Line:
The KRUPS XP1500 is a solid entry-level combo machine, especially if you’re on a budget or just want something simple. But, if you’re a serious espresso snob, you might be disappointed by the steam system. It’s a good pick for folks who want both coffee and espresso but aren’t super picky about the espresso quality. Think of it as a reliable, if a bit dated, workhorse that’ll get the job done with a little patience. It’s not winning any awards, but it might just keep you caffeinated.