Capresso EC100 Espresso Cappuccino Machine Review

By Paul Carabis | Capresso

Sep 03

With appliances taking up so much of our counter space, we want a machine that can do it all. If you are like us, you cannot stand having to move from the coffee brewer, to the steamer, to the frother, etc. It is like all of a sudden your home café has turned into a one person assembly line. We have found the solution in the Capresso EC100 Cappuccino Machine, and at a fantastic price too. Capresso is actually a rather young, US-founded company, but what they lack in age they more than make up for in price and product quality.

Capresso EC100 Espresso Cappuccino Machine Review

What Makes it Different?

The EC100 was built for people just like you. You want to save money on your morning cappuccino or espresso but do not want to give up the satisfying taste and comfort. On average the daily coffee drinker spends over $1,000 per year. Well, consider this money saver your ticket to an extra $850 a year. And you do not have to give up the morning beverage you love.

Product Details
  • Coffee Compatibility: Coffee pod or pre-ground coffee
  • Frother: Yes. It has two frothing positions for topping lattes and cappuccinos
  • Hot Water: Yes.
  • Pressure System: 15 Bar
  • Pressure Power: 1350 Watts, 120 Volts
  • Boiler Size: None
  • Wait Time: Varies on the coffee type being brewed, but usually only a couple of minutes.
  • Water Level Detection: None.
  • Removable Tank: Yes.
  • Tank Capacity: 46 ounces
  • Auto Power Off System: No
  • Grinder: Not included.
  • Body Material: Stainless steel
  • Size: 11 ¾” x 8 ¼” x 10 ¼”
  • Weight: 9 pounds
  • Warranty: 1 year for household use
  • Indicator Lights/Buttons: On/off power buttons and coffee/steaming lights.

Capresso has managed to combine the simplicity of a coffee pod brewer with the power of a commercial espresso machine. The EC100 makes it easy to pop in a pod or some finely ground coffee and watch as it quickly reaches optimum temperature. It then asks if you want to top your drink with some deeply delicious crema. Our advice, do not miss out on the crema.

What Other Espresso Dreamers Are Saying

User Rating: From hundreds of online ratings, you’ll typically find this machine rates through the roof! It rarely received under 8/10 ratings. Buy with confidence!

Good tasting espresso for a modest price. I’ve used a number of these type of home espresso machines and I think this one is pretty good, especially for the price. Like many, the biggest drawback is that you have to manually monitor the brew. It doesn’t automatically stop when your single or double shot is done. The good news is that it only takes about 30 seconds anyway. I think the key to these machines is to adjust your expectations. My experience was that it produced a smooth, non bitter espresso with a nice crème. It takes up little space and is easy enough to use every day. Source

Great little machine! I’ve had this machine for well over a year now and it works great. Absolutely no problems with making a decent expresso. The frother works very well too. The only problem I’ve found is that it is nearly impossible to remove the black cone on the frother for a good cleaning. I clean it by putting a cup of hot water under it and running the frother. It takes a little while, and does a pretty good job. If you’re a neat-freak, it would drive you crazy. Source

Wonderful cup of coffee, lots of crema produced to my delight. I feel like a barista because it tastes like a pro made it every time. The frother works quickly and very well. The only con is that I have to remove the grate at bottom so I can fit my non-cappuccino cups that are too tall. I am extremely happy with this purchase and I know it is a solid machine that will last a good long while. Reasonable price to boot. Enjoy! Source

We want one of these for home AND office! With a price tag of only $150 it is hard not to make the investment. What people are saying only makes our decision easier. Sorry Starbucks, but it looks like the three dollars we spend every day are going to stay in our pockets.

Similar Products

The next level of this machine is significantly more expensive but brings more commercial qualities to the table. The De’Longhi Magnifica uses a compact double boiler and boasts its auto-abilities. It brews the kind of coffee you wish your local café did.

If you are looking for something similar or a machine to compare this to, check out the De’Longhi kMix Espresso machine. It provides the same functions without the coffee pod ability. Its price tag is almost double but it does not require the ultra-fine coffee grind that this machine does.

Final Thoughts

The Capresso EC100 brings everything you want in your mug to your home. We are excited about the money we are saving and you should be too! Because they know you sometimes you do not have enough time, Capresso gives the ability to use coffee pods instead of grinding your own beans. It lets you control the strength of your brew and delivers a drink catered to your coffee desires.

Find out more info and read user reviews about the Capresso EC100 Espresso Cappuccino Machine

Cappuccino Machine Buying Guide

Nothing beats a perfect cup of frothy cappucino in the morning before conquering the day. Anybody who cannot start the day without a good cup of coffee will find it ideal to invest in a high-quality cappuccino machine. There are many things to consider when looking for the right machine. With so many options out there today, purchasing a cappuccino machine can be difficult, which is why this buying guide is here to help you out.

Factors to Consider

Here are the important things to look for when finding the right cappuccino machine:

  • The number of cups it can make – a high-end model can make more than just a cup of coffee, meaning other people in the house can get to drink one, too.
  • The time factor when making coffee – not all people have the luxury of time to wait for a cup of coffee. A quality machine can make a cup or more in several minutes.
  • The water source – Many machines have a removable water tank that makes coffee making more convenient.
  • The ease of cleaning _ Some machines can do self-clean, but most will require you to pour a special solution a few times each year to extend the machine’s life.

Types of Cappuccino Machines

There are many types of coffee makers that you can choose from, such as:

  • Pump Type: This is the most powerful type, and it works by heating the water to a certain temperature before pushing water through the fine coffee grounds.
  • Steam Type: This one works like pump machines, but tend to be less powerful and cheaper. However, it sometimes fail to release water pressure consistently.
  • Pod Type: This one is convenient for people on the go. All you need is to drop the pod into the machine, pour in some water, and press some buttons to start the process.

Key Features

Aside from the basic functions, many cappuccino machines will offer optional features that will speed up the coffee making process. They may, however, require an added cost.

  • Milk Frothers: People will surely look forward to this one. Some models automatically froth the milk and place it to the cup after brewing the coffee, while others have separate cups and steam wants.
  • Easy-of-Use: The higher-end models are normally easier to use than their cheaper counterparts. Some models can do all the work for you, while others will show you how much water you need to brew a certain number of coffee.
  • Solenoid Valve: Many high-end cappuccino machines have this feature that controls the pressurized water to let you brew and pull the shots of espresso.
  • Automatic Grinders: This feature will let you pour your desired amount of coffee beans, push a few buttons, and then let the machine do the grinding and brewing for you.
  • Other Features: You will also want to look for machines with cup warmers, adjustable beverage sizes, time displays, and other features that will improve your coffee-making experience.

Coffee has become a morning tradition for most people. Owning a cappuccino machine will ensure that you have the perfect brew everyday at a cheaper cost. Follow the tips above so you can finally have your own cappuccino machine.

About the Author

Hi, I'm Paul Carabis, coffee lover (ok, maybe coffee addict). I started this website as a way to document the best coffee machines, products and information for personal use and it took off from there! Now I help thousands of readers per month and I trust that I've helped you too!