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In this Discussion
After the old forum software breaking in a way that we were unable to fix, we've migrated the site to a new platform.
Some elements aren't working as we'd hoped - some avatars didn't survive the transition, and we're still having issues with attachments that weren't added as inline images, but we're hoping to have that all sorted out soon.
Some elements aren't working as we'd hoped - some avatars didn't survive the transition, and we're still having issues with attachments that weren't added as inline images, but we're hoping to have that all sorted out soon.
Krups XP5280
I picked up a used Krups XP5280 the other day and thought I should post some details about my initial experiences.
It is a small domestic espresso machine, which is quite nice to look at and uses standard thermoblock technology, but does have some slightly unusual features.
Usual removable (no drip) water tank, holds about 1l. Tiny drip tray, with an indicator to show when it is full.
The portafilter is pressurised for use with preground and will also happily accept ESE pods.
When switched on, it will not work until it determines that the thermoblock has warmed up. This does NOT mean the portafilter has warmed so it is wise to wait another few minutes before use.
It has separate buttons for single and double shot and the shot volume is programmable. Because of the size of the basket I would not recommend extracting a double shot.
The portafilter has a ratchet mechanism to ensure it does not dislodge while in use. This is integral to the 'self-tamping' described in the manual - Krups claim you do not need to tamp coffee, just fill the basket, lock and extract. There is also a push button on the base to help with ejecting the used coffee puck.
The sequence after pressing the button is that it runs the pump for one second (presumably to prefill the thermoblock or manage temperature), pauses for a couple seconds and pumps until preset volume is reached. It then discharges a small amount directly into the drip tray, as part of preparing for the next shot (not sure this actually does anything useful, but see below under steaming).
Steaming milk hasn't been tried yet - will check that out next. After coming up to temperature, it does the usual trick of pulsing the pump on and off to generate steam. When the steam valve is closed, it then pumps water through the thermoblock directly to the drip tray to cool it ready for the next shot.
The quality of the coffee it produces is pretty much what I expect from this type of domestic machine. I think temperature is too low, which is not at all unusual.
Keeping it clean will be important as there is no way to backflush and the pressurised filter basket can potentially build up stale coffee residue.
Will add a couple photos when I get a chance.
I shall also play a bit to see if I can improve the quality of the coffee produced.
It is a small domestic espresso machine, which is quite nice to look at and uses standard thermoblock technology, but does have some slightly unusual features.
Usual removable (no drip) water tank, holds about 1l. Tiny drip tray, with an indicator to show when it is full.
The portafilter is pressurised for use with preground and will also happily accept ESE pods.
When switched on, it will not work until it determines that the thermoblock has warmed up. This does NOT mean the portafilter has warmed so it is wise to wait another few minutes before use.
It has separate buttons for single and double shot and the shot volume is programmable. Because of the size of the basket I would not recommend extracting a double shot.
The portafilter has a ratchet mechanism to ensure it does not dislodge while in use. This is integral to the 'self-tamping' described in the manual - Krups claim you do not need to tamp coffee, just fill the basket, lock and extract. There is also a push button on the base to help with ejecting the used coffee puck.
The sequence after pressing the button is that it runs the pump for one second (presumably to prefill the thermoblock or manage temperature), pauses for a couple seconds and pumps until preset volume is reached. It then discharges a small amount directly into the drip tray, as part of preparing for the next shot (not sure this actually does anything useful, but see below under steaming).
Steaming milk hasn't been tried yet - will check that out next. After coming up to temperature, it does the usual trick of pulsing the pump on and off to generate steam. When the steam valve is closed, it then pumps water through the thermoblock directly to the drip tray to cool it ready for the next shot.
The quality of the coffee it produces is pretty much what I expect from this type of domestic machine. I think temperature is too low, which is not at all unusual.
Keeping it clean will be important as there is no way to backflush and the pressurised filter basket can potentially build up stale coffee residue.
Will add a couple photos when I get a chance.
I shall also play a bit to see if I can improve the quality of the coffee produced.
Comments