Why does this not cost more? (Cookworks Espresso Maker CM0016)

Member Name: mdp97jes

Product:	Cookworks Espresso Maker CM0016
Date:	05/03/02 (1397 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Small capacity - brews quick, froths milk, low price

Disadvantages: small capacity?

When a relative gave my hubby some money for his Birthday, he didn't really know what to buy. A quick look through the Argos catalogue came up with this - a coffee (and espresso) maker that also makes frothy milk (for capuccinos) for only £20.

We were suspicious at first because this was only half the price of the next cheapest model, but had basically the same features. The other two in the catalogue were £80 and £100 which was similar to the price of them when we had considered buying one a while ago, and much more than we wanted to pay.

Ok, so what do you get for your £20? If you just want basic espresso (strong black coffee) then this makes 2-4 cups. Espresso cups are the really dinky ones, so this really means 1-2 regular coffee cups or one mug. (I wouldn't recommend drinking a whole MUG of espresso though!)

Although it doesn't say so in the instructions, it can also be used to make regular strength coffee - simply put half as much coffee in the dispenser. This will make up to 2 cups or 1 mug. Alternatively, if you want 2 mugs, make it full strength and then top the mugs up with boiling water from the kettle.

I'm making this sound all very complicated, but its quite simple really!

However, black coffee is not really why my hubby wanted it - he's a capuccino fan. This was what really attracted him to this.

When the coffee is nearly finished you simply switch it over to 'steam' and stick the nozzle in the milk. Bingo - frothy milk. Overall it takes about 2 minutes from start to finish to make a mug of capuccino.

The maker is also really easy to clean. The little glass pot just rinses clean and the coffee can just be scraped out of the dispenser. The nozzle for the milk needs to be wiped straight away or the milk sticks a bit, but that is no major problem.

For those wanting the techy details, they are as follows (or see p471 of the spring/summer 2002 arg
os catalogue):

- 735 watts
- stainless steel filter
- air nozzle for frothing milk
- coffee jug with cool touch handle
- removable drip tray for easy cleaning
- 4 bar pressure.

Overall this is absolutely stunning value for money.

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