Showing posts with label cappuccino. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cappuccino. Show all posts

11/09/2011

Bodum Shin Bistro 4-Ounce Milk Frother Review

Bodum Shin Bistro 4-Ounce Milk Frother
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have had my Bodum frother for about three years (older model than this one, black plastic top) and have had no problems with it other than my husband hitting the top rim with something and chipping the glass. I smoothed it out with an emery board nail file and it is fine, but that prompted me to look on Amazon to see if they still sold them so that I could order a backup but they are a little pricey now; I think I paid only about $10 for mine.

Many people have criticized this product because the glass broke and it seems many people are using metal spoons with it. To me it is common sense when dealing with a thin glass product such as this to use a plastic utensil if you need one. One of those long handled plastic spoons like you get at an ice cream shop work well. I usually just pour my froth out and wait a few seconds with a couple of little shakes which gets most of it out.
I always heat the milk (or half & half which I use most of the time) in the microwave first right in the beaker, then do the pumping and have had no problems doing it that way. I actually think heated milk froths better and creates a finer froth. Many people are under the false impression that heated milk won't froth but I think this is because most of the instructions on frothing are for espresso machines where it is always suggested to use very cold milk before steaming and frothing. But this is because of the heating factor with the hot steam. You have to use cold milk or you won't have enough time to froth before the milk reaches the ideal temperature. If you used preheated milk it would quickly overheat using hot steam to froth. So I think because of this many people assume that you need cold milk for any kind of frothing.
My Bodum has held up extremely well over the years that I have used it but I am careful with it and never put it in the dishwasher. I always immediately rinse both the wand and beaker, fill with a little warm water and detergent, then pump a few times to disperse the detergent. I then rinse well and air dry. I rarely take it apart to clean. Once in awhile I use a very soft brush to clean the screen.
This little frother is both convenient and stress free, no worrying about timing, or temperature, as with the espresso machine wands. You just pump for as long as you want until you're happy with the volume of your froth, which you can easily see because of the clear glass.
Laura

Click Here to see more reviews about: Bodum Shin Bistro 4-Ounce Milk Frother

Create a smooth and consistent milk foam without electricity. Bodum's Shin Bistro 5-Ounce Milk Frother is easy to use and quickly froths milk. Simply add cold non-fat milk to the fill line before setting the lid in place. Then pull and push the plunger until milk turns to a frothy foam. The volume of milk froth will approximately double. Allow the froth to sit for a minute and thicken. To heat the froth, remove the lid/plunger unit and put the carafe with frothed milk in the microwave on high for 20 seconds. Use a spoon to scoop out the frothy foam and top off favorite coffee drinks. Able to hold up to 5 ounces, the beaker is made of durable, heat-resistant borosilicate glass. All parts are dishwasher safe.

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7/28/2011

Delonghi EMK6 Alicia Electric Moka Espresso Coffee Maker Review

Delonghi EMK6 Alicia Electric Moka Espresso Coffee Maker
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
1/20/06 First reviewed: I received this as a gift and had about twenty wonderful cups of moka from this cute little electric machine, but then one day in the third week of ownership, steam went a'flyin outside of the moka maker instead of into the top chamber. I called customer service and was given a run-around, ugh. I was told that without a receipt I could buy the replacement unit for around $40 plus shipping. She said that most of their products have a 30 or 60 day warranty, which surprised me greatly. Since I'd owned the product for less than 30 days, I figured I was still in the warranty time any way one looked at it, but I was wrong. With no receipt, no exchange from DeLonghi. Well, I tried to use the unit after really tightening the top and bottom together and the escaping steam abated. The next week, the shut off valve on the heating unit started making a terrible noise and the unit wouldn't even start. It would be triggered within a few seconds to shut off, so I had nothing at all brewing. Aha, I regained my smartness finally, and took the item to Bed Bath and Beyond, and they were extremely gracious in having another sent to me because the store didn't have it in stock. I hope that when this replacement arrives in a week or two I'll love it again, but I hope this time it's a more long lasting relationship. I'll recommend that you buy this from Amazon because the price is substantially less but be sure to keep your receipt even if you register the warranty!
UPDATE 2/21/07 The replacement unit has been working flawlessly for a year now and it's used on a daily basis. I'd give it another star!
UPDATE 1/16/09 Another year has almost passed and this is still working great. With proper care, I think it will outlive us all!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Delonghi EMK6 Alicia Electric Moka Espresso Coffee Maker

The style of this sleek, ultramodern 3- to 6-cup espresso maker will complement any contemporary kitchen. Just fill the aluminum boiler with water and the filter with ground coffee, and in just a few minutes you'll have authentic Italian espresso. Simply remove the transparent container from the base to serve. It's durable and easy to clean. The warm function keeps espresso hot for 30 minutes. Other features include a filter adapter that lets you choose between three or six cups, an on/off switch with indicator light, a pressurized safety valve and a cool-touch handle. Cordless operation. Model EMK6.

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