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Capresso 303.01 4 Cup Espresso And Cappuccino Machine Review

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Want to know if the Capresso 303.01 is the right choice for you? Then check out this review. From features to pros and cons, you can discover everything you need to know about this coffee machine.

Capresso 303.01 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine Black 13.25" x 7.5" x 9.75"
  • Please refer to user guide or user manual or user guide (provided below in PDF) before first use

Here are some of the basic specs of the espresso machine:

  • Power: 800W
  • Safety Approval: UL Listed
  • Dimensions: 9.75 x 7.5 x 13.25 inches
  • Weight: 6lbs
  • Warranty: 1 Year

Here are the main features of the Capresso 303.01:

  • 4 cup steam boiler system
  • Coffee/steam selector
  • Swivel frother
  • Boiler cap with built-in safety valve

The Capacity Of Capresso 303.01 4 Cup Espresso

One of the main reasons you should consider buying the Capresso 303.01 machine is because of the sheer amount of coffee it produces.

Most espresso machines produce a single shot at a time. This requires you to go through an entire process over and over again if you want to make coffee for several people.

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With this machine, however, you can make a minimum of two espressos and a maximum of four. Best of all, you can do this in one go. This means that you only have to fill up the water reservoir and the portafilter one time. This cuts down on effort quite a bit.

There are four measurement lines on the glass carafe, indicating just how many shots there are. This is quite helpful when pouring out coffee for several people. You will be able to get the measurements exactly right.

As an added bonus, this machine is quite compact. It is certainly smaller than most espresso machines and even some drip coffee machines. The benefit, of course, is that it takes up a lot less space on the kitchen counter.

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What Kind of Brew to Expect

Considering how this model is different from most espresso machines, it is only natural to be curious about the kind of brew it produces.

It is not the same espresso that you get from traditional espresso machines. Instead, the brew is more similar to what you would get from a Moka pot. In essence, you get good, strong black coffee. As the coffee is brewing, you will notice a layer of cream on top.

If you are an espresso connoisseur, this machine may not have what you are looking for. However, if you enjoy stovetop coffee or are looking for a strong base for coffee-based drinks, you will enjoy what this model has to offer.

Using the Capresso 303.01 4 Cup Espresso

The Capresso 303.01 has been designed with the average user in mind. It doesn’t matter if you have little to no experience with espresso machines, this model is a breeze to work with. Just read the instruction manual and you will be good to go.

It won’t take you long to figure out how to use the 303.01. For instance, you just need to glance at the diagram on the machine, and you’ll be able to tell when the portafilter is in the “loose” or locked position. This cuts down on the risk of any mishaps when making coffee.

The 303.01 shows a gradient that you can follow depending on how strong you want your coffee to be. It’s simply a matter of sliding it into the right position. What’s more, you can easily tell when the machine is set to brew coffee vs. steam milk.

To get started, remove the cap on the top of the machine and fill up the reservoir to the desired amount. It is a good idea to use the carafe as a measurement, depending on how many drinks you want to make.

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Then, add the grounds to the portafilter. With this machine, there is no need to go through the process of tamping down the beans. Instead, just fill it up and pop it into place.

Then, choose the strength of your coffee and power up the machine. It can take a while for the machine to get started and for the coffee to start brewing. However, it does begin to speed up the closer it gets to the end of the cycle.

Once the carafe has filled up to the desired level, you can remove it and pour out the drinks.

Once you have used the milk steamer, you will have to release the pressure from the steam wand. Simply place a suitable container underneath and power up the machine. You can turn it off when there is no more steam billowing.

Making Coffee Drinks With Capresso 303.01 4 Cup Espresso Machine

This is a pretty versatile machine. It doesn’t just make espresso, but also cappuccinos. However, since the steam wand has a couple of different functions, you can make a variety of coffee drinks.

As with the rest of the machine, you can steam milk in larger quantities as well. You will have no problem steaming or frothing more than 32 ounces at one time. Of course, it can take you a while to perfect your method.

Another great feature is that you can decide on whether you want the milk to be steamed more or be frothier. On the wand, you will notice that there are three holes on the rubber portion. Depending on how you want your milk, place it so that it is above or below these holes.

As mentioned, this allows you to prepare the milk in a way that is suitable for a variety of coffee-based drinks.

Maintenance

This machine is pretty easy to maintain. Yes, it can take a while to get the steam out, but this doesn’t require much effort on your part.

As for the portafilter, it is just a matter of emptying it out and rinsing it. You can then pop it in and use it again. The glass carafe is dishwasher-friendly. This way, you can pop it in and forget all about it.

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All in all, it is far less work than most traditional espresso machines.

Durability

One of the biggest concerns with this machine involves the durability. While the machine is pretty solid, many users have complained that it tends to break down. Despite its one year warranty, it isn’t clear whether or not your complaints will always be covered.

That being said, the machine is certainly one of the more affordable espresso machines on the market. So, expectations will need to follow the price point. Nevertheless, it would still be nice to have a high-quality machine where such issues don’t crop up.

The Final Verdict

What’s the final verdict on the Capresso 303.1 machine? Well, if you are looking for something affordable, compact, and fuss-free, you will be hard-pressed to find a better machine, especially at this price point.

If you are a fan of milky and frothy coffee drinks, you’ll love the end results of this machine. Not to mention, you can whip up numerous cups with minimal effort.

This machine will fall short if you are a fan of true espressos and are looking for a sharp shot of coffee. At the same time, the lack of durability is concerning. If you can get over these issues, though, it is a pretty good machine to have around.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Capresso 303.01:

Does The Capresso 303.01 4 Cup Espresso Use Steam or Pressure for the Espressos?

Unlike high-end espresso machines, the 303.01 uses steamed water. This is pushed through the coffee grounds producing the resulting coffee.

How Long Does It Take for the Coffee to Be Brewed?

It can take up to five minutes for your coffee to be brewed. The process does speed up towards the end.

Is the Espresso Quality Consistent?

The strength and quality of the espresso will depend on the coffee grounds that you use as well as the strength you choose on the machine. If you wish for a stronger brew, then you will need to set the settings as such.

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Amazon Product(s) On This Page Was Last updated on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon PA API

About the author

Samuel
Samuel

Samuel is a coffee lover and a writer. He's travelled extensively throughout Southeast Asia and has soaked up the sun, the culture, and of course - the coffee. He loves to write about his experiences, and he hopes to travel even more in the future.

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