by phil » Thu Sep 18, 2003 2:46 pm
OK, I've used this pot once or twice every day since I bought it. I've used a press pot once or twice only since then.
Yup, I definitely like the results. Cleaner tasting than FP, although FP might benefit heavier coffees such as Indos for example. If you like brewed coffee (i.e. you're not a total espresso bigot) then this machine is worth buying.
What I don't like so much :
Cleaning isn't hard, but it's more hassle than for FP. Everything is "hand wash only" - you can't just stick it in the dishwasher. For FP I just empty the pot on the garden, swill it out under the tap and stick everything in the dishwasher. Press pots are cheap, so I just keep a few in the cupboard.
For the eSantos on the other hand, I take out the top part, remove the lid, chuck the grounds on the garden, rinse it out under the tap and then hand wash it, the lid and the filter. The bottom part is harder to clean as it's effectively am electric kettle, so you can't just chuck it in the sink. I fill it with water and soap and give it a good broggle with a washing up sponge. Altogether this whole cleaning process takes about five minutes. No big deal, but not as simple as the FP. Also, since the units are GBP 50 each I don't want more than one.
Finally, the rubber seal keeps coming off, but it's not hard to put back on.
Go on, get yourselves one. You can't call yourselves coffee geeks if you just use espresso machines all the time! Get to know the wider world of coffee!