Espressione Retro Reviews & Tests

Consumer review (coffeegeek.com)

Great while it lasted. Saving up for a proper machine. Not for daily use.

Shopped around a bought this Kenwood Cafe Retro from Whittards in the UK. Worked very well if not a little messily for around 6 months. Produced good crema (not excellent). Inconsistent shots but suspect due to tamping / grind. Generally pleased with...

Looks great, if a little cheap. Makes excellent shots, lattes etc. Good value for money

Drips a lot. Small water reserve. Broke down after 6 months - no steam pressure

Nov, 2008

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Consumer review (coffeegeek.com)

Great Crema, Fantastic Froth, Not Idiot Proof

This is a great machine - but making a great latte on it requires attention and involvement from the operator. It's not for the Espresso Novice. Other espresso machines I've owned have allowed the operator to press a button, walk away, come back...

Great Crema ; Fantastic Froth

Location & Size of Water Tank ; High Maintenance" Machine

Jun, 2008

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Consumer review (coffeegeek.com)

Not worth the cheap price tag. Wait a couple extra months and save up for something better.

I got this machine for my birthday (yesterday) and I was able to make two pretty good cappucinos, the espresso even had a nice crema, but then it never worked again.

A great looking machine, and a great price

The arm ceased ; Temperature Issues ; Flimsy

Nov, 2007

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Consumer review (coffeegeek.com)

I recommend the Cafe Retro to anyone who just want somewhat good espresso, but doesnt care much (or at all) about making the perfect espresso shot.

The Kenwood Cafe Retro was the first real espressomachine I bought, hoping it would satisfy my needs for the time being. I was hoping I could keep this machine for a while, to learn and become a skillfull barista, you see, one of the mayor goals in my...

Strong steam preassure and good heating/cooling time ; Accurate temperature meter ; Nice design (hey, at least it's something!)

The machine is dependant on it's crema enchanter (a special type of portafilter basket) to gain enough preassure to make good espresso ; If you want to develop your skills as a barista, this machine will become very limiting very soon ; Unneccesarily...

Jul, 2007

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