I had high hopes for this machine, as my last Krups model lasted nearly 10 years of daily use. Wow, what a downgrade. Not only the longest brew time I've ever encountered, but the process stutters - stopping up to 2 minutes before continuing - several times before it's done. The engineering is flawed, and steam leaks from everywhere. It's also prone to explosive outbursts, spewing water and sometimes grinds 2-3 feet. This machine has scared the hell out of me more than once. I'm already looking into a replacement.

You don't really expect to buy an espresso machine for $50, do you? This Krups Allegro makes good (not great) strong coffee. I had it for about 3 years and overall it's a good product. During this time the pitcher was broken (my favorite glass coffee mug replaced it) and the little plastic piece on the filter handle fell off (no big deal), but otherwise it still runs like new. My wife forgot to turn it off a few times and realized it some 20 minutes later, and while I expected the heating elements to burn down and die - it survived. The milk frother works just fine for cappuccino (but warm it before frothing).

So, while Krups calls it espresso maker it definitely is not. It lacks the pump to deliver sufficient pressure to make it a real espresso. If you try to make espresso on Allegro the way it should be done (get really fine consistent grind coffee tamped to a level "brick", etc.) Allegro will choke on it and the pressure build up will turn it into life-threatening device as it is not build for it.
To get a good strong coffee (which some may even take for espresso) you need to put regular (i.e. medium or drip-coffee) grind coffee and tamp it down a bit so that it does not have a fresh snow softness. When I did not have a tamper I was using my vitamins' bottle cap :). Without this little tamping - your coffee will probably suck (but don't pack it down too hard - see above).
Did I mention that you have to put enough coffee? "4" marker inside the filter is to be matched with "4" on the pitcher. However, for better results try to use with 2+2. And please, use only just-grinded coffee.

If you want to enjoy a real creamy espresso at home you need a good pump machine and burr grinder. I personally really like my Gaggia Carezza coupled with Capresso Infinity (about $300 together) - although espresso "experts" might look down at them as not classy enough.

This is a great machine! I have owned this for a little over 4 weeks now, and have had zero problems. It gets a fair amount of work, with two lattes made in the morning and one for me again at lunch. Cleaning is easy and simple, and the instructions detail how to make all kinds of drinks. You won't be disappointed.

For the money, this is a good appliance. I'm concern that it won't last very long...and think it's unfortunate that Krups has used some cheaper components than the older models (i.e. hollow plastic handle). I've paid more for a stainless steel pump model, and prefer this one.

A great buy. I worked at starbucks so this was a easy transition and it works just fine. I would recommend this to a friend any day.

I received this for Christmas 3 years ago and it kept up with daily useage ever since. Easy to use and economical...and it makes a decent cup of espresso. I particularly love the frothing attachment, it makes great foam and fairly quickly and quietly by comparison to others I have used.
I'm purchasing a new one today.

Works OK for a quick espresso. Cheap two-prong seal lets pressure & steam escape before it filters through to the cup.

Sturdy well made product. Took a little getting used to especially steaming milk but I would purchase this product again.

This is a great value. The frother is a little too close to the side of the machine, though, so it's hard to move the pitcher around enough to froth the milk very well.

This makes a lousy espresso. There is no crema and it produces an average looking cup of coffee, except less volume. I would discourage anyone craving a great shot of creamy espresso from buying this. Spend the extra bucks for a pump or fully automated one.

Add me to the list of buyers who owned previous Krups espresso machines and are dismayed by the current version. The basket does not make a tight enough fitting with the seal above and water sprays out when coffee is brewing. Following the directions in the manual, I steam milk first -- which should be lessening the pressure -- and then turn the dial to brew the espresso. It begins slowly dripping, as my two previous Krups machines did, but then the seals quickly give out and water sprays over the machine, the counter and me. What ends up in the carafe is watered down, since the pressure is too great for the grounds to be in contact with the water long enough to pick up the flavor.

Since Amazon's return policy states the product has to be unopened, I looked to Krups for a solution. All they seem to offer -- via recorded message -- is the opportunity to ship the unit, at my expense, to a repair service. Since the problem is inherent in the design -- two flanges on the basket holder instead of the three previous models had -- I don't see what I will gain by shipping the unit in for warranty work. The gray rubber gasket is soft and pliable; replacing it should not be necessary. Perhaps they would ship me a new unit, but from what I've read here, the chances that it would have the same problem are high.

I had another Krups before this one and it was getting old and well used. It still worked ok but I decided I needed to "upgrade". Boy was I wrong... about the upgrade part. This new one lasted about 10 - 15 lattes and then poof the valve that switches between brew and steam decided to no longer work. By the time it had stopped working I had already thrown away my old one. The funny thing is I bought my old Krups at a thrift store for 8 bucks at it lasted about 5 years... man I shoulda kept it!

This is my 3rd espresso maker and after one month (and maybe 6 uses) the steamer does not work anymore. I had a $30 coffeemate cappuccino maker at one time that was not only the easiest to use, but it lasted a whole year making mochas everyday. The Krups steamer is too close to the body of the machine and it is difficult to move your steamer cup; You will burn yourself until you get it down pat. Also, the machine only allows 8 oz of water at one time, which makes it hard to brew and steam for two coffee drinks without refilling the water. (Assuming you are making two espresso shots for each drink) and when you have to unscrew the top to add more water, you have to open it and quickly move your hand or you will get burned by the pressured steam coming out. A big pain in the rear is what this machine is.

This machine leaked all over my countertop. There was water flowing from every seam, top and bottom of the machine. I had about 1 oz. of coffe at the end of the cycle, the rest was water all over the counter.

Great product, Just like in french/italian bakeries. All you need is a decent coffee and thermometer to warm the milk up to 150F. The only thing is that you have to do a thorough cleaning after each use. So it is not for a everyday coffee.

I give it one star because at least you can get a "just-ok" shot of espresso out of it but forget anything with steamed milk. Like a lot of people, I had the predecessor to this machine. It got heavy use but after 12 years the steamer was weakening. Being so pleased with the first one, I didn't even consider another brand and went right out and got this one...the fact that it was $50 cheaper then the first one I bought should have given me a clue!

The steamer is practically useless after only a few days. It barely steams - it's barely even hot - I can place my hand under the steamer! I've tried all sorts of different ways - steaming at the beginning (after waiting the recommended 2-3 minutes for heating up) steaming in the middle, steaming at the end. I've tried different milks (KRUPS recommends whole). I've made sure the wand is thoroughly cleaned in and out. I make sure the pressure is released after I use it.

I also feel a little unsafe around it - the thing is definitely building up pressure - when I switch back to the coffee after trying my luck at steaming, the espresso explodes out of the maker. I guess you can say user error, but really, how hard should this be? With the old one, it was pour in the coffee, pour in the water, let it drip some espresso, turn the knob to steam, turn the knob back and you're done - in about 1 1/2 mins and you had a steaming hot cappucino. With this one, I've held the milk jug in the steamer for 4 mins and all I get is lukewarm milk while steam sputters and spits along the outside of the machine. There has to be some defect in the machines that some of us have purchased. I'm not happy with this one at all.

I have owned this machine for over a year and a half and had never had a problem with it.
I love espresso and I cannot live without my morning cappuccini. This is a sturdy and reliable machine, and as every other espresso machine it requires some skill. You need to make sure the water isn't filled all the way to the top because then you loose the crema and some of the flavor. The steamer woks wonderfully even though it is not the best one there is (a bit weak). The main defect I find with this is that the steamer doesn't move, thus you can fit limited sizes of jugs and it is uncomfortable to clean.
However, I must stress that this is an excellent machine especially given the price.
I would recommend it to everyone!

Our Krups FND111 seems like a good espresso machine for the money. A bit too much plastic, but I can live with that as long as it holds up.

Well, I will, just because I'm so pissed off about this piece of KRAP. I got this as a Xmas present, and I was SO excited! That is, until I tried to use it! The first time we used it the gasket on the percolation head failed and the machine blew high pressure boiling water and coffee all over me and my husband and made a huge mess of our kitchen. If you are brave enough to try this machine anyway, be sure you always stand away from it or you may get burned!! Also-be sure that you don't turn up the pressure too high on the steam wand because you will get so much froth it will also go all over you and your kitchen. In all, the lesson learned here is, the machine makes decent espresso, but you will pay DEARLY for it! And be sure you buy it from a place that will allow you to return it if it breaks.

Impressions afrer two months of daily use. Owned two krups bravo mashines before and was very satisfied (especially, with the one made in Switzerland - lasted 7 years). Allegro is bad all over. At first thought that my machine was defected, but after reading the reviews I understood that the unit is simply very poorly done. The seals leak steam and water everywhere (be prepared to clean up the mess) when you use fine espresso grind. The coffee tastes mediocre and burned. Very bad design and substandard performance. Avoid this product.

I bought this machine because my old one had started leaking - this one leaks right out of the box and the materials it is made of are nothing as durable as the older models. Lower price, lower quality. Does not make as much coffee as the older model either. The quality of the coffee it makes, although slightly better than the Senseo by Philips, still leaves a lot to be desired.

It works, but the lack of an on/off switch to make the water hot is annoying and makes the machine awkward to use.

This is our fourth Krups kitchen appliance. We are not surprised at the consistant quality throughout their product line.

This a good machine for the price. Make sure to use
coarse ground coffee rather than fine. I froth the
milk at the very end of the brewing process rather
than at the beginning as the owner's manual suggests.
It even froths light soy milk! Looks very stylish
on the counter too.

This espresso maker does a decent job. I had one before that was another brand, but almost identical in build quality and I wouldn't be surprised if they had been made in the same factory with different branding and exteriors. The other one had items that broke soon, so I'm taking care with this one - especially the clip that holds the filter, I don't use it. And with the handle that holds the filter, be gentle. I wash out the filter after separating it from the handle. The other one I had broke where the handle meets the metal cup/funnel portion that holds the filter.

This espresso/cappucino maker replaced a 30+ year old Krups 963 that finally quit. However, the brew from the 963 was superb. The FND1, after one month, has rust spots on basket holder (the part with handle). Also the tab on the basket holder, which holds the filter insert, broke. The coffee tastes horrible. I have not change brand of coffee or water: all of the coffee stuff is the same. FWIW, I cleaned the FND1 per the instructions but still the coffee is YUK!

Mike

This small, simple machine is perfect for making 1-2 servings of espresso or cappucino/latte. If you can work a regular, drip-style coffee-maker then you can work this machine. Simply add coffee, measure and add water, then screw-on the pressure-seal top. If you want espresso, turn to "brew" and in a few minutes you're done. For cappucino/latte, turn to "steam" first so you can steam your milk first then turn to "brew" to finish the coffee. (I like mixing in some chocolate and/or caramel syrup with the milk first!) It's as simple as that!

Be prepared for a little frustration: The steaming wand is small and it only works well with your cup or the tiniest of pitchers. It's also a bit messy to steam milk.... Krups suggests using a cup to collect the drips on the end of the wand, but I still find a way to get milk all over the countertop. And when your house-guests come over and want a coffee-drink, this machine can only brew 4 "Italian" cups or 2 "American" cups at one time. (For me, I can barely stretch it to 2 small servings)

After you compare how much you at Starbucks for a similar drink, buying this machine and your own coffee is so much cheaper! And it takes just as much time to use this machine than it takes to buy a cappucino. It's well worth it if you like making your own stuff!

A friend gave one of these to my daughter for Christmas last year. She loved it so much that she got one for me for my birthday. It makes terrific espresso. The steamer/frother takes a little practice, but works really well. (Cleaning hint: fill your frothing pitcher with warm salt water & run some steam through the steamer while plunged into the salt water. Withdraw steamer tip. Move fast - you need to wipe it clean before it dries. This gets milk residue off VERY quickly and easily.) Both she and I love this machine!

Krups FND111 Allegro Espresso Maker, Black & Silver

I bought this for my boyfriend for his birthday. Its been over a month and he's used it almost every day. He said it takes some getting used to with the frothing, making sure the milk is warm/hot. He also cleans the nozzle after every use with a wet rag, both the outside piece and removing it to clean the nozzle itself, otherwise it will get dried over with the milk residue, etc.

I've never had cappucino's before, but now that he makes them, I'm hooked!

I have had both Krups and Capresso espresso machines. This Krups is the worst of the 3 I've had. The coffee filter doesn't fit very tightly, and steam escapes around it. The directions suggest steaming the milk before making the coffee, but that absolutely doesn't work well. All in all, I was very disappointed in the quality of the machine. Krups usually has top notch products. Ah well, it does make my latte in the morning, so I'm going to stick with it. I wouldn't recommend it over a Capresso though.

I have had a bad experience with this particular espresso machine. The first one I received would spray steam and water all over the counter whenever you brew espresso. I exchanged the item for a replacement thinking that it was simply defective....needless to say the second unit was probably worse than the first unit spraying nearly a whole shot of espresso all over the counter and the unit itself. I would definitely recommend choosing another brand or model of espresso machine. I am now returning the item for a different unit.

All in all, this product is ideal for the college student who simply can't afford nicer, more advanced models. I will add, however, that it seems very well built, it gets water hot fast, and there is little maintainance involved. I toast to little maintainance!

I previously owned two Krups steam espresso makers (the mini and another like it) and each lasted several years of heavy use and made lovely morning lattes. I spent the last year with a little Melitta maker that made good coffee but died after a year. So I went back to Krups and am I ever disappointed! This machine is awful! The seals leak steam and water everywhere, and the coffee isn't very good. I don't like the new style steamer wand -- it pulls in too much air, so it bubbles the milk instead of frothing it (I addressed this by replacing the attachment from the old Melitta maker). I've tried reducing the amount of grounds as well as water but nothing seems to help. Waste of money!

Edited 5/2008 to add: Well, I limped along with the Allegro by fashioning extra washers to keep it from leaking and using the Melitta frother. However, this month, after 7 months of once-a-day use, the cheapo knob to switch from espresso to steam broke off in my hand. This is such a piece of junk. Would give it negative stars if I could.

Do not buy this machine. Not only does it make only a very weak brew, but the steamer wand on mine stopped working properly after less than 4 months! So while at first I thought I could make a second-rate fascimile of a latte (forget about real espresso with a crema), now I can't even do that!
The bottom line: if I had to do it over again, I would not buy this machine again; I would spend $50 extra right from the start and buy the entry-level DeLonghi pump machine instead.
By the way, no matter what kind of espresso machine you have, make sure always to use a very finely ground of coffee in it -- it'll improve the flavor and consistency of the espresso!

purchased as a gift for my son. He gives it rave reviews. Very please with the performance.