Mr. Coffee ECMP50 Espresso/ Cappuccino Maker

Have the ability to make coffeehouse quality espressos and cappuccinos in the comfort of you own home. The Mr. Coffee 15-bar pump espresso maker delivers high-quality drinks on a consistent basis. The thermal block heater makes brewing faster and a removable water reservoir makes it easier to get started.


                                                            Average Customer Review:
                                                Super value - Super performance Apr 03, 2010

I was leary about a MrCoffe product that could produce acceptable espresso drinks. First it was so cheap and the brand has a low end reputation. Being strapped for cash pretty much excluded anything over $100 bucks so after much research I decided to try the Mr Coffee ECMP50, knowing that I could return it if it under delivered. After the first cup through the machine, I was totally blown away by the performance of the machine and would recommend this to anyone who wants a machine capable of making first rate espresso.



Now the details: I purchased my first pump espresso machine in the late 80's, a Krups machine styled a lot like the Mr Coffee and many others these days. The first one worked hard everyday for several years and was replaced with another which did fine service for many more. Kind of got the caffeine shakes and decided to lay off coffee for quite a few years. Came back to java this year and picked this one up.



First thing I did was rip the rubber thing off the steamer. Many years ago they started adding these things to make it easier for some to make decent foam and steam. If you master the steaming technique you don't need this thing and it made it harder for me. You have to learn when and how and where to place tip into the milk. It takes awhile to get it right everytime but once you get it, it is like riding a bike. Like I said my very first cup from this machine was perfect as well as the steamed frothy milk.



Somewhere I read the machine has 15 bars and it has plenty of power. You find this out when you have the grind maybe a bit too fine or you tamped a bit too much. A strong machine will push through to the end but may slow down but it will get the job done. This one does that just fine.



Bars also deliver the steam pressure and this one has plenty. It actually has such force you had better have the tip fully immersed in the liquid before flipping the switch as you will not be able to do it once any steam emerges due to immediate strong force. One thing which would be nicer is a rotary variable valve for delivering the steam incrementally. If you are moving fast, you can get the steamer moving toward the steam tip while starting to turn the value on and manually give it the full power once you got the tip in the liquid. This machine you have to get the tip in, then flip the steamer on. This is clearly a finer point in the use of the machine not the final result.



The machine gets ready in an amazingly short timeframe. I have not timed it but it must be no more than about 20-30 seconds and it is ready to go. By the time you grab the coffee and load it up, the machine is waiting for you to get that cup under there and go. Steaming takes a bit longer but it is still quite acceptable. What I do is as soon as the coffee is done, hit the steam button then go fetch the milk and put in the steamer cup. Stick the tip in and the machine will be ready to steam.



The machine is made cheaply, no getting around that. Lots of plastic and thin brushed metal. It certainly feels cheapish so if you want something with authority and status on the kitchen counter, look elsewhere. The machine makes a fair bit of noise, rattles while warming up and shakes enough to jiggle and move the cups from under the stream if not totally level. This can send some elsewhere but it is consistent with its exterior appearance. I may place a mouse pad underneath it and I suspect that will dampen the vibration and sound as well as level it up. Maybe putting a few sticky rubber feet will solve it too. Again, this has no effect on the quality of the espresso.



Filling the reservoir could not be simpler. Just lift the back and up it pops to get refilled. Our machine is located near the sink which has a pull out flex hose so we just pull it over the top of the machine and fill it up without removing it. Also the volume is good and you get many pulls before refilling.



Cleanup is really simple. Just a slight tilt of the tray and it slides out for easy dumping. Make sure to empty it sooner rather than later since once it is full, that slight tilt will splash water. Also, make sure to take a rag now and then and gently clean around the O-ring and mesh where the water comes out.



The only really serviceable part on this one like my old Krups is a rubber O-ring that seals the coffee holder. It will wear out at some point but no big deal to replace.



The only thing which remains a mystery is the internals and how well they will hold up over time. There really isn't too much too these things other than a thermo plate to heat the water, a thermostat, and a few values to control the flow of water and steam. But who knows. I just plan top keep the receipt and if it fails to perform prematurely, go get another under warranty.



All in all, this is an amazing machine and a super cheap price if your primary goal is to produce a first class cap or espresso. Honestly, if you have all your technique mastered and use good beans, you can produce on par with the best. It will rattle and look cheap and who know how long it will last but for the cost of buying 20 cups down the street it is a no brainer.
                                                        Decent for the price. Mar 31, 2010

Definitely better than my old steam-driven machine. The pump is a little loud, but that could only really be helped by better (more expensive) materials like an all metal case. It's no more loud than a cheap steam one though.



I have never had the water leaking problem that others had. The drip tray needs to be emptied about every 4 times you use it since the pump clears itself into it after every cycle.



This is a good value and I purchased mine open-box, making it an even better value. All the pieces were there and there were no cosmetic blemishes. This does not come with a carafe or the small espresso cups and has no frothing pitcher. I already had these from a previous machine, so I did not have to buy them extra.