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Starbucks Sirena Espresso Machine, Stainless and Black by Starbucks Coffee Co
List Price: $599.99Our Price: $199.97You Save: $400.02 (67%)Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Kitchen See more product details
Product SummaryManufacturer: Starbucks Coffee Co Brand: Starbucks Release Date: 2007-12-13 Model: 398574 Product features: - 15-bar pump-driven espresso machine with stainless steel broiler and patented back pressure adapter
- Dual brewing spout; one-touch pre-measured single and double shots; user-programmable settings
- Steam wand with pannarello adapter; Rapid Steam boiler for rapidly switching from brewing to frothing
- Accommodates E.S.E. pods and ground espresso, 57.5-ounce removable water tank, adjustable and removable drip tray
- Measures 13 by 15 by 12 inches; 1-year limited warranty
Accessories:
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Starbucks Sirena Espresso Machine, Stainless and BlackCustomer Review: Sirena makes very good espresso but too many little inconveniences Summary: 4 Stars
I was very excited to be able to buy the Sirena for $299.99 on Amazon. What a great deal! I knew from reading the reviews here to immediately make the hole larger in the rubber disk if I wanted to use the portafilter in its pressurized configuration. Since I don't have a good tamper I decided to try it with the rubber inserts. It worked perfectly, no leakage or problems, so I must have successfully opened up the hole enough. Thanks to all of the reviewers who mentioned this!
From my very first shot the espresso was delicious. I am using the new organic Sumatra from Starbucks. I was worried about the grind being fine enough since I'm am using a cheapie grinder, not a burr, but had no problems and I am amazed at the consistency of the wonderful taste of the espresso. I like my coffee strong so I fill the portafilter more than the recommended 3/4 full.
Now for the little problems/inconveniences. I did not see this first item mentioned in any of the reviews I read. The stainless steel filter insert fits so tightly into the portafilter that the only way I can get it out is to pry it out with a thin screwdriver. Even my strong son could not get it out with his fingers. This becomes a real inconvenience for cleaning purposes if you frequently make espresso.
Also, the portafilter unit itself is extremely hard to twist into place. One reviewer mentioned that this machine was heavy enough that when guiding the portafilter into place you did not have to hold onto the machine. Well, that is not the case with mine; I have to practically "hug" the machine to hold it in place while I insert and move the portafilter into place. I thought it would loosen up after a few days but it has not.
Two other smaller issues. The top cup warmer simply does not warm anything. Even after the machine has been on for a couple of hours you can still place your hand on it. To truly warm up cups it would have to be way too hot to touch. Not a big deal but they shouldn't advertise a cup warmer feature that doesn't work. The other small annoyance is the water level warning light. It goes on when the tank is still 1/3 full and the machine will not function until you put more water in. Again, a small thing but basically you don't get the benefit of the amount of ounces of water the tank holds. There is enough water left in the tank when the warning light comes on to have been able to make several espresso shots.
From reading reviews here I knew to put a separate cup under the steam wand when first opening up the knob because hot water comes out. I find it very annoying to have to do that and I know that other espresso machines do not have this problem...I wonder why this one does. I also have problems regulating the steaming pressure, it is either too much or not enough as I move the knob, can't seem to get it right. I have edited my original review a bit....at first I attributed my steaming problems to my inexperience but now that I've been doing this awhile and also was able to use a DeLonghi Bar32 (my sister's) I realize that it wasn't just me; the DeLonghi steams/froths milk beautifully, no hot water comes out, and the pressure is perfect.
The bottom line is that you buy an espresso machine for the purpose of creating quality, good tasting espresso which the Sirena certainly accomplishes, but for frequent usage I think the small problems will become more of an issue down the road. For the price I paid it is a great machine.
Laura
Description of Starbucks Sirena Espresso Machine, Stainless and BlackWith this beautiful, simple, and impeccably engineered espresso machine, you?ll pull shots so perfect and steam milk so frothy-your passion for superb coffee will only grow deeper. Bring home performance and beauty in every cup. Engineered to be simple. Designed to be timeless. Created to produce the perfect shot of espresso at home. Sirena's Rapid Steam ? Boiler gives you continuous, powerful steam--and lets you move from frothing directly to brewing without waiting. At just 15 inches tall, Sirena is just the size to fit into any kitchen. Commercial quality portafilter retains heat easily, and features a patented back-pressure adaptor which adjusts automatically to the coffee's grind, for a full, rich crema. Designed by the award-winning BMW Designworks exclusively for Starbucks, the Sirena is a 15-bar pump-driven espresso machine with dual brewing spouts, a stainless steel broiler, and a patented back pressure adapter to ensure great espresso extraction. The included steam wand with pannarello adapter lets you easily froth milk for lattes or cappuccinos. A ground coffee filter lets you make single or double shots, or use the included pod filter which accommodates E.S.E. coffee pods. Easy to read status lights show when the machine is ready to brew or steam, and the Rapid Steam boiler allows for quickly switching from brewing to frothing. The 57.5-ounce water tank removes easily for cleaning and refilling and a blue LED light indicates when the water tank is empty. Additional features include an adjustable and removable drip tray, a cup-warming surface, programmable brew settings, a temperature gauge, and an auto shut-off safety feature after 90 minutes of inactivity. What?s in the Box Sirena espresso machine; 1 portafilter;1 power cord; 1 user?s manual; 1 plastic support peg; 1 rubber gasket adapter; 1 ground coffee filter; 1 pod filter
Espresso Machines
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