Starbucks Sirena Espresso Machine, Stainless and Black
|
List Price: Our Price: $247.95 You Save: $352.04 (59%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Kitchen See more product details |
|---|
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Starbucks Sirena Espresso Machine, Stainless and Black
Customer Review: WORST espresso machine ever
Summary: 1 Stars
I have gone through TWO of these in less than a year. Retails for $599.99, but paid lil over half of that for the first one. 6 months into using it, the frother broke. Starbucks around (CHICAGO) REFUSED to exchange it, and I had to wait a few months to get it back down to St. Louis store where it was originally purchased. The second one broke after about a week of usage. Right out of the box, it was a lemon. Espresso was dripping all over the place (over half of it was NOT from the two spouts). Then, as mentioned before, it BROKE. It kept telling me the water tank was empty, when, well, IT WAS NOT!! COMPLETE GARBAGE. SAECO support is useless, and even worse is Starbucks support. For a place that charges $5 for a latte, you would think they'd take better care of their customers for a worthless piece of junk metal...Customer Review: Great Coffee!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a terrific machine. I wanted an espresso machine that was convenient, made of quality components and (ultimately) delivered a nice, flavorful shot of espresso (to get my day kick started). This machine did not disappoint. I found set-up a breeze - just unpack and plug-in. I was pulling shots right away!! The machine came up to temp. in about 1/2 the time of my old unit. Plus the flip to steam took about 5 seconds vs. 10x's the wait time of other machines. Clean-up is very easy too - not a lot of parts to disassemble/clean/reassemble. Of course, the ultimate performance measure is taste. Overall taste, in my opinion, was terrific. Lots of variables and subjectivity go into a taste analysis - but, so far, I've found consistent full flavor, aroma, temperature, i.e. overall quality and 100% enjoyment.Customer Review: Several small peices have already broken
Summary: 1 Stars
We had this machine less than three months when a small plastic piece under the steaming wand broke. It was replaced, but seemed like it should have lasted longer. Now the plastic piece that is on top of the steaming wand has broken off (the part you use to move the wand without burning fingers). Like some of the other machines listed here it sometimes has trouble recognizing when the water tank is full and blinks its blue lights to indicate it is empty, when it is not. Inconsistently foams the milks. Sometimes it works and sometime the milk is flat. FOr the original price Starbuck's is charging I would have expected a better built machine. Fortunately we paid the discount price after the great stock market drop... Even at that it was too expensive for what it does and for its durability. Very disappointed.Customer Review: not worth the money
Summary: 1 Stars
I purchased this machine after hearing wonderful things about it from other users. I honestly don't know how anyone could, with good conscience, recommend this machine to anyone. The frother is about as effective as having your 5 year old blow bubbles in your milk with a straw. The machine takes 15-20 minutes to "warm up," at which point, yes you can pull a decent shot of espresso, but it takes forever to steam and froth the milk, if the machine doesn't automatically shut off before it has heated up enough. What you end up with in terms of steamed milk is not a velvety foam, but a watery, big-bubbled hot milk substance. As a former Starbucks employee, I can tell you this is NOT how frothed milk should look or taste. Save yourself $200 and buy the $29 Mr. Coffee espresso machine instead.Customer Review: Would recommend this machine highly
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had the Sirena for about a month and have pulled 4-6 shots a day. Some days, more than 10. I've had consistent shots and no problems with this machine. One issue is that there is water in the portafilter after a shot is pulled. There really isn't anything you can do about it. But I think it's one small price to pay for such a great machine. The other espresso machine we have is a manual Elektra which makes amazing espresso but it takes 15 minutes to heat up. The Sirena is lightning fast. My wife definitely appreciates that. Other users have had problems with the water sensor, but it hasn't affected our machine. I also don't let the water level go below half, not sure if that has anything to do with it. If you drink a lot of coffee, this machine is worth the price.