This is probably a dumb question, but can you make a regular cup of coffee with an espresso machine? I never drink coffee, but my mother is a coffee addict and drinks all sorts of coffee drinks; lattes, cappuccinos, espressos and regular ol' cups o' joe. I want to get her a nice espresso machine for Christmas but I want to make sure it can also make regular cups of coffee. Do espresso machines do this? Thanks a lot everyone. Also if you have any suggestions about fairly inexpensive machines (approximately 0 max) that is also appreciated.

This last Christmas, my aunt gave me a used espresso machine. It did not come with a manual, and i have no idea on how to use it. From my estimates, I would say that it is from the late 80's, or the early 90's. It is made by Krups. And there is only two settings; Brewing and steaming for milk. It also did not come with a tamper. I was hoping that someone could help me figure out the model of machine I have, and if anyone knows any tricks or tips that would help with making espresso.

so my dad ideally wants a coffee machine for christmas but they are so expensive so i thought i would get the next best thing a espresso machine! but would he be able to make a normal coffee from this? And if he did would it be insanely strong?

I am looking for a coffee/espresso machine for my in-laws for Christmas. I know NOTHING about espresso machines, so I am thoroughly confused when I see "pump" and "automatic." They have never owned an espresso machine, but they are avid coffee drinkers (this machine will replace their old coffee maker, which is acting up). What kind of combination machine would be best for a beginner? I would like to keep the cost under 0 also. I keep coming across "DeLonghi's BCO264B Cafe Nero Combo Coffee, Cappuccino and Espresso Maker." Does anyone know anything about this particular one? I am finding that the reviews online are positive and negative. Any information and suggestions will help, as you can tell I have no idea what I'm looking for. Thank you!

Don't do Starbucks (been there a half dozen times ever),so I am clueless here, Got an espresso machine for Christmas. Got good reviews, wondering if I should keep it as I just do straight coffee with skim milk

Hi all. I got a great espresso machine for Christmas and am so excited but I have a silly, amature, question. Do you just use regular coffee beans? I bought "espresso beans" in a can and they are pretty good but they seem so finely ground. Is there a special grinder or something I need to use. Thanks for the help.

We have a new "Capresso" brand espresso/cappuccino maker that we got for Christmas. It has worked very well, and is still working well except that the pressurized chamber seems not to be sealing perfectly any more. After the water heats up to full pressure, and especially during the process of steaming the milk, bubbles are forming around the top seal (where I screwed the top back on after adding water). I suspect this is because the rubber gasket that fits up inside the boiler cap has gotten out of alignment (it's actually not rubber but a translucent rubbery plastic material). At some point in the last few days the gasket came out, and I wasn't sure how to reinstall it. There are two knobs or bumps on the gasket, that look as if they are meant to line up with 2 holes in the metal part of the boiler cap itself. Right now I have the gasket installed in the cap so that those knobs are "upside down" -- i.e. they face downwards when the cap is installed on the machine. Should I take the gasket back out and reposition it so they engage with the holes? Will this fix my steam-leakage problem? Right now I am still able to make good lattes and cappuccinos, but I am afraid if I don't address this seal problem I may begin to lose a lot of pressure.

So I want to get my sister a starbucks gift card for christmas but the only reason she would use it is for the holiday drinks. How long do you think they'll have the specials for?

New to Yahoo answers, lets give this a try.

I've been experimenting with making my own cappuccinos and frappes lately with a new espresso machine my wife gave me as an early Christmas gift. I like the stuff I have been able to make, but I still find myself drawn to Tim Horton's Ice Caps. I think the secret is in their flavor shots. I'm wondering where Tim Horton's gets them (maybe they make them), or whether or not they sell them. I know they come in a heavily concentrated form, and they are sugar-free because I tasted some of the flavor shot after it had splattered onto the top of the lid one day.

So where can you get these concentrated flavor shots, preferably the ones Tim H's uses. I'm just trying to save a few dollars by taking many things I like, and making my own variations.

Thanks!

I am shopping for a Christmas present for my gf. She loves ordering cappuccinos and a variety of lattes, so why not make some on her own. I want to get her an espresso machine, but I am afraid that my budget won’t allow me to get a really good one. My budget is about 170 to 200. I don’t mind spending more. If spending another 0 means getting a really good quality espresso machine that exceeds the performance of the models which I am looking at (0-200 price range), then I’ll definitely consider going to that price range.

Gaggia 12700 (looks great, but not sure about its performance, I am leaning towards not getting this model) Price: 0
Capresso Espresso 115 – I think it provides the best bang for the buck. Hopefully it will last for a while. I bought this one for a gift so far, but can simply return it back to bb&b. The thing that bothers me about this model is that it’s “plastic-feel,” and if it will actually prove to pass the test of time. Price: 0
Delonghi EC702 – This model looks solid and has good ratings. I am actually leaning towards this model right now. But I tend to change my mind every day or so. Price 0

I really can use some expertise, particularly from anyone who owned or used an espresso machine. What brand/models am I overlooking? Oh, one more thing, it is imperative that the espresso machine with a really good frother, and make solid crema. I honestly do not know much about what makes good espresso, but am learning. Could use the help!

Thanks in advanced.
Sorry for all the grammer mistakes. I am at work. LOL!
DeLonghi ECO310BK 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Machine looks really good. It's about more than the Capresso I currently have, but if its that much better, why not spend the extra cash? Thoughts?