Sunbeam Piccolo Espresso EM2800 Questions & Answers (page 2 of 2)

This is def a ground coffee not pod machine, I personally didn't have a major problem with this machine and leaks but be prepared for a possible short shelf life for the Piccolo, Sunbeam coffee machines are not built to last, they tend to be cheap but durable as a result. Good luck with your purchase.

I guess you men "not so durable?"....Ray

John
I did not see one when I went to replace mine so I purchased the Sunbeam Cafe Espresso 2 model. Similar machine slightly bigger - Still makes just as good coffee.
Differences are (Good feature) Slightly higher, bigger water container, has a cleaning tool stashed in the fill lid - (maybe better - mixed feelings feature) more solid coffee scoop but different design, (needs a hole in it and a hook on the machine so you know where it is) - (minor annoying features) the fill lid is stupid- folds back instead of flicking open, the coffee holder is more awkward to install into the machine.
I threw away the machine drain trays on day one and hung the edge of the machine over the sink drainer front feet on drainer back feet on 2 plastic chips about 3mm high and it works fine. Makes a good coffee and is a little messy - mostly on the sink drainer or when you are filling with water from a jug(if you are not careful).
I regularly flush the machine without the coffee holder in place which washes down the sink and tray for me.

Regards Barry
,

Very clever as long it works for you.

I don't think it matters what brand you use...whether it's pre ground or if you grind it yourself...it's all a matter of taste. From my own experience it handles anything....for such a low priced machine it's amazing.

yes monika is correct.you can use grounded beans or already grounded.

Gee, I don't know how you will go with no receipt. I always staple my receipt with the manual so that I don't lose it. Make sure you are not compacting the coffee too much. If you do, the water will have difficulty in getting through it. When I got my first coffee machine, this was a mistake I made. There was nothing wrong with the machine, it was me pressing the coffee in too hard.

Danielle ring up the sunbeam team line .or go to their facebook page,they are pretty good in helping,Big W as I was told by a staff there awhile back have a new method of returning without receipts..call them and explain that you lost it,it also has to be in their system also .if you can remember the date you bought it that helps good luck .

It sounds as if you need to use a finer grind of coffee. Also tamp down the coffee grounds firmly in the metal cup before brewing. Good luck.

We gave up on it. Sorry to say. I used to boil the kettle and heat everything I could with hot water, it almost was hot... but the piccolo had terrible problems with bre head seal.Throw it in the bin and buy a Gaggia! that's what we did. The Gaggia Baby. Very good machine.

It is the coffee grounds that cool the water down,I microwave mine 30 seconds anyway,great taste and nicely heated.

I would suggest making sure your coffee is finely ground. I noticed if the coffee grounds are too coarse, I ended up with watery coffee. The grounds should be tightly packed in the cup. Hope that helps.

This coffee machine doesn't take shots, it's a manual fill filter basket. I guess you could empty the contents of a single satchel into the basket but fresh coffee is best. Not really sure how else to answer your question, if you are asking if you can just have a group handle without the accessories of different size portafillers then no, it needs that to pressurise and push hot pressurised water through to get the perfectly brewed coffee. Please don't butcher your coffee machine. :)

Thanks for your answer, I wouldn't want to butcher the machine, it may never work again :(

Ok now I understand your question, the machine comes with double walled filter baskets. I am not sure if you can buy single walled baskets specifically for this unit but you might be able to find one to fit online. The only way you could modify it is if you were real handy with a hacksaw or angle grinder but that could get a bit scary.
I really do not know how dual or singled walls affect coffee quality but we are happy with the results we are getting! :)

Thank you very much for the answer.

I was wondering if you have any video's of the machine in use?

Coffee is not included with the machine. You can buy coffee already ground for machines, or you can buy beans for grinding - but then you'd have to buy a grinder as well!

No coffee included, if you like strong coffee I suggest "Cafe Kimbo" or medium strength "Lavazza"

Yep, still happy and very nice lattes. ;)

Yes, very happy with it.

It was a good choice. I suggest you buy Gloria Jeans pre-ground coffee. The Hazelnut Praline sells very quickly. Buy it at Coles and probably Woolworths.

I also tried the Caramel, which is quite good, and will next buy the classic plain style.

I make cappuccinos, though perhaps 1/2 cup of crema/coffee and then the frothed milk might be called something else.

Sprinkle Cadbury's mint flavoured drinking chocolate on top. Delicious!

But I must say that no matter what brand of medium roast you buy, cappuccinos will taste pretty much the same. Great!

You will find however, that if it takes like a month to consume you bag of pre-ground, the flavour will disappear.

I only use the double shot basket supplied, - but only fill it to about 3/4 full and tamp.

For some reason, I found that Grinders Crema coffee, though good, always causes some leakage of water from around the coffee basket in the group handle, even when not tamped firmly.

But though I have tried grinding beans I think I will buy Gloria Jeans Coffees (no dearer) or Coles Fair Trade medium roast - which is surprisingly good and only around $6.

The Piccolo has the very same features as more expensive models.

And take no notice of the visitor from Coffee Snobs. Paying 8 times the price for a 10% better coffee is ludicrous.