West Bend 3-in-1 Coffee Machine

Rating

I've owned my WestBend 3-in-1 for nearly 6 years and up until about a week ago, I never had a problem with it. I found it easy to assemble and break down for cleaning. Now it isn't pushing out the coffee through the espresso maker. I've cleaned it numerous times with vinegar, but it's still not working. I am still able to steam milk for my latte's, so I'm not sure what the issue is. The only problem I had early on was when the auto-shut off mechanism that stops the flow of coffee when you pull the pot off the hot plate in mid-brew broke after only a couple of pots of coffee had been made. Not a big enough issue to want to return the machine. I recently contacted WestBend to see if they still produced this coffee maker because I would like to purchase another one. However, I was told this model has been discontinued. This machine has a small footprint and looks good on the counter. It's easy to clean and very quick to brew a regular pot of coffee or prepare a latte.

Rating

While difficult to figure out how to put together this little gem makes coffee making fun! Therefore - worth the effort.

Rating

I read several reviews from other sites before buying this item. All commented on the flimsy design and typical problems, all true. When I bought this machine, I was replacing my Salton, combo Coffee/Cap/Espresso maker which I had for over 15 years and still makes amazing espresso. That machine was practically indestructible. So - buyer beware- If you can get past these issues (which I find minor), this machine makes great coffee, cappuccino & espresso. - Looks good but construction is very flimsy. Worst of all, the stem on the swing-out filter cup on the coffee side could be described as "delicate". I set up coffee in advance; so, that, the men in the household don't have to attempt to be gentle. I give it 6 months before it breaks. (that's with my precautions) - If you grind your own, too fine on the coffee side will cause a spill-over and a mess. (nice feature-at least when it happened to me-it shut the coffee maker off before all the water went through, which wasn't mentioned in the manual - yes - I read it) - Don't use more than 6 coffee scoops, this too, will cause a spill-over. - Common with home espresso makers - the steam allowance for scalding milk is too short. My advice is make the espresso- then run another cycle for cappuccino milk. - Takes time and practice to learn its quirks (true with most appliances) What's good -- ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES AT THE BEST PRICE.