IMUSA USA GAU-18202 4 Cup Espresso/Cappuccino Maker,120 volts, Black

My coffee maker died and while searching for a replacement, I came across this little gem. Comparably priced, this IMUSA Cappuccino/Espresso maker is impressive and oh, so affordable at only $4 more than a standard coffee maker. The assembly is simple. The end result is delicious. The milk steamer function is delightfully easy to use. I used 2 scoops of ground espresso coffee sold in a little block.For Cappuccino, I fill the tiny pot to the top of the metal band at top of pot. I use a glass one-cup Pyrex measuring cup for the 1/4 cup milk. Be advised that to access the steamer, you must wait until the tiny 2-serving pot fills to the first line (~) and then, switch the on/off/brew knob from Brew to the Steamer function. Before you switch to the Steamer function, make sure your milk container is held beneath the steamer and the head of the steamer is submerged to avoid steam or splatter issues. I hold the measuring cup by the bottom and the froth is usually substantial by the time the milk is hot - I can feel it through the bottom of the glass measuring cup. The more fat in the milk, the less froth develops. I use whole milk successfully but have also tried half and half with lackluster results. After steaming/frothing is adequate and while still holding container under steamer, switch back to Brew function, set down frothed milk, and brew will complete. Unplug the machine when Brew light goes out.I added two tablespoons of chocolate syrup to my cup, stirred the whole tiny pot of coffee into it, poured milk topped with foam in using a tiny rubber spatula to get every bit of froth, and dusted with Cinnamon. Shredded dark chocolate would be great here, too.Espresso is made exactly the same way, just omit the entire milk/steamer part.If it's your birthday, add one shot Jonah's Curse Black Coffee Rum to your cup before pouring the coffee.The only downside about this product is that since you have to wait until machine cools completely to make a second tiny pot, you only get one serving at a time. Unless you're making espresso and then, you get two full espresso cup servings. So if you want to enjoy Cappuccino with a friend, it's going to be tricky. Otherwise, drink it slowly because you're going to want more and the machine has to cool. Enjoy:)

I’ve had the IMUSA USA GAU-18202 4 Cup Espresso/Cappuccino Maker for 2 years now, and I honestly can’t rave about it enough! Everyone seriously needs to stop sleeping on this machine. It’s affordable, easy to use, and still works like it’s fresh out of the box—2 years later, no issues at all. I use it almost daily and it consistently brews strong, delicious espresso and froths milk perfectly. For the price point, this little machine punches way above its weight. If you’re on the fence, just buy it. 10/10!!

Edit to add: One small complaint after using it for a couple weeks. The little tab that holds the filter in when you cash out the used beans is too long.It sits over the grounds so they don't come out in a solid clump. Just another small step to wipe it off when I wipe the top of the filter off before attaching back on the machine. Still didn't stop me from buying a second one for backup when I destroy this one from overuse. I make 4 to 5 cups a day now.Also, some reviews complain about the lack of crema. True with my first few brews until I adjusted my bean grind. It's not the machine... It's their beans. Try a finer setting on the grinder and you'll get the crema.Original review: Can't comment on the frother. Don't use it, don't need it. My drink is an Americano. First I brew plain water while getting My shots and cup ready. Not only do I have my hot water ready to add to the shots, I'm sure the machine is clean before brewing the coffee. As soon as the water is brewed, I take the lid off and add the water for My shots. While that's heating up, I add some hot water to My cup to melt the sugar then add the beans to the machine and let the shots brew. I always add more water than needed. When my shots are done, I add them to My cup, cash out the used beans, then run the remaining water thru the machine to rinse it. The machine gets turned off and unplugged. The carafe gets a rinse and it's all ready for the next use. I add a bit more hot water to My cup, give it a stir, add My creamer, dump the remaining hot water and I'm all set. Perfect for me cup of coffee!My last machine lasted a good 4 years of making 2-4 Americano espressos a day. It finally gave out when I had to move 5 times in one year and had to keep it stored in a plastic tub instead of in the counter. It took some abuse being packed away after each use before it died. I couldn't find this unit to replace it at that time. I had to buy a more expensive machine. That other brand was CRAP! Even after a year, I could smell the plastic heating up, was way louder, constantly burned myself, and it took multiple washes when new to stop tasting like plastic. It was like the steam came out of the lid instead of down to brew.When I saw this unit available again and cheaper than years ago, I ordered one right away. The day it arrived I washed all the parts, wiped down the machine, set it up, and ran water thru it only 3 times before brewing some coffee. Right away the machine did not fill my place with toxic fumes. That other brand caused me all sorts of reactions from the toxins for the first month. Not this little beast. The first cup of coffee tasted just like my 4 year old Imusa before it died. I had no 'new plastic' taste. No offgassing of the machine.Coffee is my happy place and the other brand I dealt with the last year took the joy away. I'm so thrilled to have this Imusa back again. I just hope it lasts as long, if not longer, than my first Imusa. I'm very tempted to buy a second one to keep on hand as a back up so I don't have to deal with a more expensive crap machine again. Why not? $30 machine lasted a good 4 years vs a $60 machine that gave me trouble daily for less than a year before I gave up on it.