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If you are new in the world of coffee beverages, or convenience matters to you more than a variety of customization options, this coffee maker from KRUPS is your choice. Its purpose is simple: to provide users with specialty coffee drinks within just a few seconds.
Read this detailed KRUPS EA8250 review that covers all aspects of the model. This all-in-one device creates the tastiest latte and amazing espresso able to wake you up in the morning.
Design and Main Parts of KRUPS EA8250 Espresso Machine
People who live with limited space in the kitchen are searching for a compact coffee machine. Thanks to a diminutive size of the EA8250, this is an ideal choice to fit in a small clearance between the cabinets. Also, check the technical characteristics of this model.
| Product Feature | Feature Parameters |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11.5” x 8” x 12.5” |
| Weight | 10.4 pounds (4.7 kg) |
| Bean container capacity | 9.6 oz. (270 g) |
| Water reservoir capacity | 60 oz./1.8 L |
| Wattage | 1450 W |
| Voltage | 110/120 V |
| Color | Black |
| Material | ABS plastic |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Design
You can expect a stainless steel exterior of the automatic coffee maker. The model features a plastic housing performed in black, but it is very sturdy and has an intelligent design.
Water tank
The first thing that will impress you is a huge water reservoir, which holds 60 oz. of liquid. The tank is top-loading and located at the back of the appliance. It has a convenient handle and can be easily removed from the base.
The reservoir can be used with a water filter, and this eliminates the need for the machine descaling. This function is optional. If you have a kitchen sink with an installed filter, you can use distilled water.
Bean hopper and grinder
The size of the water container is paired with a generously sized bean hopper. This compartment is located on top of the coffee maker. It is made of transparent plastic to see how much beans are left, and its capacity is 9.6 oz.
Under the lid, there is a dial that allows a user to adjust the grind settings. It offers only 3 settings. The bean compartment cannot be detached, and the users are forced to run through all the beans in the hopper with no opportunity to empty it and try a different blend.
The grinder is equipped with stainless steel burrs and looks like a volcano. Nowadays, ceramic grinders are more popular since you will never get burnt coffee grounds.
Boiler system
The coffee maker features a single stainless steel boiler that uses the patented thermoblock technology with integrated percolation chambers. It heats water very fast and delivers piping hot espresso. Unfortunately, it doesn’t allow you to brew coffee and froth milk simultaneously. As a rule, this cannot be a problem because the time spent for both operations is measured in seconds.
Coffee spouts
This model has telescopic coffee spouts that can be adjusted at the required height and accommodate various cup sizes. This feature is very important because with less height, you will get more crema in your cup.
Control panel
This panel is incredibly simple. The perfect combination of LCD technology, a control knob, and a series of buttons makes its operation intuitive.
Frothing unit
Particular attention should be given to the KRUPS EA8250 frothing system. Actually, this model features 2 of them. Even more expensive coffee machines don’t have this characteristic.
Firstly, it offers the manual frothing with the help of a steam wand located next to the coffee outlets. The automatic frothing is carried out with the help of some additional accessories that are sold separately (a stainless steel carafe with a plastic tube attachment). They are mounted to the steam wand and allow you to froth milk automatically.
Other functions and design elements
This KRUPS model uses a 15-bar pressure pump, which guarantees good brewing results.
A lot of coffee drinks should be enjoyed at high temperatures. This is possible with the EA8250 because it features a cup warming plate. It is located on top of the device and can accommodate a couple of cups.
Both a drip tray and a coffee grounds collector are removable for easy cleaning. The latter is located on the left side of the appliance.
How to Use This Fully Auto Espresso Machine
This model doesn’t come with an array of features that expensive coffee machines have. All functions are easily accessible from the front panel, and its intuitive menu is easy to follow. There are 4 buttons on the face panel:
- “ON/OFF” button;
- a button to program settings;
- “Steam”;
- “Hot water”.
The knob in the center rotates to select a position in the menu and can also be pushed down if you want to confirm the setting.
Brewing coffee
To make coffee, turn the central knob and find a drink that you want. The black and white LCD display will say hello and offer you any of 4 choices: espresso, strong espresso, coffee, and long coffee. Push the knob if you see the name of the beverage you want on the screen.
Unfortunately, users cannot deviate from these default settings that have been programmed for each beverage. The only customization option that you have is the water temperature. There are 3 temperature settings.
The users can also adjust the amount of water, but any other settings should be done via the central knob. While your coffee is brewing, there is no way to save your preference. So, if you prefer active participation in the brewing process, this model is not that type.
If you want to make 2 separate cups of coffee at the same time, select a drink (except a “long coffee” function) and push the knob twice. Wait until the machine will run through 2 complete brewing cycles.
Frothing milk
To make frothed milk for a milk-based coffee beverage, fill a pitcher 1/3 with milk. Insert a steam nozzle in the jug and press the “Steam” button. To stop frothing, press the button once again.
Espresseria EA8250 Cleaning Tips
The catch tray and the container for used ground coffee are removable and can easily be emptied and cleaned under running water. Use a mild liquid detergent if necessary. The drip tray is equipped with floats. When it is full, the LCD display will show a message with a reminder to empty it.
The water reservoir with a convenient handle can also be detached from the base. Clean it once a week and let it dry before placing it back.
The steam wand should be rinsed after each use. The process is performed automatically after you press the button “Hot water.” Dismantle the nozzle and clean it with warm water. If the air inlet hole is clogged, clean it with a special needle (included).
After 360 preparations of coffee, the machine requires a full cleaning cycle. Follow the instructions given in the manual to perform it correctly. The cleaning program is carried out with a KRUPS cleaning tablet, which should be dropped into a small slot on top of the machine. The process takes 22 minutes.
Depending on the hardness of the water used, the device requires a periodic descaling. The smart machine will give an alert when it is time to perform the cycle. Use special KRUPS powder for descaling.
If you use filters, don’t forget to replace them periodically.
More Features You Need to Know
These functions can also be mentioned to add more bonuses to this coffee maker:
- It features an integrated service guide. This colorful booklet with plastic-coated pages is inserted in a special slot on the left side of the machine. In fact, it is hidden inside the appliance. Just pull the tab and release the book.
- If you don’t use a water filter, you can program the water hardness. The machine will calculate the descaling time and inform you in advance. Don’t forget to set the date function as well!
- The appliance has an auto-off function that can be programmed from 30 minutes to 4 hours. The auto start can also be programmed.
- The EA8250 uses a “pre-brewing” technology. This means it moistens the ground coffee first and optimizes the brewing process, making a shot tastier.
- When the steam wand is not used for frothing, it serves to deliver hot water for hot chocolate, tea, and other drinks.
If you know more features of the Espresseria, which are not covered by this post, share your comments below.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The closer inspection shows some notable pros and cons of the KRUPS EA8250.
- Can be used with a filter (or programmed for descaling)
- The tank for water is impressive
- A compact and durable design
- The operation is not noisy
- Makes quality and tasty coffee
- Implements 2 milk frothing systems
- A powerful pressure pump
- Simple to navigate and clean
- Energy-efficient
- Comes with an affordable price tag
- The ceramic grinder would be far superior
- The container for beans cannot be removed
- Few customization options (only default settings)
- The lack of grinding options may drive some coffee experts from this unit
- Has no option to use already ground coffee
- Doesn’t retain data through a power outage
- The steam wand is too short
- The grinder is a weak point and may cause issues
Are you able to put up with these negative aspects? You may find some drawbacks subjective, and they may not be deal-breakers for some customers.
Troubleshooting Tips
These are the most common issues that may happen during the EA8250 operation and the tips on how to solve them.
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The coffee is not hot. |
|
| The coffee is too weak. |
|
| The coffee flows too slowly. |
|
| The coffee is not creamy. |
|
| Ground coffee was used instead of coffee beans. | Use a vacuum cleaner to remove ground coffee from the bean hopper. |
| The grinder makes a strange noise. | There are foreign objects in the bean hopper or not enough beans. Unplug the machine and check that the grinder is free from foreign objects or add more coffee beans. |
| The steam doesn’t come out of the wand. |
|
| The milk is not frothed enough. |
|
| There is water/coffee under the appliance. |
|
| The cleaning/descaling program doesn’t start. | Unplug the machine and turn it on again in 20 seconds. |
Contact the KRUPS service center if you have any other problems with the machine maintenance. You can also purchase replaceable parts and branded accessories.
Where to Buy KRUPS EA8250 Espresso Machine?
Like any manufacturer, KRUPS has an official website and offers all its products for sale. The EA8250 can also be bought from famous online stores like eBay, Costco, Amazon, Bed Bath and Beyond, Best Buy, Williams Sonoma, Walmart, and many others. These retailers display customers’ reviews and ratings to compare the product with other similar devices.
If you prefer buying electric household appliances at traditional shops and would like to get a personal consultation of a shop assistant, visit the nearest largest supermarket in your area.
Final Thoughts
The EA8250 Espresseria is a good and low-priced automatic coffee machine. It gives all information in an easy-to-understand format and doesn’t require a learning curve to start brewing. A great option for beginners that demands little of human intervention!
It is for people who can sacrifice customization options and enjoy the settings that are pre-installed. The machine makes fantastic coffee in a flash and offers café-style beverages in the comfort of your home. This is a great solution for domestic use. Just relax and let the machine think and brew for you!
References
- KRUPS Super Automatic Espresso Machine EA8250, Official Website – https://www.krupsusa.com/
- KRUPS EA8250 Detailed Guide – https://www.krupsusa.com/
