GE Profile Automatic Espresso Machine + Milk Frother | Brew in 90 Seconds | 20 Bar Pump Pressure for Balanced Extraction | Five Adjustable Grind…
Original price was: $629.00.$360.00Current price is: $360.00.
Last updated on June 2, 2024 1:51 am Details
Jane Fairchild –
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I was initially drawn to this automatic espresso machine due to its handsome, good looks – a stunningly understated, sophisticated, and simple, black box. I’m happy to report the espresso this machine makes tastes as delicious as the machine itself looks, and more importantly – its fast and easy!
DESIGN:
Within this sleek, black box, is everything you need to make smooth and satisfying espresso. At the top, there is a coffee bean hopper which automatically grinds your beans after you select which drink you want to make. Just behind the hopper is the water reservoir, which is fully removable, filtered, and easy to clean. On the left hand side of the machine is a side panel, which gives access to the brewing module inside of the machine.
MAINTENANCE:
All parts of this machine and how to access them for cleaning or maintenance are clearly labeled and detailed in the manual. This machine is fairly unique in that it allows so much access to the various components housed within it. This makes it a safer, healthier, and ultimately more hygienic espresso brewing machine than 99% of the machines on the market.
Every 8 brew cycles, the LED indicator ring will turn orange and you’ll be prompted to empty the waste basket. The waste basket is located behind the drip tray at the front of the machine. To remove the waste basket gently pull on each side after removing the drip tray. Emptying involves dumping the leftover coffee grinds from the bin. Pretty simple.
CLEANING:
To further facilitate the easy care and upkeep of the machine, there are three descaling packets, along with a bristled brush. And in case you need it, a water hardness testing stick is also included. Cleaning instructions are thoroughly detailed in the manual, in an easy to follow fashion.
HOW TO USE IT:
Using the machine is as simple as it gets, thanks to the cleverly hidden touch control interface located at the top, front of the machine, which only lights up once the machine is powered on. The interface is simple and user-friendly, even for individuals who aren’t exactly tech savvy. When the machine is powered on it will initially go through a brief rinse cycle, during which a small amount of water will be dispensed into the drip tray. It takes about 30 seconds, and then you’re able to brew one of the available selections.
Touch one of the available options, and the machine automatically begins grinding beans, heating water, and subsequently dispensing your selected beverage without any further input from you. An Espresso takes about 15 seconds, while an Americano or a Lungo are closer to 30 seconds. To make it double – simply press Espresso once your Americano is done brewing for a second shot of espresso. Its so easy! Beverages are dispensed at the perfect temperature, ready to be enjoyed.
DRINK OPTIONS:
The machine provides four default drink options to choose from: Espresso, Americano, Lungo, and Hot Water, with an optional fifth option, My Brew, which is only available from the app. It worth noting that the first drink will likely taste watery (it did for me). But that’s normal so don’t be disappointed. After the first brew you’ll be delighted with the taste that it delivers.
ESPRESSO:
Espresso is a full-flavored coffee drink served as a concentrated shot.
Default setting: ~8-12 grams of coffee yields 1.5oz
LUNGO:
The Lungo is a “long” shot of espresso that uses double the water and extraction time of an espresso. This setting is designed for maximum caffeine extraction.
Default setting: ~8-12 grams of coffee yields 3.5oz
AMERICANO:
This is a coffee brew sized drink made with the addition of hot water over a single shot of espresso. The machine brews espresso first, followed by hot water through the same spout.
Default setting: ~8-12 grams of coffee yields 1.5oz Espresso + 3.5oz Hot water.
HOT WATER:
Dispenses hot water (coffee temperature hot, not quite tea brewing hot).
Default setting: 3.5oz.
CUSTOM DRINK AMOUNTS:
You can change the default dispensation amount for any drink by pressing the desired drink button for 3 seconds, until it beeps twice. The machine will begin dispensing, press the drink button again once it has dispensed the desired amount in order to save the custom setting. If no custom setting is defined, the machine will dispense the maximum amount when you press and hold for 3 seconds. Maximum amount is ~8 oz.
COFFEE BEANS & GRINDER:
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need “espresso” beans to make espresso – any coffee beans will do! It is strongly recommended to avoid using oily coffee beans (usually dark roasts) in order to avoid clogging up the machine. I’ve been using the same medium roast I use for drip coffee.
The built in grinder has an adjustable knob for grind size: big dot corresponds to larger grind, smaller dot to finer grind. The more fine the grind, the stronger the espresso.
WI-FI ETC.:
I’m not one of those of people who allows my kitchen appliances to spy on me by giving them WiFi access, so I can’t comment on the app or its functionality. I use this machine the ‘old fashioned’ way – by walking up to it and pressing a button with my finger. It only takes one minute, so I don’t see the need schedule something that’s already so quick and easy.
COUNTER TOP SPACE & SIZE:
The machine is heavy, but retains a nice box shape that is incredibly easy to find space for on a kitchen counter. It doesn’t look bad, nor is it’s appearance distracting. Its a refreshingly simple design, unlike most kitchen appliances these days. This simplicity doesn’t interfere with the functionality – using the machine is incredibly intuitive and doesn’t require studying the manual – the epitome of user-friendly.
FINAL VERDICT:
So what does all this mean? With a sticker price of just under $700, the GE Profile Automatic Espresso Machine isn’t cheap, by any means. But it manages to deliver in key areas where the competition fails – it makes espresso that actually tastes amazing, its fast, its easy, its extremely accessible for regular maintenance and cleaning, and it looks attractive sitting on a kitchen counter. I’m pretty impressed, and very satisfied with what this machine has to offer. So yes, its expensive, but man is it worth it!
AvidReader –
I don’t often write reviews, but I’ve found this product indispensable to my family’s coffee addiction. The simplicity and functionality is unparalleled. The wifi connectivity may seem like a gimmick at first but is super useful in that it facilites software updates to the machine, customized settings for drinks, and instructions on cleaning/descaling. Although the price is steep (but not compared to similar function machines), the reliability of the machine in addition to quality makes this a cost saver if you are prone to going to your local coffee shop frequently. The milk frother is a must. Really no downsides at all. Would happily purchase again or as a gift.
noam hadar –
Great product compact easy to use Marlin a nice
Amazon Customer –
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It is very easy to use. I liked that it is automatic and no need to be cleaning after each use. Loved the digital aspect and lights.
However, coffee comes out very light even when you use dark roast beans. The frother only does bubbles, at least on mine, so doesnt do a proper cappuccino.
Ultimately returned it because it came diffective. The frother was not aligned properly and unable to fix it in place(see video). So when the steam turned on, water would splatter all over instead of into the drip tray as its intended to.
Overall nice coffee machine, just not for me… I prefer the Breville Barista Express 🙂
Jane Fairchild –
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GE profile automatic espresso machine. Setup was super easy. The footprint is larger but the automatic whole bean grinder is nice and simple. Now to the best part, the espresso was delicious and rich and creamy. I’m not much into Americano’s but this was incredible too. I used a medium-dark roast and it tasted great. The lungo was alittle weak for me but it has a My Brew feature that should allow for customization if you like a stronger brew like I do. I look forward to using this for after dinner party drinks with the friends.
I haven’t cleaned the machine yet so I’m not sure how involved that will be but it comes with special cleaning packets and water hardness testing strips. This is a serious machine that looks like it could hold up to a office or break room setting. I love the look of it and the wifi options are cool but I personally won’t be using them that much.
I love not having the hassle of measuring out beans and getting the grinder out. My partner who doesn’t drink coffee hates having to make coffee since she always gets the consistency wrong of the grinds for the different types of coffee I drink. This takes all the guessing work out with just the press of a button.
I’m the only coffee drinker of the household so I admit that it’s much more machine than what we need but it’s a fantastic machine and I love the coffee it makes. This is a “treat yo’ self” machine!