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These and the Amazon Commercial Espresso machine are made by the same Chinese company. The Kitchenaid probably is as well. They all have the same features, 3-eared 58mm portafilter, and probably share internal components. I found this fairly detailed and generally negative video review of the Calphalon IQ w/Grinder[youtube.com].
The $199 Calphalon is like the Kitchenaid but without the automatic frother carafe & non-pressurized baskets. The lack of non-pressurized baskets may be a problem, because apparently aftermarket 58mm baskets don't fit properly. Non-pressurized baskets and a decent grinder are necessary to make good espresso. If someone did a deep dive, they might be able to find a professional machine with a similar basket spec. In any case I think the Kitchenaid is by far the better value.
Schematics and replacement parts are not available for these machines. No idea if the pressure is properly regulated or adjustable. The fact that the reviewer wasn't able to dial in the grind setting could be indicative of a machine without an over pressure valve[youtu.be].
Last edited by Wieland November 25, 2021 at 06:35 PM.
These are great espresso makers at this price point, if you jump up to $550 you can get incrementally better setup but not miles better. Nothing beats these in sub $200 market
I'll second the other comment. Just got the kitchenaid when I saw the deal (while I was really hunting g for the calphalon). The kitchenaid comes with non pressurized baskets, which lets you control your espresso by grind and tamp. The frothing? For me that's useless and I put it away. The steam wand is good enough on its own. I have 2 complaints. 1 - it goes to sleep, so the cup warmer will not stay warm (making it useless) 2 - you cannot do extractions as long as wanted (like a cafe crema that requires 12oz of extraction in 30 seconds) I think it will allow as much as 4 and 6oz for isngles and doubles, but not more. (Confirmed with customer support) although the manual doesn't say it. If neither of these are deal breakers I'd get it. I like it ver much and feels durable.
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The $199 Calphalon is like the Kitchenaid but without the automatic frother carafe & non-pressurized baskets. The lack of non-pressurized baskets may be a problem, because apparently aftermarket 58mm baskets don't fit properly. Non-pressurized baskets and a decent grinder are necessary to make good espresso. If someone did a deep dive, they might be able to find a professional machine with a similar basket spec. In any case I think the Kitchenaid is by far the better value.
Schematics and replacement parts are not available for these machines. No idea if the pressure is properly regulated or adjustable. The fact that the reviewer wasn't able to dial in the grind setting could be indicative of a machine without an over pressure valve [youtu.be].
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