Crew Review: Krups XP5280

Another round of testing and review of Krups products, this time focusing on espresso machines. Gail walks us through the features and demos the machine by making a latte.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

The ones we carry still have the clip. As far as which one is better, it really depends on what features you're looking for and what your budget is. I always find it really helpful to read the customer reviews on the site to get a feel for how well a machine might work for me. - Kaylie

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

It won't be horrible; you'll definitely be able to use this machine with pre-ground coffee and, depending on their grinder, it could be more consistent than some of the lower end grinders. I'd say start with your approach and then if you're looking to improve your shots you'll know the next step is a grinder. You can do it in phases :) Thanks for your feedback!! - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

We have just seen them but not used them yet. They are marketing them in the US as a more simple/less expensive alternative to the Aroma machines ... I don't think their case materials are quite as beefy. Once we get on in we will be doing a video on it; if your purchasing timing permits, you could wait for that. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

We haven't, but you can't really give those because not only is every grinder a bit different, the coffee you use is a huge variable. Best thing to do is dial it in using time / taste - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@wolfetb It's got the panarello and you can't remove it, so it's a little harder to get microfoam for latte art, etc., but you can achieve it. Not sure about the differences in those machines, we just got this guy to test right now so may have more info on the line later if we carry other models. Glad you're enjoying the videos! :) - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Thanks for the product suggestion! We haven't looked into it yet, but I've added it to the research list. -Kaylie

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@AllasarPL yeah, we were able to use it but it doesn't provide great results. Definitely recommend sticking with the wand on this machine - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@MissWindy65 We were definitely impressed by it -- for the price it's a great option. We don't really know what the story is around repair for the life of the machine yet because they're new to us, that would be my only caveat on this vs. other machines in this price range - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@leonnyc2007 Start with really really cold milk and also a cold metal pitcher if you can; fill it only 1/3 of the total volume to allow enough time to work the milk while also allowing it to get up to temp. Other than that, not sure if I have any other tips ... sorry :( - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@lewys258 It heats water on the fly, hence the little tick tick ticking noise (something you often hear on superautomatics, Brevilles and Capressos). - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@MiBariloche Great to hear! But, the Maestro Plus is being discontinued by Baratza :( They are replacing it with the Encore, which we're testing ASAP. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@MiBariloche Since it has a pressurized basket, you should be okay using pre-ground or a lower end grinder model ... I assume the same will be true for the model you can find in Argentina, too, but can't say for sure since I haven't had my paws on it :) - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@MiBariloche Cool! We will be increasing the number of products, too, after we launch our new site later this spring ... so hope to have more available in the future :) - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

This is a great choice; also consider the Saeco models - Aroma or Via Venezia. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@mindgames2889 It's not up yet -- we are just getting it added to the site and ordering it in. It should be available within the next few weeks. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

I would probably go with the Saeco models as they have better build quality; some of the others, I am not familiar with. You can use pre-ground with the Saecos. Hope that helps! :) - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@activeenzymes Great to hear! Let us know how it goes as you're learning to use the machine. It's a great choice for the features/value, imho :) - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

I'm not familiar with that Lavazza blend. However, in general, Lavazza has some great pre-ground options for espresso. -Kaylie

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

We probably used lavazza and we always use 2% milk. Latte art is more about your skill / practice ... as long as you get the milk consistency correct (wet paint). - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@Jara85 Wow, it's boiling, temp-wise, that quickly? That's a little wild. It does take some practice to get good results, but then with these you have to combine them together -- swirl the pitcher to incorporate the foam down into the milk. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

No problem! Good luck with your new machine! -Kaylie

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

No - not on these guys, it has a self tamping function that doesn't allow you to depressurize the portafilter. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

We haven't tested that brand yet. Good to hear your feedback! ~ sam

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

We use both! You can see hear more about the Krups model in our Crew favorite machines under $300 video. ~ sam

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@liquidribs Not sure -- we never tested the other version. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

I love the self-tamping situation on the Krups ... between those two, I'd go with that one. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

I think I would wait and save up; if you like your shots right now, then what you're doing works and you likely won't get much better unless you invest in a mid-range grinder. I'd start researching and budgeting now in order to invest in a good grinder and then get a machine. While a great grinder will improve the shots on your Krups, it won't be an extreme difference ... - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with your 5240! :) - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

It's a nice model, good temperature regulation and some cool features for the price. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@74sugarplum Hi there -- sorry, I can't really troubleshoot via KZbin. I would recommend calling them for warranty troubleshooting (if you haven't already - realize I am late responding as I was out of the office). - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

We have a demo here, just need to play around with it before we decide to carry. If we do, we'll definitely do a review! :) - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Check out our video called Milk Steaming Tips which goes over some general rules of thumb around milk frothing, etc. Let me know if you have more questions - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

You'll be double tamping, I think, if yours works the same as ours does ... I don't know if you'd actually see a difference in the cup. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Yup! It's just going to froth differently depending on your soy milk's fat content. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Yes, you can use pods with this machine - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

So sorry to hear that you are having issues with your Krups! :( - Kat

[@GypsyWomanWindy]

@SeattleCoffeeGear Thanks , I was really leaning to this one but ended up getting the Saeco Aroma Espresso & Cappuccino Pump Machine from you guys through Amazon. I hope I made a good choice! Have great day!

[@Susazeu]

Mi Bariloche, I´m from Buenos Aires. The 5240 is great except for the frother, breaks easily and spares are hard to come by. I had two great Electrolux Chef Crema but the bad news is that the Ulka pumps don´t last, and again, spares! I´ll keep on using the 5240 but try to rig something for the frother!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Prices vary - check out our website for most current pricing on this machine. - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@jdharding2 We have soy milk here, so if I want a latte, I usually use that. But I mostly drink shots/Americanos anyway. At home I drink So Delicious coconut milk (which rocks!). I'm not super intolerant, but I usually try to limit my intake to my deep love for cheese :D - Kat

[@karilindis]

Many thanks Kat, you are right, the weight from the Poemia is around 4KG and the Aromas start at around 6KG. I think I'll wait then, I drunk instant coffee all my life, so a few days more with it cannot be that bad. ;) Karina

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@r3s3tme I'd probably go with the Krups myself; more functionality/features for the price. - Kat

[@ihenrynl]

looks like krups finally made a good machine, i had its predecessor (xp5080) but never liked it, i am all nespresso nowadays, i like the milk & crema quality and never had a sour or weak cup since , so how good are espresso's ristrettos on this krups compared to nespresso or the saeco aroma machine ? luv 2 see your SCG opinions ?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

I haven't used that specific style of machine, so the tamping difference/performance, etc., is not super familiar to me. The tamper is not as important as the grind or freshness of the coffee - Kat

[@wolfetb]

Can this machine do microfoam? What's the difference between the XPS5280 and XPS5240? Aldo I love watching your videos, in one week I have gone from buying individual coffees from a coffee shop to almost buying my own machine. Keep up the good work!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@henrihenrynl I will put that testing on our to-do list! - Kat

[@Underden]

Hey Kat, I am wondering if you have seen or had a chance to play with the Krups XP618050. It seems like a good value but unfortunately you don't carry it (yet?) and am worried about the dual thermoblock. The reason I didn't pounce on the Breville Barista Express was due to the cracking seal in the thermoblock. Also, I'm curious about a Breville Infuser production model follow-up review. Thanks for your input!

[@MiBariloche]

Hi Kat!! Does the grind affect the quality of the shot too much in this model? I can't find this machine in Argentina, but I can get the 5240 that looks similar. Thank you, you rock!! ;)

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@skoredreng Thanks! :) - Kat

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@MissWindy65 That's a great one -- one of my favorites, actually, so good choice!! :) - Kat

[@nutsoyoda]

How horrible would it be for me to grind coffee bean with the store grinder and then just use those? I am looking at possibly getting a grinder but I don't have a very high budget and I reallllly really like this machine as opposed to the cheaper ones. I might be able to afford this machine and like the bodum bistro or the baratza encore but I'm not sure, thoughts? Btw I absolutely love you both, your videos, and your business, very very help, very entertaining :)

[@Qease]

Hello Kat en Gail, I have a KRUPS XP52 series. I'm a student so i don't have a high budget. I am getting my coffee grinded @ a coffee store in my village. Every week i get my coffee freshly grinded there(in a high end grinder), so my question is: What is better, buying a low budget grinder (if so witch one is best price/quality) or wait(2years) till i get more money and buy a better machine and buy a high end grinder later. With kind regards from Holland!

[@afro208]

have you used this with the Breville Smart grinder? Keen to know exact settings (grind consistency and amount) for that best matches this machine. Oh and great work guys love your vids!

[@djuzla]

Great video! I am an owner of XP5280 for 6 months,I am satisfied with the coffee itself,but not with the milk foam,though. When I turn the foam valve on,always,always there is a 2 seconds of water that comes out under the pressure before the steam begins.Is this normal? I can not make that creamy foam,like you did in the video,all I got is bubles on top. Please help,I want to start enjoying my home-made coffee :) Thanx, Bralle

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

The water that is coming out the first two seconds is just water that is not to temp. One thing you could do is let that water out first in a cup before you put the steam wand in your milk. Turn it on and let that water out then shut it off. Then put the steamwand in your milk and begin steaming. This will just let out any condensation that might have been there from before. As far as the foam, I would recommend removing your panarello and cleaning it. You may want to soak it in Rinza which breaks down the proteins in milk. - Steven

[@djuzla]

Seattle Coffee Gear I wash steam wand every time after I finish making coffee,so you can't say it is clogged or something,I really take care that it is clean. Speaking of that water that comes out every time,I actually do what you just proposed,becose I want to avoid watered milk. If I just let the water out,turn it off,turn it on right away,then,the water will keep to come out. If I want pure steam from the start,with no water,I must wait for the "loading" time again,but it doesn't make any sence that I must do that every time twice... Any suggestions?

[@lewys258]

Aww bless you kat. What does a thermal block do or what's that "marching noise" lol

[@AllasarPL]

Thank you so much for a great review. I just bought the machine :-) Any luck using the automatic milk frother? Mine just shoots milk all over the kitchen.

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@mindgames2889 Glad we could be of service :D - Kat

[@karilindis]

Thanks Kat for the fast reply. Any experience with those Saeco Poemia? they look very similar to the Aroma and are smaller. Karina

[@GypsyWomanWindy]

I am really leaning towards this machine. There are so many to choose from , but for the money would you say this is a good choice? I currently have this Bialetti Mukka Express Cappuccino Maker but after using it for 2 years , I am now looking for a machine. I would appreciate any help you could offer. Thanks

[@MiBariloche]

@SeattleCoffeeGear I saw that you sell some products to international customers, so after I return home from my vacations I'll get my machine and take look at your site (I'm considering registering in Bongo, muahaha!). Thanks again!! ;) - Laura

[@karilindis]

Hello Kat and Gail, I wanted to know in which ranking you would categorize the following espresso machines ( this are the ones I can get in Argentina ), I mean wich ones are the best to get: Saeco Poemia Focus/Class USD 244/266, Aroma Silver USD 555 Krups XP5240 USD 333 Electrolux EM220 USD 311 Oster 7701 USD 284 Bialetti Mokona CF41 USD 577 We don't have here any grinder options as you have there, only basic ones around 70 USD, is it OK to use pre-grounded coffee? Greetings, Karina

[@staceyf1373]

I'm debating between this and a Delonghi kmix. I prefer the kmix for it's retro design, but I've read a lot of reviews online about them not working after a short period of time or leaking. Would this Krups be a better buy? Thank you!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

I'd probably give it a 5 overall :) - Kat

[@BOHEMIANMEX]

Hello Kat and Gail, a question for you, from 1 to 10 which is the score for the Krups XP5280?

[@Katrien83873]

Thanks for your reply. Yesterday it succeeded for the first time to make microfoam. But I was only able to do it by putting little milk in the pitcher (it was still less then half full after steaming it). So now I wonder whether maybe my pitcher (16oz, cheap one) isn’t good enough to steam more milk. Can you maybe give an idea about the max amount of milk that I could steam at once with this machine? And what is a good pitcher size for this?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

I wouldn't go larger than a 20 oz pitcher - Kat

[@iamthebesfromyou]

I bought a krups xp601050. I also bought starbucks espresso roast (getting better lavazza coffee later) I was messing with the plastic tamper and it really is bad, I saw a 15.99 tamper on amazon, do you think that the tamper is good enough? I tried tamping with the plastic one, however I can't polish it at the end because there is a small ridge in the middle of the base. Funny how I basically got the milk frothing down.

[@iamthebesfromyou]

I am buying a grinder later on, however what coffee grounds make the best tasting espresso? I looked at the lavazza caffe espresso, is that a good blend of coffee?

[@dhindhin2]

I visited Krups store (Philippines) lately and found this version of XP5240/5220. The frother's plastic nozzle have changed already from this clip type in the video to thread type. Have you tried this new version already? I'm about to buy and choosing from Delonghi or Krups . Which one is better?

[@Katrien83873]

Hi I have this machine, but by steaming the milk I'm getting too much foam too fast, while I see you managed to get perfect micro foam. Do you have some tips that might help me to get the perfect foam as well? (I know I'll probably need to practice a lot...)

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@jdharding2 it's manna! :D

[@sasko1811]

Hello Kat and Gail, is it possible to convers the portafilter into a unpressurized. In an other video i saw that the portafilters pressuretool is under the basket. So can you removed the pressuretool??

[@jonathankhong5114]

Hi, I'm probably a little late, just getting into this hobby and have a Krups XP5220 lying around at home which I believe should be similar to the above, how does this compare to a Nespresso machine from purely a performance perspective? Also are these machines really all that bad? I know there is talk about pressurised baskets and all... are the temperature consistencies not that great too? Finally, how does this machine compare to an upgrade like a Gaggia Classic? Thanks so much in advance!

[@creativexstudio]

I like the classic tamping system

[@Andrewg820]

Just bought it. For some reason there's an oil/ diesel smell in the filter when after I washed them 🤔

[@r3s3tme]

@SeattleCoffeeGear hey! just bought 5280, but im afraid to use the steam ! haha ty

[@TheZacktan]

You should do a review of Krups XP6010.

[@mboris78]

I wanted to ask if you guys tested this machine and are you planning too Viante CAF-01E Café Amici. It reminds me a lot of Krups 5280 but it looks better build. There is nothing about this machine on the web. I'm still testing it and I'm pleasantly surprised by the results and features. I owned Delonghi 701/702, Krups 5280but Viante really surprised me.

[@cherieboo5]

I am looking and investigating; want to purchase a machine. I am on the "fence" on this one.Know, that I want an upgrade. Any good Tip's?

[@liquidribs]

Hey what's the difference between the xp5240 and the xp 5280?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@klarinetta Ha! That is the first time I have been called a man ;) - Kat

[@MiBariloche]

@SeattleCoffeeGear Oh, that's ok. Can't wait for the review! If it's not that great, I'll just choose another one. ;)

[@gilangmiroddan662]

Hi, i want to ask something because i never get right milk consistency,. wheres your steamer position exactly for this machine, is it under milk surface or how? i always got too foamy milk for latte no matter how i try.. thx

[@daymoron9251]

how many shot of espresso can be brew in an hour from small machine like this ?? can make 4 glass of cappucino in 15minutes ?

[@r3s3tme]

hi there!! can u help me with my new machine? Krups5280 or Delonghi eco310bk?

[@creativexstudio]

Delonghi eco 310 or Krups XP5280 ???

[@gilangmiroddan662]

how to descaling this krups machine? i have one krups xp5620 it's not quite different with this machine, i just using the machine about 2 months, and i want to know how descaling step when the time i should descale my machine? thx

[@MiBariloche]

@SeattleCoffeeGear Hi Kat! I got my machine and it's amazing, As far as I can tell, it's very similar to this one, except that you can't programme anything, but that's ok. I love to see the coffee falling, ha! As we speak, I'm waiting to finish my registration with Bongo. Again, muahahaha! I believe I'm going to get a Maestro Plus, because I don't see myself buying some higher end machine in the future, so I won't need anything more sofisticated than that. Can't wait to place my order, yay!! ;)

[@klarinetta]

Kat you are my man. Long live black coffee without any milk or other garbage to destroy the delicious coffee taste :D

[@bassmets4064]

Can you compare this machine with the KRUPS XP601050 or XP4600? Do you have reviews of these machines? Thanks

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Hi *****, Unfortunately we do not offer either of those Krups machines, so we are unable to review them. - Sarah

[@bassmets4064]

Seattle Coffee Gear ok, too bad, thanks anyway for the quick respons! cheers

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@r3s3tme Go for it!!!!! Don't worry, it won't hurt you ;) - Kat

[@mindgames2889]

Hello What is the size of the portfilter? I have one and I wanna buy a tamper for the mine. I know this machine dont need it, but I want make a test cause I think I have more controll over this variable. Thnak you so much and blessings

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Hello Miguel Alejandro Estrada Pérez! Because this machine doesn't need a tamper we don't have an exact measurement for you. It will be best for you to measure the inside diameter of your portafilter, that will give you the best result. It will mostly likely be around 49mm, but measure for sure. :)

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

@klarinetta ah -- got it, just a little cross cultural miscommunication :D - Kat

[@antonbelarus9793]

when I try to make milk foam in the room is very noisy and whistles .. but in the end nothing happens. : (Tried more than 10 times.!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Have you tried taking a part the steam wand and cleaning it? Could be some sort of build up. - Steven

[@MsCecica]

Does anyone know how to descale this machine?? Thanks...

[@magdalenaleniztello4130]

Hi! can you help me?? Which of these coffee makers you would choose? - delonghi ec 820.b - Krups xp 5280 - delonghi ec 310 thanks!! :)

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Hello Magdalena Léniz Tello - it would really depend what you really want to be doing with your machine! When steaming milk, will you want a traditional steam wand or a panarello (which makes frothing easier). Any preference on what material the case it made out of? This can help narrow down your search :)

[@magdalenaleniztello4130]

Seattle Coffee Gear This machine will be my first one and the most important things that I am looking for are: good quality to keep it many years and a nice foam milk to make a good capuccino Thanks for the help!

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Magdalena Léniz Tello Will this be your first espresso machine? Do you have experience frothing milk to get that nice foam?

[@magdalenaleniztello4130]

Seattle Coffee Gear yes!!! this will be my first coffe machine. And I have no experience frothing milk. What do you suggest me?

[@heikogao]

and one more thing, if you are not extremely lucky enough, when you wanna make two coffees placing two cups under each tube, u never get the same amount of coffee or colour in the two cups!

[@klarinetta]

@SeattleCoffeeGear Well maybe I'm using the language wrong but in Icelandic we use the word man over all human being.

[@Tjusanto]

How much pay for XP 5280

[@miodragkrkovic2938]

Hi, Can I use Capresso EC PRO portafilter with Krups Xp52?

[@SeattleCoffeeGear]

Hello Miodrag Krkovic, Generally you cannot interchange different brand's accessories. Using the Capresso EC PRO portafilter with a Krups machine is not advisable and may void the Krups manufacturer warranty. - Sarah