The Krups XP2070 is a sophisticated machine that is built to satisfy a whole range of coffee tastes. This unit is capable of brewing traditional drip coffee, as well as espresso, cappuccinos, lattes and other specialty drinks. The XP2070 is Krups' top-of-the-line combination machine, so you should expect the best components, such as stainless-steel parts, a digital control panel and a powerful 15-BAR pump for making espresso.

We were amazed at how compact this machine was compared to other pump models. We expected the XP2070 to be twice the size, but it takes up only slightly more space than many machines that make espresso alone. The base measures 11-1/2 inches wide by 13-3/5 inches deep and stands 12-3-/4 inches tall, and the combination of black and brushed stainless steel is very attractive.

Despite its plethora of functions, the XP2070 is anything but complicated to operate. The user-friendly front panel has six push-button controls. Icons next to each button illustrate the function, and a digital display shows the options selected. Although the espresso and drip-coffee functions are controlled separately, the two programs cannot run simultaneously. You can brew a 10-cup pot of coffee in about 12 minutes and then switch to the espresso function, and the XP2070 takes a little over a minute to preheat and then seconds to brew each cup or shot of espresso.

The XP2070 comes with all of the must-have coffee-brewing features, including a programmable clock/timer to preset your desired brew time, a flavor selector to produce stronger fuller-flavor coffee with smaller quantities and an alarm that signals the completion of the coffee-making cycle. The unit also halts the flow of coffee while you pour a cup. The removable filter basket uses number-4 cone filters, and the 32-ounce water reservoir has an exterior water-level indicator.

The espresso produced by the XP2070 is wonderful. A 15-BAR pump with die-cast thermoblock heating element produces excellent espresso with a beautiful layer of golden crema. The unit comes with a porta filter, plus three individual filter sieves for 1-cup, 2-cup or pod espresso brewing. We obtained consistent, full flavor with each type. For cappuccino, the XP2070's perfect froth-steam nozzle efficiently produced frothed milk in no time at all. After the steam function was used, we noticed that the machine runs a self-cooling cycle where the pump operates for a short amount of time, delivering cool water through the system and ejecting steam and excess water into the drip tray. The XP2070 is a bit noisy for the minute it takes to perform this operation, but is ready to brew more espresso immediately following the purging of water.

We loved the XP2070's one-touch espresso function. A single button activates a pre-timed cycle to produce either a single shot or double shot of espresso. The system starts, runs some water to pre-wet the grounds, pauses, then resumes brewing. Since there's virtually no recovery time between espresso cycles, you can brew multiple cups in succession. The default setting is 1 to 2 ounces of espresso, but you can customize the quantity to suit your own preferences. Our only complaint involves the water tank. Because it is hidden inside the housing, it was hard to tell when it needed refilling.

The Krups XP2070 Coffee and Espresso Combination Machine offers state-of-the-art functions for a truly exceptional coffee-making experience.


Pros:  Ten-cup drip coffee and 15-BAR pump for espresso brewing, quality stainless-steel components, steam nozzle, digital control panel includes clock/timer, automatic espresso cycles
Cons:  Can't run coffee and espresso cycles simultaneously, purging of excess steam, can't tell when water tank needs refilling

Warranty
1 year, limited