Question 1

what size of tamper do you need?

Accepted Answer

On mine, the top inside diameter is 50.6mm and the bottom is 49.6mm, so this filter has a 1mm taper from top to bottom.  I have a plastic tamper that's 49.8mm and it made it to just barely below the 2 cup mark before the filter wall stopped it.  So I would definitely get a 50mm tamper since that will work best for most people who will fill this filter beyond the 2 cup line, but if you often brew smaller portions below the 2 cup line, I would also get a 49mm tamper.  I think it's a damn shame Mr. Coffee doesn't supply this information in the manual.  That's pretty darn customer UNFRIENDLY.  It's also pretty darn stupid to design a filter with a 1mm taper.  They should just make it like 50.3mm straight from top to bottom and include a 50mm tamper, but nnnnnooooo, that would make too much sense.  friggin Mr. Coffee

Question 2

Ok, I will be honest....I suck at making the froth. I get maybe one teaspoon of fuzz. Help! Whats the trick?

Accepted Answer

Take the rubber frothing tip off.  Run steam through the pipe for a few seconds to flush it out before submerging in the milk.  Use cold whole milk in a metal frothing cup.  It doesn't seem to matter if the tip is just below the surface or lower, but tilt the cup at an angle with the tip at the nearest edge until you see a "whirlpool" effect with the milk.  I fill the frothing cup only about 1/4 of the way because the foam I make will then fill it to the very top and you will be able to spoon it into your coffee in fluffy mounds.  The final step, which for me personally is the only way to get such great foam, is to use one of those mini battery-operated mixers (sold as mixers for bar drinks) to get absolutely frothy foam that holds together.  I know you're supposed to be able to froth without using such a mixer, but I don't get consistent results unless I do this.  You can find one for as low as $5 on eBay.UPDATE:  Wow!! Just a couple of days ago I was brewing a cup and suddenly I heard a loud "POP!"  The glass carafe had exploded...must be that the steam shot out with extra force!  There were shards of glass, coffee grounds and water all over my wall and on the floor.  I was amazingly lucky that none went up into my face.  Though this is an older Mr. Coffee model, I'm positive that I haven't made more than 40 cups of cappuccino in total for all the time that I've had it.  I will only use a moka pot from now on (all metal, no glass) to brew my espressos and cappuccinos.  I make the froth separately by first microwaving a few ounces of whole milk for 15 seconds on High , then transferring it to a metal frothing cup and using my little electric handheld drink mixer to make the foam...just as good as a steam machine, and of course, safer.  There is absolutely no difference in the final result by my doing it this way.  Topped off with a little sugar and cinnamon is a real treat.  I have never even heard of the glass carafe exploding.  Has anyone else out there had this experience??

Question 3

what size tamper is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

You only need a tamper if you are making espresso. This machine is NOT espresso machine. However, it makes fantastic strong coffee.

Question 4

Does this machine make coffee?

Accepted Answer

Technically it only produces coffee and steam. Espresso requires greater pressure (9-15 bar vs. this machine's 3 bars). The milk frother likely works on a steam system, but again, the drinks listed are ESPRESSO based so while yes it makes coffee, it does NOT make espresso or variation thereupon. hope this helps :)

ASIN	B000U6BSI2
Best Sellers Rank	#2,858,485 in Home & Kitchen ( See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen ) #13 in Steam Espresso Machines
Brand Name	Mr. Coffee
Capacity	4 Cups
Coffee Input Type	ground_coffee
Coffee Maker Type	Espresso Machine
Color	Silver, Black
Customer Reviews	4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars (7,695)
Filter Type	Reusable
Global Trade Identification Number	00072179229889
Human Interface Input	Buttons
Included Components	Measuring Scoop, Mr. Coffee Ecm160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine, Recipes
Item Dimensions D x W x H	6.5"D x 8"W x 10.5"H
Item Type Name	Old Version Espresso
Item Weight	1.7 Pounds
Manufacturer	Mr. Coffee
Material	Stainless Steel
Model Name	Mr. Coffee Old Version Espresso
Model Number	ECM160-RB
Number of Items	1
Operation Mode	Fully Automatic
Other Special Features of the Product	Milk Frother, Removable Tank
Part Number	ECM160
Specific Uses For Product	Espresso
Style	Classic
UPC	072179229889
Unit Count	1.0 Count
Voltage	110 Volts
Warranty Description	1-Year limited warranty
Wattage	900 watts

Mr. Coffee 4-Cup Steam Espresso System with Milk Frother

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