Review of Francis Francis! 206002 Espresso Machine, X6 Trio

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(More customer reviews)This is the first espresso machine I bought, had it for about 6 mos now. And so far, I really couldn't be happier with it for what it is - a great looking, reasonably priced machine to make a couple drinks.

I'm still learning, but I think we get pretty great tasting coffee from this. In my heart, I wanted a machine that could also do grinds. But I don't miss paying extra for a grinder or dealing with the likely mess I would create in my kitchen. So - the pods are nice, and the trio of setting is pretty interesting. I've found that the lungo setting works pretty well if you don't want to being using 2 pods for each drink. The machine performs really well. Warmup is only a few minutes, and going from brew to frothing temperature is actually really quick. You can only pull 1 shot at a time, but for my usual routine - 4 shots and frothing - this works pretty well.

This is just a great looking machine, very attractive on your kitchen counter (we bought it in white). At first, we weren't sure about it being made from plastic - but the main body is pretty heavy duty and feels solid. It has a fairly small footprint, so it doesn't take up too much space.

The steam wand - even given it was my first time using a machine, I can say that it is a bit awkwardly placed and hard to use at first. I bring the machine near the edge of your counter so have a little more room to maneuver. But after some practice, I really haven't had any issues with it, and I'm able to get some decent foam. The water resevoir is nicely designed to pull out sideways, so I'm able to pull it out only half way and pour the water in from a pitcher. The drip pan is fairly shallow - but any bigger and I'd probably let coffee sit in there for weeks, so I actually like having to clean it out.

I'm sure there are bigger and badder machines out there. But for the cost, looks, and performance - this machine really fits the bill for our Saturday mornings.

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Product Description:
Pod only espresso/cappuccino machine

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Review of Francis Francis 208003 X8 iperEspresso Machine, Black

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(More customer reviews)Illy is having a promotion of these.You can get them from Illy's website for $175 until 12/31/2009.

This machine is for people who want convenience. This machine uses pre-packaged espresso servings.If you do not want to fuss or mess that comes with grinding your own beans, you have three options:

1. Nespresso.You have to buy the machine and the capsules from Nespresso. I tried this machine and didn't really like the espresso. Not enough rich crema.

2. E.S.E Pods. Made by lots of different companies.This is an industry standard format.It's basically like an individually packaged tea bag, with a compressed puck of finely ground coffee inside. You could use this in a convensional espresso machine with the appropriate adaptor. Widely available. But the quality of your espresso will depend highly on your machine.

3. Illy's iperEspresso capsules, used by this machine, the Francis Francis X8. Not much of a selection of coffee, but what they do offer is very good. The crema is excellent.I find the machine very easy to use.The multi-color LED tells me when the machine is ready.Switches quickly between brew and steam (< 30 seconds). The frothing wand works pretty well, but it tends to over froth a bit.That's great for cappuccinos, but not so great for lattes.

PROS:

1. Extremely easy and convenient.
2. It acually makes decent drinks.
3. Seems to be good quality construction.
4. Never really runs out of steam.The pump inject small amounts of water into the boiler while steaming.
5. Switches between steam and brew (and vice versa) in under 30 seconds.
6. Heats up very quickly (under 30 seconds).CONS:

1.This is not for espresso connoisseurs.The espresso is acceptable, but not in the same league as a Rancillio or Gaggia.My other machine is a Silvia.I bought the X8 because I wanted a second machine for the office, where grinding beans and making a mess is not an option.

2. The Illy capsules are not individually wrapped.Once you open the tin (14 capsules), the shelf life is 14 days.

3. The construction quality is excellent, keeping in mind the whole thing is plastic.Again, not in the same league as something 100% stainless steel or polished chrome.

4. The steam power is very weak, however due the sophisticated design of the steam wand, it does a good job creating froth because it mixes lots of air into the milk.Nonetheless, you don't really have the power or flexibility that you'd find on a high-end machine.

5. It's mainly designed for single shot drinks. A tripple shot "venti" cappuccino will be rather tough to make with this machine (and expensive). Steaming a large enough portion of milk will be a slow process.Also, it would take you nearly two minutes to brew three capsules.By then, both your crema from the first shot and froth in the sitting milk would have started to collapse and your end result will not be great.
Overall, I love this machine.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Francis Francis 208003 X8 iperEspresso Machine, Black

Product Description:
The X8 machines uses the new revolutionary iperEspresso Method to prepare espresso.Hyper Espresso is a unique and innovative two-stage process.The first is hyper infusion.This is followed by emulsion, resulting in a thick, velvety crema and full-bodied espresso.

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Review of Francis!Francis! X1 Ground Espresso Machines

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(More customer reviews)We bought this based on info about how good the construction was. Paid about $600 over four years ago.(from another website) We only used it on the weekends and really enjoyed it.About six months after the one year warranty expired so did the machine! As soon as we plug it in the GFCI blows. There is some kind of short in it and the only place that repairs them is in Oregon or Seattle. So there it sits, for over two years, collecting dust. Very, very dissapointed in the machine.

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Product Description:
The X1 Ground Espresso machine was designed for the espresso aficionado who prefers to grind beans to achieve the perfect cup of authentic Italian espresso. The machine was designed by Luca Trazzi.The Body is made of stainless steel. The 18 bar pump ensures enough pressure for the perfect extraction.Like the other Francis Francis! machines, the boiler is brass, the brewing head is chrome-plated brass, and the dual electronic thermostats control the coffee temperature and steam temperature. An automatic boiler refill offers continuous steam and prevents accidental burn out of the heating element. Easily identifiable symbols, lights and sounds makes this machine user friendly.

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Review of FrancisFrancis! X7 iperEspresso Machines

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(More customer reviews)This is by far the BEST espresso machine I've ever owned. Being originally from Europe, my favorite coffee drink is plain espresso. The X7 consistently makes espresso that beats by miles what I get from Starbucks and Caribou.

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Product Description:
Combining state-of-the-art technology with strikingly good looks, this easy-to-use espresso machine produces cafe-quality espresso, cappuccino, and other favorite coffee drinks from the comfort of home. Simply insert an Illy coffee capsule, which contains a 7-gram serving of pre-ground and tamped espresso, and the machine takes care of the rest--no need to learn how to measure, grind, or tamp. The unit provides a unique two-stage brewing process that ensures smooth, full-bodied and intensely aromatic coffee with long-lasting crema. First, the machine pierces the capsule, and then it injects hot water under ultra-high pressure into the grounds for optimal, uniform brewing conditions. The second stage forces coffee through a valve at the bottom of the capsule, mixing the espresso with air to produce a long-lasting layer of golden crema. Choose from dark roast, medium roast, and decaf capsules.
The machine also features a user-friendly control panel with oversized backlit buttons, helpful icons, and audible signals; a one-touch brewing cycle with an auto-stop function; and a steam wand for making cappuccino or for heating water to make tea, an Americano, or hot cocoa. Other highlights include a 40-ounce removable water reservoir, a brass boiler for thermal stability, a 15-bar pump, bronze fittings, pressure-resistant plastic pipes, and a cup warmer with a metal ring to keep cups in place. Decalcification solution and a detailed instruction manual are included. With a visually stunning design by Italian architect Luca Trazzi, the espresso machine measures 11 by 11 by 12-1/2 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

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