Briel Lido Pump Espresso Machine Review

I've owned the Briel Lido for about two years now and I can say that it's the a phenomenal espresso machine for the price. You can't purchase another effective pump-centric machine for any less than this. It is capable of reliably producing fine espresso with beautiful crema and frothed milk to match -- with a few caveats...

Caveat 1: You'll need to buy an aftermarket non-pressurized portafilter. The pressurized portafilter that it comes with is how it "guarantees" crema -- even with stale beans. It may work for a while, but I found that in order for it to produce consistent results over time, it needs constant maintenance (cleaning) and adjusting (via the tightening screw at the bottom to regulate pre-release pressure). A non-pressurized aftermarket portafilter means you'll have to properly grind (or purchase properly ground) coffee and learn how to tamp the coffee with the right amount of pressure so you can consistently produce a good pull. Forget purchasing a fancy tamper unless you just like to "look" professional. The plastic disc with handle that it comes with does fine as a tamper... like anything else, you just need to put in the time to learn it.

Caveat 2: Pull all your espresso shots for as many drinks as you're serving BEFORE you froth your milk. Since this machine uses one heater element to both produce pressurized water for espresso pulling and dry-steam for milk frothing, you won't be able to pull a decent espresso shot without drawing a burnt taste after frothing milk... at least not until the machine cools down sufficiently, which can take quite some time.

Caveat 3: You must clean the machine regularly if you don't do an empty "cleaning" pull after you're done pulling your espresso shots. Residual oils from the coffee will build up and turn rancid contaminating your espresso over time. You'll notice this rancidness in your espresso shots when you're into the 2nd month, if you do absolutely no maintenance and/or cleaning. Don't blame it on the beans or the water as it's more than likely that you're machine just needs cleaning.

Two years into owning this thing and it still cranks out great espresso. What's happened since I bought the machine? The silkscreen on the top is now a bit worn, especially around the steam knob/lever. The steam knob/lever control has progressively slipped over time. It functions just fine, but is now off the original graphic marks that is on the machine.

That's it. It's a great machine, still pulling great espresso and rich, frothy milk for me. If you can't deal with all the work involved in pulling a good espresso shot with this machine, I'd suggest you try one of the semi-automatics or automatics up the range... say maybe one of the Saeco's, Gaggia's, or La Pavoni's. If you're willing to work within the tools provided by this machine and you purchase quality espresso-oriented coffee blends, it's guaranteed to be able to provide superb espresso and espresso-based drinks -- substantially better than any major chain and on-par with any professional barrista-led cafe.

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Product Description:
Part of Briel-s "Mini" line of espresso machines, Lido delivers perfect crema with Briel-s patented Crema Master filter and effectively alleviates dripping through the patented AquaStop No-Drip system. Machine is manufactured to be used with traditional ground coffee and the E.S.E. coffee pods (or servings).Budget conscious consumers will love the high-tech design, outstanding performance and affordable price of this easy-to-use, fool-proof espresso machine.Lido also has the distinction of being chosen as a "Best Buy" by a leading consumer testing publication. Additional features include: constant 15 bar pump pressure producing a savory espresso with perfect crema every time; automatic self-priming pump eliminates annoying start-up preparation; Turbo Jet Frother, a Briel exclusive, produces plentiful dry steam for a thick milk froth for a cappuccino or latte; stainless steel boiler; "OK" light signals when machine is ready for brewing or frothing; two thermostats regulate the coffee cycle and steaming process, with a third "safety" thermostat located on the pump in the event of abnormal or continuous use; push button switches; die-cast filter holder for minimum heat loss; large, removable water reservoir that fills from the top; water level visible from the front; water filter on intake; removable overflow tray for easy cleanup; coffee tamper and measuring spoon included.

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