Francis Francis 208003 X8 iperEspresso Machine, Black Review

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.

Buy cheap Francis Francis 208003 X8 iperEspresso Machine, Black now

Francis Francis! 201030 X1 Trio Espresso machine Review

I had wanted this machine for about 3 years.I finally decided to get one in Stainless.It is absolutely gorgeous!It is such a fine ascetically pleasing design.I love the toggle switches.Fit and finish are wonderful.
I had it for about a year. Unfortunately it was only good at making espresso with pods.It was an awful steamer and I drink mostly milk based drinks.
I ended up with the Rancilio Silvia.It is a night and day difference.The Silvia a "real" machine.Better tasting espresso, much, much better steamer ending in a tremendous product.
If you want a beautiful piece of equipment siting on your counter and are not too into coffee, one a week or so, I'd recommend getting this.Otherwise look else where for a good grinder and a good machine.I'd recommend the Silvia as the best you'll find under $800.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Francis Francis 201030 X1 Trio Espresso machine

Product Description:
The X1 Trio Espresso machine consistently brews excellent coffee, regardless of the user's experience and ability. The X1Trio machine uses pods only. The machine was designed by Luca Trazzi.The Body is made of steel. The finish is a baked-on powder coat epoxy.The 18 bar pump ensures enough pressure for the perfect extraction.The Trio head allows for a short, medium or long espresso using the same handle.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. Easily identifiable symbols, lights and sounds makes this machine user friendly.

Buy cheap Francis Francis 201030 X1 Trio Espresso machine now

Francis Francis! 206002 Espresso Machine, X6 Trio Review

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.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Francis Francis 206002 Espresso Machine, X6 Trio

Product Description:
Pod only espresso/cappuccino machine

Buy cheap Francis Francis 206002 Espresso Machine, X6 Trio now Get 20% OFF