Gaggia 35005 Carezza Espresso Machine, Gray Review

At around $200 at several online retailers this machine is about asgreat a value as you can find in a semi-automatic espresso machine.It has about the same internal parts and portafilter as much more expensive Gaggia machines, but a plastic rather than metal exterior.The steam wand produces a lot of steam, but is not really a pro style.It froths milk very well for a Cappuccino, but getting the even fine micro-bubbles for a Latte is a bit of a trick.
The unit in general is very solid, with a near commercial quality chrome plated brass group head and portafilter.The portafilter is a 58mm, which is the same as most coffee shop machines, and you will want to get your coffee ground a bit finer than a typical home "espresso" grind. Grinding your own is probably best.
Bottom line: If you want the least amount you can spend to pull a real double shot of espresso at home, this is as good a choice as can be found.
Added 4/29/06:I have had this for a year now, and used it every day.The trick here really is the grind, and I eventually got a Zassenhaus grinder, which has made a world of difference.A good burr grinder is needed to really bring out the best in this machine.
Added 10/08/07:I am still using it regularly, and I have to agree with some others, that the drip tray is too small given the fact that it does dribble a bit too much after you use it.Running some citric acid based cleaner once a month seems to help with this, but does not eliminate the problem.Anyway, apart from that gripe, it keeps on chugging along and putting out good coffee.

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Product Description:
The Gaggia Carezza is one of the hottest products in the low $200 price range. No other espresso manufacturer will bring you the pump power, heating capacity, brass components and pure results at this price. Hi-tech performance combined with simplified fingertip control takes the guesswork out of making delicious espresso and cappuccino at home or in the office. Each cup will be creamy, tasty, robust and rich with flavor. Gaggia is in the process of rolling out a new Turbo-Frother wand replacing the metal frothing wand and sleeve. Your Gaggia may have shipped with the Turbo-Frother wand or the frothing wand. Both are designed to help you get great froth with minimum fuss

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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.

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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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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.

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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.

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