Cheap FrancisFrancis! X1 Espresso Machine, Creme (Kitchen) Price

Related Products

Customer Reviews of FrancisFrancis! X1 Espresso Machine, Creme

Overall, a great machine!
Good points: <
>1) Heats up to the right temperature relatively quickly. <
>2) Makes a great, strong cup of espresso with great crema (I have been using the Lavazza Gran Crema E.S.E. pods, never tried with ground espresso, because I am trying to avoid a mess). <
>3) Mine takes about 20 seconds to go from "espresso" temperature to the hotter "frothing" temperature, as opposed to the one or two minutes other machines take <
>4) It really does froth a nice thick froth, nothing runny and flimsy like every other cappucino maker I have ever had! <
>5) You can pretty much brew one shot after another, with a few short seconds in betweeen to allow boiler to heat up the water to the right temp. The consistency of brewing temperature is really very satisfactory and stable. <
>6) You can make hot chocolates and tea with the frother and hot water coming from the frother, respectively. Nice for a couple drinks at a time and a lot quicker than boiling a kettle for tea. <
>7) Obviously, it is a beautiful piece and you will definitely notice it gets commented about. Looks good in a modern kitchen but is also just as comfortable (in Stainless, pastel pink, cream or white) in a Shabby, retro, or country romantic kitchen. <
>8) The clean up is a total breeze if you are using E.S.E. pods <
> <
>Not-so-good points: <
>1) The water resevoir will need to be refilled if you make "longer" or "taller" drinks like lattes and "americanos", especially if you are making drinks for two or more in a household. If you prefer straight espresso shots and those topped off with a nice scoop or two of frothed milk, you're in business and can go for three days or more without re-filling. Otherwise, be prepared to refill daily. <
>2) The "cup warmer" on top of the machine is not really hot enough to keep the cups warm unless you turn the machine on for a good 20 or 30 minutes before brewing with the cups on top. But it is a cute place to store the cups and I never really had problem drinking espresso from a room temp. cup anyway, have you? Just a small thing I noticed, really but something I thought could be pointed out. <
> <
>Just to note: I bought mine off Ebay from the outlet refurbished and have had no problems. It came with a 6 mos. warranty, and I saved hundreds. If you cannot come up with 800 bucks for one, this is the way to go. Happy brewing and lattes of love!

---

2001 model still going strong! Great espresso
Having worn out a Capresso machine after daily brewing 4-6 shots of espresso in making lattes/cappuccinos, etc. I went looking for a more durable machine. <
> <
>I bought an X1 in 2001/2 when it was a brand new model (in stainless) and it is great: <
> <
>1. It heats up quickly. <
>2. It brews VERY consistently. <
>3. The ESE thing is the best mess-preventer ever. <
>4. Separate steam-temperature setting is great. Heats milk much faster than other, cheaper consumer models. <
>5. Machine has capacity to steam enough milk for at least 3 tall lattes before needing a quick "refill" of water from the pump switch. <
>6. I like the simplicity and total manual operation. The switches aren't labeled, but there's only 3. Kind of a morning meditation for me. <
> <
>The most important, non-obvious things: <
> <
>1. Don't leave a pod in the holder and move temperature to steam setting. When you unhook the pod holder, steam will instantly blow apart the ESE pod, which, given that it is more than boiling hot, will hurt, plus will dry instantly on the wall. <
>2. Use INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED ESE pods, unless you use them all within 2-3 hours of opening the tin. They sour very quickly, even in the freezer. I am partial to Starbucks pods, given my household's addiction to that brand, but I think that is more of a preference than a quality issue. Illy tastes fine, but you have to use them all quickly. <
>3. If you serve a lot of guests, the double unit (X3?) might be better. With the dual-temperature settings, you'll spend a lot of time running water through the unit to cool the steam setting back down to brew the next batch of espresso. Lots of refills of the water container, which is a bit of a pain to remove from the back of the machine. <
> <
>Overall, a great performer after 4 years of daily, multiple use. This thing is a great machine.

---

GIVES YOU A PHENOMENAL ESPRESSO IF YOU HANDLE CORRECTLY
Two months ago I bought the X1 from the new serie "X1 by appointment" at the online store azone.ch. Discount price about 500 USD including a box of 18 E.S.E pods from AMICI. The inventor of the machine Francesco Illy is a "pope" of the coffee industry. He founded the "Francis Francis" Company in Switzerland. His father and grandfather are the founder of the "ILLY" coffee brand. A name for sophisticated taste of coffee. Francesco Illy started to launch his own brand "AMICI". There are actually 4 different E.S.E. pods available. My favourites are the "Espresso" (silver box with red stripe) and "Ristretto" (..with black stripe). Please check amici.ch for more information. So, that's a little bit about history and now my review: When I read the negative postings I wonder why there are some problems when using the machine or why the coffee gives some people only average joy. Here my suggestions for a real espresso experience: <
> <
>Rule 1: Strictly use the E.S.E. pods....the one from AMICI or LAVAZZA I can suggest. Not try to use non-E.S.E. pods. They will not fit perfectly. <
> <
>Rule 2: Buy some high quality espresso cups. If the porcelain is robust and thick it can keep and lead the warmth much better. <
> <
>Rule 3: Always use pre-heatened cup. Place them on top of the coffee machine. I never turn off the machine. If you switched of the machine, wait about 20 minutes before preparing coffee. <
>And important: Pour one espresso cup of water before inserting any pod. This guarantees, that the cup gets his temperature and that the machine gets its operation temperature. <
> <
>Rule 4: Keep your machine clean. After every use clean the pad-holder. Put it in the machine (be sure there are no pods inside) and simply pour water for about 10 seconds trough it. <
> <
>Rule 5: For the ones who experienced damages, I think, they didn't threat it correctly! After using the steam YOU MUST SWITCH BACK to the espresso mode and activate the toggle switch for espresso. Simply pour water about 20 seconds. Now the boiler will not overheat and protects the machine. If you do not follow that rule your machine could be damaged seriously! <
> <
>Final commentary: Those people who wants to compare the X1 with any one from Braun for about 99 USD and think the taste is the same, I must only say, that they have no concept of good coffee taste. The Francis Francis is nothing for people who confuse real espresso flavor with the over-sweeted plastic or paper taste of any Mc Donalds or Dunkin' Donuts sewage. <
>The first time I have seen the X1 I knew, soon or less I will purchase it. The unmistakable design didn't relinquish myself anymore. Every day walking to the kitchen, the Francis Francis X1 smiles at me. A machine to take into one's heart. <
> <
>Marcel Dubach, ZURICH