Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker
Customer Review: LOVE THIS MACHINE (replaced my old Krups)
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to say, I absolutely love this machine! This is a preliminary review since I just got it today -- I will try to remember to do a follow-up review in about a month concerning the issues that others have brought up that seem to mainly appear only over a few weeks of use (i.e.: clogging filters). For now, these are my first impressions after having pulled 3 shots with frothed milk.
Up-front, this is not my first espresso machine; this one replaced my old, small, a little beat-up (but still functional!) Krups. It made a decent cup -- but the Breville puts my Krups to shame! I also tried another couple brands from some big-box outlets and took them all back, unsatisfied. So I am familiar with brewing espresso, even if I'm not a full-fledged barista. :)
These comparisons are mainly made as opposed to my Krups.
1) The warming plate gets noticeably hotter
2) The crema extracted is noticeably thicker and richer looking
2a) In order to achieve this result, I don't have to grind as finely nor tamp nearly as hard -- indeed, I haven't had to tamp with much pressure at all
3) The crema extracted stays a LOT warmer for longer
4) The shot is noticeably less bitter (ie: not bitter at all)
5) The frothed milk is absolutely better. My Krups required 2-3 frothing cycles per batch in order to get anything close to acceptable. This machine accomplishes MUCH BETTER... and in only 1 frothing cycle
6) The drip tray is WONDERFUL... 2 holes for the grouphead to drip it's excess into without dirtying the tray-top and an overflow indicator to warn you before you create a mess
7) With the exception of the measuring spoon/tamper, all of the other accessories were AWESOME. I love the double-walled espresso cups (2 included), and though I probably won't use the matching saucers, they are nice too. The included cleaning tool is SUPERB as it contains (all in one piece) the right sized tool to clean the froth-hole, a smaller tool to clean the pores of the filter-baskets should they become clogged, and a wrench to remove the frother-tip for periodic cleaning. The included spoon/tamper is "OK" -- it's certainly more durable than my Krups one, but it's still just plastic... I would have liked a nice stainless one to match the machine.
8) The water reservoir is a bit larger... and easier to read the fill-level (still not ideal, though, it really should have had a small LED light shining out from inside... but it can be read with a little care... my Krups one pretty much I couldn't ever see the water-level.
This machine is easy to use, easy to clean, and consists overall of less work than my Krups. It's obvious from just a few uses that when it comes time to give it a thorough cleaning (I usually do that about once/month) this one will be MUCH EASIER and the results will be superior.
But in the end what matters most are the results: the product I produced from this machine tastes JUST AS GOOD (if not better) AS MY LOCAL BARISTA. I am *VERY* satisfied! :)
All of that being said, let me emphasize that I am not comparing this to my old Krups as a way of suggesting that NEWER Krups's wouldn't also fare better; I'm sure they would. But my old Krups is what I have to compare this new machine to.
Also, I am sure many of the complaints of other reviewers are probably somewhat valid; however, it should be remembered that this is NOT a $1000 machine... it's not going to do everything for you. You are still going to have to do much of the work, especially clean-up & maintenance. But you are going to get a FANTASTIC product if you are just willing to put forth a little effort... and all for a reasonable price!
I am absolutely satisfied. I'll post my thoughts again in about a month.
Customer Review: It's good once you learn its quirks
Summary: 4 Stars
First of all this is a very nice looking machine. It is well built and has a solid feel to it. As far as I can tell it does almost everything the 800XL does for a lot less money.
But how does it make espresso and froth? Pretty good once you learn its little quirks.
First of all, don't expect this machine to be an automated espresso maker; it isn't. It also doesn't cost thousands of dollars like the automated - do everything for you machines. YOU actually have to do some work to get the best results from it and it requires constant maintenance. I learned most of what I know by reading lots of reviews from other users. Some tips are in the manual but not all of them.
First of all, this machine needs to be primed before you use it, on both the espresso and steamer settings. With my first few attempts it just didn't get things hot enough until I learned this. The steamer will eject water for the first 20 seconds or so - so you need to prime it or you will get watery froth. The metal cups need to be preheated in order to have hot espresso. I simply prime the steamer and catch the water in the cup to preheat it, then dump it out.
I have had no problems with the filters clogging up as others have complained about. I think the thing here is not to grind the coffee to fine or it will get trapped between the two metal filters. I use an automatic grinder on the "fine" setting with no issues. Just make sure it isn't powdery or you will have problems.
I have also learned to stop the espresso from brewing when it gets to about 3/4 of the way full on the metal cup. It does continue to drip for a while after you turn it to the standby position. This isn't a big deal as you will have to clean the drip tray anyway once you are done.
The grounds do come out watery in the filter after use, but this is how the machine is designed to work. Not a big deal - just a little messy. If you don't tamp down the grounds real hard it isn't as bad. I find it is also necessary to clean the filters and other parts as soon as possible after using it. I think this also prevents the clogging problems. Once again, not a big deal once you get the hang of it. I just simply rinse everything out well with hot tap water. You do get some grounds up in the top of the machine, (where the filter seats) but I just get a wet paper towel and wipe it down - that's all. If you don't, you will find dried grounds dropping onto the drip tray or into your next cup.
Actually the machine is very easy to clean and the steamer is now much improved as the rubber nozzle has been replaced by an all metal wand. You simply wipe it down and then run some steam through it before you shut it down. Piece of cake.
All in all this is a good machine for the money. It makes great espresso and I find it easy to get good froth for other drinks. At first I didn't like it and was ready to return it. I just took me some time to learn how to use it.
Take your time, don't freak out, clean it well, read some reviews, learn how to use it, and you will enjoy some good espresso Making a good cup takes some experimenting and experience to get optimal results.
As far as its durability and longevity, we will see. I do think they need to replace the plastic collar that holds the filter in place. It really should be metal and is the weakest part of the machine which also gets the most use. Others have complained that the pump burns out prematurely. Maybe this has to do with running grounds that are too fine as that would put more back pressure on the pump.
Sure, its not perfect, but what is these days? I've been able to get some good drinks from it and I still learning.
Customer Review: I am downgrading this machine from my original review!
Summary: 5 Stars
April 6, 2009: This is my second and final update. I decided to try this model again. I purchased a new unit, brought it home, and opened the box. To my horror, the burning plastic odor wafted into the air, even before I took tge machine out of the box! I unpacked the machine, plugged it in, and gave it a try. The bad odor and flavor were overpowering. So it's back to the store, and back to researching espresso machines.
April 4, 2009: Here is my revised review. As you can see, I had given this machine five stars. Today I am downgrading it to one star. Unfortunately, I am not able to change the number of stars that you see on the screen, so I will update you on what happened to change my mind about this product.
When I posted my first review, the machine was working great. Everything changed right after that review. The other day, I pulled a shot using an ESE espresso pod. When I removed the portafilter, the pod EXPLODED and there were ground espresso beans everywhere. What a mess. I spent half an hour painstakingly cleaning up all the grounds, especially from the filter head, running hot water through the machine, etc. etc. etc.
Then, the next day, when I tried to pull a shot, HOT STEAM blew out of the machine and I heard a SIZZLING NOISE. The water in the tank began to smell and taste like BURNING PLASTIC. Now, each time I use the machine, I change the water, but the burning smell gets worse. Needless to say, I am very concerned about the condition of this machine--not just from an espresso-making standpoint, but more about SAFETY.
The one good thing that has come out of this is that I have started to run hot water through the machine to blow out some of the steam, and by doing that, I think it is making better espresso. I am getting a lot of crema, even with the ESE pods.
Sadly, I have joined the ranks of disappointed Cafe Roma users, and I am left to ponder one of the great modern-day questions: do I exchange this unit, upgrade to an 800 ESXL, or pay a lot more to switch to another brand like the Rancilio Silvia?
As painful as it is to read, below is an excerpt from my original review. I have not deleted it because when the machine is working properly, the pro's and con's are accurate.
"I did a lot of research before purchasing this espresso machine, and I was very pleased to find this one. The Breville espresso machines have won international awards and accolades. You will be hard pressed to find a better machine at this price, with stainless steel housing and many other features that higher-end machines have. This appliance feels as solid as my Kitchen-Aid stand mixer.
In my opinion, the machine is very well-designed. The water heats up very quickly, the machine is fairly quiet, all the parts feel well-made, and everything fits together nicely. Bonus: the head of the portafilter is nontoxic stainless steel, NOT potentially toxic aluminum or chrome plated brass. This machine is also compact, which is a real-world consideration. Some espresso machines, particularly the super-automatics, are gigantic.
That said, there are a few con's. The plastic scoop/tamper that Breville supplies is really flimsy. The espresso cups/saucers and frothing cup are also a bit cheap, though they're a nice addition. I have been using ESE pods (I know some people hate these things, but they are very convenient and provide good flavor; also, I purchased a sampler pack so I I am having fun trying dozens of brands of espresso). I don't know whether it is the pods, or the pod portafilter, or the machine itself, but I do not get good crema. I do not find this to be a big deal, though, and I will be experimenting with ground beans soon."
Customer Review: Makes Good Coffee, but Some Annoying Design Flaws.
Summary: 4 Stars
With a footprint of only 9" x 9.25", the Breville Cafe Roma (ESP8XL) is a nice machine if you have limited counter space and your preferred coffee beverage is espresso. It makes excellent espresso but is less adept at frothing milk. The machine is a handsome brushed-metal, 12 inches tall. Turn the power switch on. Wait for the orange heating light to go out. You're ready to make coffee. I've found the pump very reliable. There are no memory or presets. Turn the selector dial to the right to make coffee and turn it back when you've made enough. When the power is on but machine is at rest, the heating element cuts on every 8 minutes to keep everything warm and ready to go. The warming plate on top of the machine will keep your cups warm -or your hands in the winter.
Two sizes of filter holders are provided: 1 cup and 2 cups. By a "cup" Breville means an espresso or demitasse cup, or 2 "shots" of coffee. You can use pods with the 1-cup filter if you like. This machine produces excellent crema, probably due to the double-bottom design of the filter, which forces the coffee through 2 sieves. I've read some complaints about grounds becoming trapped between the 2 layers, clogging the filter. I recommend a 5 ½ -6 ½ grind in this type of machine. It worked very well in my old Capresso, and I have had excellent results with the Café Roma. An "espresso grind" is a #3 grind, which could clog the filter. You may also find that a fine grind produces coffee that is too strong. Likewise, when using the 2-cup filter, I suggest 1 ½ scoops (tablespoons) of coffee, not two.
Once you have your rich, delicious espresso, you may want to froth milk for a latte or cappuccino. The steam wand on the Cafe Roma has been upgraded and no longer has the "froth enhancer" that you see in the picture. The new wand swivels, while the old one was stationary. Make sure the orange heating light has gone off, submerge the tip of the steam wand in your pitcher of milk, and turn the selector dial to the left. This steam wand makes an extremely loud, high-pitched whine that sometimes leaves my ears ringing. I now use ear plugs. Seriously. It doubles the volume of milk easily but froths with difficulty. I'm getting better at producing froth with this thing after a few weeks, but if you like very frothy lattes, you may be disappointed with this machine.
The espresso is always rich, bold and piping hot, just as I like it. The Cafe Roma's little flaws annoy me sometimes, however. The water tank is only 40 oz. (1.2 liters) and is always running low on me. I can't see the water level in the tank, because the plastic is clear and glossy like the water. Frosted plastic would have solved that problem. The drip tray slides out too easily, often accidentally while I'm wiping off the counter. The filters are tight and difficult to remove from the filter holder for no good reason. But overall, I'm pleased with the Breville Cafe Roma. It's a good value, doesn't take up much space, and makes good espresso. It also comes with a metal pitcher for milk, a set of 2 metal cups and saucers, a measuring scoop/coffee tamper, one espresso pod, and a tool for unclogging the steam wand and filters.
Customer Review: From a guy in the know ...
Summary: 5 Stars
[...] - visit my anti-foodie ... er ... food blog
I know quite a bit about the art of espresso. I have sold numerous models and makes over the last five years, and am considered "the Espresso Guy" in my kitchen hardware store (toot, toot -- that's my own horn you are hearing).
I've also used and sold many different kinds of machines -- stovetops, manual, semi-automatics and fully automatics -- not mention those transvestite-o-matics everyone is so up in arms about.
Anyway -- my point: for the price, it's a great, great deal. Especially considering I bought mine on special for $[...]. I doubt you will find it for that cheap anywhere, seeing as my employee discount really helped out there. But, I will say that the crema is terrific for this small machine, the frothing is a breeze, and the overall functionality is good (with the cup warmer on top). To be totally honest, I kind of bought it just to get the uber-cool stainless steel cups & saucers. But, I really intended on returning it if it sucked. It doesn't. The quality, thus far, rivals that of the "big- rig-fully-automatic-shines-your-shoes-too" machines.
I will certainly update my review if the machine fails down the road, but knowing Breville products well ... I doubt that will be the case. Cheerio -- bottoms up, bean heads!
That was a compliment.
UPDATE
After using the machine for a full week, I am even more pleased. People who bitched about "loudness" or "broken pumps" simply do not know how to work manual espresso machines. Espresso machines are loud. They used pumps and forced hot water and steam. Geez, are you making espresso in the dead of night at a sleep lab? What's the biggie? Each machine is different, and it takes a week or so of daily use to really get it down-pat. Easy sailing after that.
I LOVE this machine. Wonderful coffee with both Illy fine-ground coffee (expensive) or Café Bustelo (comparatively dirt cheap, yet very good - available at your local supermarket). You have to experiment with the grind and how hard you tamp the ground coffee into the filter -- HINT: very, very lightly. Too hard, and you get the "broken pump" complaint other people had. It's not broken, it's just that the pump cannot force water through the coffee cement disc you just made by pressing down way too hard. Also, make sure the water tank is pushed down all the way, and that it is .... drum roll....full! I have no doubt that most complaints on this product were from uninformed, impatient (didn't want to take the time to read the manual or do a little trial and error testing) kind of consumers -- of which, there are far too many. For me, 1/2 the fun of espresso is the making part.
The espresso is outstanding! My only complaint (I agree with the most recent review) ... the frothing wand can be a little awkward as it does not extend out far enough.
Boo hoo .... Buy this machine!