Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker
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Our Price: $324.97 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $299.99 (click here) Category: Kitchen See more product details |
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker
Customer Review: OK...for a while
Summary: 1 Stars
I've had the machine for over two years now. It made OK espresso for an inexpensive machine but the real problems started when I'd had it a while. Because you have to place the espresso cups just so underneath the machine, it's necessary to get down at eye-level to make sure the brewed espresso doesn't miss it's mark. The first clue I had that the machine was starting to fail was I was splashed in the face with scalding water while trying to ensure the espresso was going where it should! I thought this was a fluke and blamed myself for not locking the basket properly. Some time later, the same thing happened. Finally, the machine spews hot water regularly now...the water actually bypassing the basket entirely and spewing everywhere resulting in cups full of brown water, not espresso.
I emailed the company and never heard a word. If I had, I may have considered replacing this one with another Breville. I'll buy another brand now.
Customer Review: Addressing the "cramped frothing wand" on a Breville Roma espresso machine.
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been using my Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma espresso machine every morning now for over six months. I'm fully satisfied. Rather than repeat what some of the other recent 5* reviews have said, let me add one tip. There have been complaints about the cramped position of the steaming wand. I concur. In fact, I'm using a larger steaming pot than is sent with the Breville "kit", which was way too small. This larger pitcher compounds the problem. I simply placed my machine on a granite cutting block that is about an inch thick and the problem is resolved. (The wand hangs over the right edge while my other espresso accessories set on the left side.)
I ordered my Breville with a 20 ounce latte pitcher from Rattleware, a ProAccurate Instra-Read NSF Beverage and Frothing Thermometer and a Terry's Tamper. I keep my coffee in an OXO air-tight storage container (12 oz. Starbucks just fits when full).
Customer Review: Great unit
Summary: 4 Stars
I researched for hours various makers. Decided on this one with no regrets. It makes great expresso, caps, and latte's. The quality of the machine is great! It's good looking, sturdy and solid...it even includes additional pieces like the stainless milk frother cup and cups/saucers. It's fairly easy to clean...except for the frother, it can be a bit of a pain. I usually soak it in some water before tackling it right away. (But you would have that problem no matter which one you buy.) It takes a few times before you make the perfect cup but actually it's pretty easy to figure out. If you're looking for a great product at a great price I highly recommend you buy this one. I checked a lot of them out, felt this one was a good option for what I was looking for and hoped for the best when I ordered it. (cause it's not exactly cheap!) I ended up with a gem and believe this one certainly will not disappoint you either.Customer Review: Must know what you're doing for good results
Summary: 3 Stars
Let me say this up front. You can make very good espresso with this machine. That being said you must become an espresso expert to get that good shot. Use the proper grind size, tamp pressure, time your brew time and you may get a good result. I don't think that the single serving filter is good because the surface area of the filter is smaller and cannot get a decent tamp going. (you'll understand when you see it) Just use the two cup serving filter and a very fine grind. I don't think that this machine heats the water to 200 degrees, but if you run the machine and wait for the heater to come on you can get it hot enough. The steamer wand works good, but needs some heating up. I just took off the rubber thing and use the bare nozzle. Don't get me wrong, this machine is good and much better than steam powered machines. Just expect to practice, and don't expect a "god shot" on you first or even tenth try.Customer Review: Good machine
Summary: 4 Stars
I've had it for about a month now. Got it as a gift, so I did no prior research. The whole family regularly uses it, including a teenager.
Good:
Espresso comes out looking and tasting great.
Milk is easy to heat and foam.
So far no maintenance problems. The earlier review about a clogged filter is probably a result of coffee being ground too fine. A grinder with too fine or inconsistent grounds size would be bad. We have a Starbucks burr grinder and so far no clogged filter holes.
Bad (not so good):
When steaming, it produces a loud pounding sound. Not really a problem, more of an irritation.
While making an espresso it vibrates enough that shot cups begin to slide sideways, so you have to hold it. The entire process takes about 15 seconds, so it is not a problem, but it would be better if it didn't do it.
Overall I'm happy with it.