Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker
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Our Price: $324.97 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $199.00 (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: New and improved?
Summary: 2 Stars
I have made my own cappuccino for over ten years. I have always purchased cheap machines that lasted about two years, but I decided to step up to a 'better' machine. I used the reviews here on Amazon to help make my decision. Even though I used cheap machines I can honestly say that I can foam the milk at least as well as a Starbuck's barrista without using the typical foaming attachment.
So, what do I like about the machine? It makes really good espresso. I have no problems with the coffee holder plugging up as I saw in other posts. I like the water holder. I found that if I turn on the machine, by the time I fill the coffee holder the machine is hot enough to make me a bowl of cappuccino. Sometimes I have to let the steam wand pass water before using, but it doesn't take long to build up steam. I also like the little pick tool for cleaning milk from the steam wand that also has a smaller tool for the coffee holder (which I haven't had to use yet.)
So, what makes this a less than stellar review? Breville decided to improve two parts: the coffee holder and the steam wand. In my opinion neither of these items were improved, but Breville made sure you know they think it was by including a large brochure on the improvements in the instruction manual.
The coffee holder does not have a mechanism that slides over small cup. The cup is now held in place by a spring mechanism. When you bang the holder on the side of the coffee ground can the cup falls into the can. Have you ever tried to pick up the hot cup out of a can full of grounds? Also, the large (2 scoop) cup does not hold two scoops of coffee (not even their cheap plastic scoop). I make a large cappuccino each time and invariably the coffee spills over the side of the little cup. After only two months of use the plating on the inside of the coffee cup holder is flaking off - must have gone into my coffee at some time. I thought it was coffee stains at first until the spots wouldn't clean up - I took a closer look and saw that the plating was gone and whatever is under the plating is corroding.
The new steam wand does not come with one of those silly plastic/rubber things to foam the milk. That's the only good thing about it. The steam hole is just a little too large to really make a fine foam. All I get is really large bubbles. You would think the wand would stick over the side just a little so you could remove the milk cup. But if you put enough milk in it for a nice large cup of cappuccino or latte it will spill over the side as you tilt the milk cup to remove it from underneath the wand. Due to being on a diet I'm restricted to 1/2 cup of milk at a time now, but if I used a full cup like I used to do I would be spilling milk everytime I used it. As it is I still manage to spill some foam over the side.
I often wonder if the designers of some of these things ever actually use them. Once this machine dies I will definitely seek out a different brand.
Customer Review: Gets the Job Done
Summary: 4 Stars
I have had this machine since the Independence Day weekend. This is my second espresso machine. I bought a Bialetti stovetop cappuccino maker a few months ago. I loved that the Bialetti frothed the milk and brewed the espresso at the same time, and how pretty it was to look at, but I quickly grew tired of its temperamental performance and the painstaking effort required to clean it.
However, I am very much enjoying this Breville machine. I love the small form factor. So many espresso machines have these huge tanks and they take up so much space! With only limited counter space and no need to make espresso for more than 2 to 4 people at any one time, the 40 oz tank is the right size. I am relatively new at the espresso game, so I am quite pleased with how consistently well the espresso is brewed. I see crema every time! The double walled filter and the springloaded filter holder work extremely well. The espresso is made within a few seconds of turning that dial to the "coffee cup." The frothing attachment heats the milk pretty quickly and the warming tray on top of the machine is very convenient.
Frothing, on the other hand, is not as problem-free. Breville upgraded the frother on this model (thanks, Breville) so that it swivels and the rubber tip was eliminated. However, frothing is still inconsistent, at best. One time, milk blew out of the jug all over the place as I was trying to froth. More than once, the milk didn't froth sufficiently. Just not enough foam. I sure am getting some great lattes, though. If anything cries out for additional improvement on this machine, the frothing attachment is it.
On the other hand, cleanup is a snap (especially compared to the Bialetti). The stainless steel espresso cups and filters come clean in seconds. Running a little heated water through the machine cleans it. And while milk solids on the frothing wand can be difficult to clean, here's what I swear by - a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser! It gets rid of those milk solids in a flash - no matter how encrusted. I also appreciate the consistent temperatures for espresso maintained by this machine. With the Bialetti, the cappuccino was always lukewarm. With the Breville, my coffee drinks are the perfect temperature.
Bottom line, this machine is a great buy for the price. If you want an espresso machine that will produce excellent espresso and you don't want to spend $300 to $3,000, then this is the machine for you. This machine isn't perfect, so cappuccinos and lattes could be inconsistent due to the frothing attachment (and it would also be nice if there was enough vertical clearance under the filter holder to fit mugs) but it comes pretty darn close. I haven't been near a designer coffee shop since I bought my Breville!
Customer Review: Worst espresso machine I've ever used...
Summary: 1 Stars
I've owned 4 machines over a period of 30 years, starting with an old(er)-fashion piston-pump Riviera, a now expensive classic (the kind with the big lever arm you pull down) that I had completely rebuilt twice until I retired it for a Briel Lido (cheap & plain but reliable).
I had high hopes for this unit. It looks elegant in style with a metal body & clean lines & seems to operate in a straightforward way. But in actual usage it verges on the nightmarish. A previous poster has already eloquently described 2 of the ESP8XL's biggest shortcomings: its spring-loaded filter holder & its redesigned foaming wand.
I always make multiple cups of espresso, be it for straight shots, cappucinos or lattes. Therefore I fill & use at least 2 filters every time I make espresso. I had even already purchased the extra filters from Breville before even trying the unit for the first time. Disappointment quickly turned to frustration then to anger when I discovered how difficult it was just to *fit* the filter full with grounds into the holder (force was more like it) so tight was the spring. After considerable struggling I managed to get it in & make a cup. But to remove the now-heated (& full of damp grounds) filter was a real nightmare. I wound up having to use a paring knife to pry the filter from the holder, holding it with a kitchen towel to keep from burning myself. What a mess!
I called customer support & explained my problem. The chap on the line, while friendly enough, never seemed to have used an espresso machine, to say nothing of this model, suggesting such things as taking hold of the (burning hot) filter rim at the 2 indentations (about 1/8") in the holder. When I pointed out that the image of the filter holder in the manual showed a latch release while mine had none, he said that Breville had discontinued that feature & replaced it with the spring, they just hadn't updated the manual. Great! What lunacy. What I wouldn't give for the ability to pop the filter using that latch. Sadists at work.
I received this unit as a gift several months ago so can not return it, but have solved the problem of the filter holder by prying off the spring. Now the filters go in & come out easily as they should.
I rarely use the Breville to make espresso, mostly just to foam milk for my wife who likes it in her coffee. I should add that the previous reviewer was also correct in his assessment of the foamer. It does need to be turned on initially to release stored up water in order to get well-pressured steam.
Next time back to a European espresso machine (preferably Italian-made)for me. No more falling for the blandishments of clever marketing.
Customer Review: After 1 year, great espresso and no problems
Summary: 5 Stars
I have had this machine for 1 year now, and so far have had no problems or disappointments with it. I received this as a gift, and have to say it was the best gift ever. I do not claim to be a coffee expert, other than I enjoy drinking coffee, espresso, capuccino and lattes. I love love love my machine, possibly to the point of obsession, and would recommend it to others. I find it makes espresso and capuccino as good as the ones I used to get 3 times a day at coffee bars when I lived in Italy. This is the only espresso machine I have ever owned before and I find it very easy to operate and clean. (I put the stainless steel cups and milk container in the dishwasher, and handwash the rest, but it is still not difficult). It took me about a week to get a handle on making good foam with the frothing wand, but after some practice I can make excellent foam. I think I have a fall back career as a barrista.
If you are looking for your first machine, this would be a very nice one to try. It is compact, very attractive, easy to use, and not too expensive compared to the very high end machines. I have used a friend's very low-end machine (Mr. Coffee, $30 machine) before, and I think this one is better. It makes stronger espresso, and it is easier to make foam. Although depending on the amount of money you can spend, and your level of coffee-snobbery, even a very low end machine can give you decent results.
From other people's reviews, some people who are much more experienced with different machines say they do not like this one. One complaint that is common is that the filters clog often. I have to admit that I have never cleaned my filters (even though I am sure I should), and that I do not find the quality of the coffee to have decreased, or that the filters are clogged. I also have had no problems with fitting the filters into the machine, or getting them out, and so far the seals and gaskets seem to be holding up.
One thing I noticed is that the photo of the machine from the manufacturer shows a black, plastic attachment on the steam wand. My machine did not come with one, but just has a plain metal wand, like the one shown in the customer photos. Either they have changed how they make the steam wand, or I never got that black thing. I never asked the company, and my steam wand works just fine like it is. You MUST clean your steam wand after each use or it will get clogged and gross. After I use mine, I always wipe the tip off with wet towel, and I run emtpy steam through it for a few seconds to clear out any milk that may be in there.
Customer Review: Great Value, Excellent Coffee, Ease of use and maintenance
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a Cuban-American raised in Miami, Fl. After 26 years of having Cuban coffee available on practically every street corner I never realized how spoiled I was when I moved to the D.C. metro area. Although a Dopio Machiatto from Starbucks is great, just isn't the same as my 'cafesito'.
Bottom line, this Breville Cafe Roma delivers my 'cafesito' when I use Cafe Bustelo, I'm sure Cafe Pilon would work. The trick is letting it heat up properly, knowing when to stop the flow of coffee, and the amount of coffee and tamper pressure of course. Once you figure this out per your taste, this machine makes restaurant quality espresso...easily. The warming tray on top actually works, and adds a nice touch to the experience.
I've never used a Pod in this machine...it's against my religion :)
The steaming wand is a joke, although I admit I haven't spent the time to learn its nuances. I don't care, I warm my milk in the microwave and use an electric whipping type frothing wand, this method doesn't add water to my milk and actually whips the foam...much better in my opinion. But it's is short, and doesn't allow for a large mug to be used as it simply doesn't fit under the ledge of the machine. If you are counting on the the wand...you're going to have to adapt and overcome.
I don't typically take the time to write reviews (shame on me) but I had to go back and pay my respects. I've operated this machine daily for almost 2 months.
I remember reviews mentioning clogging. This is nonsense. My brother who brought his family up for the holidays is... well....not the 'clean up after yourself' kind of guy. He managed to get the grounds in places I couldn't have even if I'd tried, and all it took was one screw out, drop a single metal filter plate with a silicon o-ring, clean it out, put it back up, replace the screw...that's it. If this clogs you're either lazy, a pig, but mostly engender both qualities. I've never had to drop the screw since, but I'll probably do it a couple times a year for good maintenance.
Another strange complaint is the noise it makes...seems a bit picky to me. But it is true, the steam mode is a thumper, and the coffee mode vibrates the those cool little mettle saucers on the warming tray, but a single shot takes about 4 seconds...not a show stopper in my book. In comparison to other home espresso machines the operating noise seems normal.