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: on 3rd unit
Summary: 1 Stars
I really liked this machine when I first got it. However, since then I have had to return it twice, both under warranty. Granted, the warranty service was very good, but I would like a machine that will work as well the 100th time as it does the first.
A couple of specific problems to note:
Even through the literature says that you can use espresso pods with this machine, don't try. They are packed too tight for the pump to get the water through. Every machine I have had has ended up leaking around the pump head because it couldn't get through the pods.
The milk steamer does not do a great job. Again, the pressure is not enough, and the machine makes a rather pronounced pumping sound while trying to get steam made. Also, the wand needs more than the usual cleaning to keep it working.
The second machine I got worked for while, until the heating unit burned out.
the third machine, which I have now, really never worked well out of the box. I am too fed up to send it back for a fourth. while the pressure on the pump head is so great that water streams through (not much flavor that way), and explodes when I remove the coffee holder (spraying coffee granules all over my kitchen), the steam wand can not seem to get enough pressure up to create steam.
With the exception of the current machine, each one lasted 8-10 months before failing, and each new machine seems to have brought a new one year warranty. As I mentioned, the warranty service has been great!
Customer Review: Excellent results, but one fatal flaw
Summary: 3 Stars
I have had this machine for about 2 years. It makes wonderful espresso and the powerful pump is terrific for making steamed milk for cappuccino. The crema on the espresso is absolutely delightful, the machine is fast and powerful, and the large water reservoir makes it extremely convenient.
To the negatives, it does clog; using freshly-ground coffee (don't pre-grind) seems to minimize the clogging, but it still happens. When it clogs, you have to waste a filter full of coffee, and you need to unclog it, which is time-consuming. It's a negative, but I can live with it, because the espresso is just that good.
Unfortunately, the machine has a fatal flaw that makes it impossible to recommend. The piece onto which the filter holder attaches is made of plastic. This might not be a problem in another machine, but the tendency for this machine to clog means that tremendous pressures build up behind the filter. If the filter is completely clogged, you then have to turn the filter holder with significant force to remove it, which puts too much stress on that plastic part (see the picture - it's the black piece between the filter holder and the body of the machine). When the plastic piece breaks, it is replaceable (if you're handy with a screwdriver), but you have to call Breville to get a spare, and you're without a machine for at least a week.
I have broken two of them now, and, despite the fact I love the machine, I think I'm going to look for a replacement.
Customer Review: Sturdy, good looking,easy to operate, great tasting coffee.
Summary: 5 Stars
Follow up: A+++++ I have been using this machine for daily espresso lattes for two years now. I have never had a problem, very dependable. The wand is very easy to clean, even if you don't wipe it off quickly. Just use a really damp rag, and the dry milk re hydrates and comes off easily. The filters have never clogged. I run a bit of hot water through the filter and wand affter each use which makes them problem free. The owners manual is worth reading, as it does say what needs to be cleaned.
I needed to stop my daily visits to Starbucks, their coffee taste good but the money I was spending was outrageous. After much research Breville Cafe Roma had the best reviews at a price that I was more than welcomed to pay. Coffee is a sensitive. Grind only with a burr grinder to get a consistant fine grind, blade grinders tend to burn the coffee and also produce an uneven grind. I use a wonderful Capresso infinity burr grinder and I only grind what I use. The Machine is easy. With a three position switch you can choose off, steam or coffee. Filling the coffee filter (fill, and tap down a bit) and water is easy, . I find it very easy to draw 2 shot glasses of crema coffee. The foaming of the milk does take a bit of practice but it is not difficult. The machine is very sturdy, nice looking, easy to clean and it is a perfect size. I totally recomend this product. You must do your part, grind beans daily. I use organic free trade coffee and organic milk.
Customer Review: Want to love it but it leaked!! Still waiting for a replacement!
Summary: 2 Stars
I ordered my espresso machine on Nov. 26th. I was so impressed when I opened the box and found my shiny espresso machine packaged so nicely. I read the instructions set up the machine as instructed, and filled the reservoir and waited for it to heat up. I came back to the machine in ten minutes and found almost two quarts of water all over my counter! I thought I had not seated the reservoir correctly so I tried it again and watched closely. It still leaked! I called Breville directly and they were very nice. Sent another reservoir which I received in two weeks. I held my breath and tried it...it did not leak! I pulled two shots of espresso which turned out wonderful!! I was halfway through my latte and looked at the espresso machine and the rest of the water that was in the reservoir had leaked all over the counter!! I called Breville again. They were going to replace the unit. I received a free mailing label via email within 2 days. I repackaged the unit and sent it off via Fed Ex. This was a couple days before Christmas. I am still waiting for my replacement machine! It has been almost 3 weeks and I've heard nothing! I think this machine will be great once I finally receive it. I was a barista for over a year and the functionality of the milk frother is very adequate. I would recommend a larger frothing pitcher though if you like a big latte. The two shots I pulled had very nice crema. I can't wait to get my new machine and I hope it works good!Customer Review: What's Not To Like?
Summary: 4 Stars
I've had my Breville ESP8XL since Christmas 2007. I make espresso quite regularly, although I have stopped making it every day. Any time I got a bad cup it was because of something I did wrong. It takes a little time to learn how to make espresso so if you're getting bad espresso look around on the internet for some advice or talk to someone who knows how to make it.
I have never had anything clog that I have made sure to keep clean. Good coffee, good espresso, REQUIRES you keep everything clean! Clean everything within minutes after drinking your espresso. Don't forget the part (hey, I'm not a technician) where the water sprays out. Occasionally grinds will find their way up there and if you let them accumulate you'll have rotten espresso.
I've read reviews that say their filters get clogged. Someone mentioned that their grind might be too small. Makes sense. I use a Breville conical burr grinder, and since the espresso machine is also a Breville, the espresso grind should be right for this machine. I've never had a clogging problem.
Preheat everything before you make your espresso.
I like the looks of the machine, it is easy to clean. I have made lattes for family members, but since I don't corrupt my coffee with additives I don't know how good they were. The recipients claimed they enjoyed what they drank.
Well worth the money as far as I'm concerned.