Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker
- Stainless-steel espresso machine with 15-bar thermoblock pump
- Dual-wall filter system for excellent crema; froth enhancer, cup-warming plate
- Accesories: Stainless steel frothing pitcher Tamping tool/measuring spoon/cleaning tool
- Removable drip tray and grid; Frothing jug included
- Measures 9 x 9 x 12 inches; 1-year limited warranty
- 40.6 oz (1.2 L) removable water tank
JetaJeta
My first Breville espresso
The Delonghi machine broke down after few years and I felt like to upgrade without spending too much on the machine. Nespresso pods are expensive on daily basis for family. So my decision is a basic model of Breville for $200 . It comes in sturdy stainless steel, definitely better than Plastic body before. Most important is the tremendous improvement in taste. I used starbucks french roast from Costco as usual. And the espresso coffee taste so much better than my old machine. So the price is well worth for people who do not want to spend a fortune , and demand a good coffee every morning.
LisaKeyser
... for about half a year and so far very satisfied with the results
Had this machine in our office for about half a year and so far very satisfied with the results. It's good for the price but not professional grade. There are ways to compensate and still get a robust espresso. My tips for getting the most out of this machine: Because this machine can't quite extract as much as a professional grade unit, it's best to start with a dark roast espresso bean to compensate for some loss of flavor. Grind using your preferred method, but I go for 30-35 seconds in a cheap blade grinder. Grinding finer might start clogging the filter, but can lead to better extraction. Whether making a single or double shot, I fill the large filter basket to the top. Then I apply a fairly large amount of force (>50lb) onto the tamper three times, spinning the tamper in between. The next thing to watch is the color of the espresso coming out. It starts out dark, then brown, and finally turns tan. You want to stop the machine before it gets tan because the tan portion is basically murky water. If you want to go one step further, you can pre-heat the portafilter and cup by running it without coffee for a few seconds. Overall I'm satisfied with this purchase. Once I adjusted my technique, the machine has reliably produced good espresso for the entire office over the past few months.
CatherineAlshalabi
Great Machine!
Got this one as "Used-Like New" for bout $80 less, a year later still working great.. We have has just about every coffee pot and coffee made. Been thinking bout expresso type machine for long time, while reading a review of another brand I noticed the reviewer said that it was not as good as Breville so read about this machine and all the positive reviews.. After getting my grind down and a couple other procedural matters sorted out it been great coffee.. I make a couple of 3 oz cups so not super strong, but wonderful flavor and crema. Everything been working as it should so far.. Our local WinGo sells beans @$7 lb and they are just as good as any other we have tried.. Have used burr grinder in the past, but just too messy for me so now use wife's Magic Bullet to grind the beans--works great (I know some say it burns the beans!).... Oh, Breville told me no guarantee for used machines, think Amazon covers for 30 days..
YawarKhan
Great espresso machine!
I have had several pretty inexpensive espresso machines in the past, but this one is a step above the basics. It's very easy to use, and it makes a great shot. In fact, this is the 2nd one I've owned. My friend gave me the first one, her husband wasn't using it any longer. We lost it during a flood, and when I went to replace it, I bought the exact same one. Didn't even want an upgraded version. It cleans up easily, the bottom slides out and apart for a quick rinse, and the water reservoir holds quite a bit, enough to make everyone a round. It's not too big to sit on the counter, it's about the size of a regular coffee pot. This is one of my favorite small appliances. It gets used quite a bit for iced coffees around here. It did NOT come with the stainless espresso cups, but it did come with the stainless milk frothing pitcher. I just ordered some little espresso shot glasses which work great
PaulHopp
Um, Yum? Yea, and at half the price of competing products.
The coffee this machine makes is delicious and it's half the price of other products by the same company. Some say you need to get the hang of it to really make your coffee great again, but I think it was so much better than my moka pot that I didn't notice when newly had it, the coffee only seems to get better. One word of advice is you do need to clean the filters that the espresso goes in fairly frequently, also any espresso machine requires some decalcifcation.
MuhammadNaseer
I loved that little machine
This is my second Breville ESP8XL. My last one, a ESP6XL. lasted for ten years and was used daily. I loved that little machine! It was the Model prior to the 8XL...basically the same. I had a hard time finding one for sale due to Breville discontinuing this model. I tried a DeLonghi machine that seemed ton be similar and I was disappointed from day one. I found this one on Amazon and jumped right in and ordered it. I don't care if this model has been discontinued, I will happily use it for another ten years. It is a heavy, strong well built espresso machine that will continue to make great espresso every time if you just grind your beans to the right consistency, load the portafilter with the right amount and clean when recommended. The booklet tells you what the grind should look like and once you have experimented and find it you are set for a great latte, or whatever drink you prefer. After I have brewed my espsresso, I always run a little water through the system without the filter. In think it helps a lot to keep the machine clean..and besides, who wants leftover grounds when you make a new espresso.
JimmythatCarroll
barista approved:)
I worked as barista years ago and we used old school espresso machine. Not the ones they use nowadays. I acquired the taste and appreciation for good cup of specialized espresso drink. At home I never invested on coffee machines. I got instant ones. Anyways, took me few trials to make espresso in the way I prefer. Steam part is amazing. Simple little machine, looks wonderful. Came with two porcelain shot cups with saucer. Beautiful set. Photo showed two stainless steel ones and honestly I was okay with that but receiving a quality item.made me really happy. Came with all accessories you need. Taste of the coffee is amazing.possibbilities are endless. I can make hot apple ciders, hot chocolate, any kind of latte, cold and hot drinks. Machine would probably pay for itself in 2 months. Based on me getting cup of coffee a day from starbucks. I am really happy with this machine so far. Its a real treat.
WillamTonelli
Buy away! You will not be disappointed!
Best machine for daily use out there that doesn't cost a fortune. The only thing I would change is an auto shut off when pulling the shot (it will keep pouring until you turn it off), so that takes a little getting used to. But the pump works great, and the steam wand works very well. If you find that the wand gets clogged, I have a great solution: a doll needle. Turn off the steam, push that long needle up into the wand, and then run the steam again. It should clear out any blockages. Also remember to use the tiny cleaning tool in the small opening of the press inserts. It can get clogged with tiny espresso particles, and this will keep it all cleared out so you don't get a back up into the shower head. Easy to clean all the parts. Make sure you clean once a week with vinegar to keep everything running smoothly. Great steam pressure creates a beautiful froth. You will love this machine!
JeremyWaugh
Delicious espresso for milk-based beveraged
Received this espresso machine yesterday. Tested it out several times - awesome espresso shots for my favorite beverages. I'm not an expert by any means and I wouldn't be the one drinking straight espresso shots, but I liked the taste of my iced vanilla latte and hazelnut macchiato. Coffee taste was very distinct and definitely not bland. Frother also works great - just let the machine reheat for a few seconds after you pull your espresso. I hope it serves me longer than a couple years :)
RoxaneGoodfellow
Excellent price-product relation
This espresso machine has the sturdiness we were expecting in parts and assembly, as well as the steam pressure required for a good coffee with cream. It is easy to clean, goodlooking, does not take a lot of space, and it is easy to use. We have had it for around 2 months now, and the only thing we have not yet figured out completely is the time it takes for it to warm up at its start in the morning, for sometimes it produces a light infusion instead of the darkened espresso we are expecting. For the pricepoint it is no doubt the best option.