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This machine replaces a similarly priced Italian machine (Gaggia) that died for the second time in three years. Fixing it would have cost as much as a new machine. The Breville is on the whole a better machine. Likes: --Big water reservoir, easy to fill. It removes entirely from the front and can also be refilled from the back at a pull-out panel. --Reliable brew strength and good crema, as long as the coffee is the right grind and well-tamped. The included plastic tamper on the back end of the filler scoop actually works better than a metal tamper. --The construction of the portafilter and collar eliminate the struggle to get the fill just right. --The portafilter inserts easily as long as the coffee fill is below the edge of the filter. --The milk steamer is robust. It makes ample foam for cappuccino with little effort. --The steamer has a back-flow/cooler feature that allows you to switch back quickly to making another cup of coffee. This also uses up the water, though it's not an issue with the big reservoir and an ample overflow tray. --Its build overall seems solid, tight and sturdy. Dislikes: --There is no "off" mechanism for the steamer. You have to turn on the steam function, swing the wand back over the base, wait for it to come up to steam and only then insert it into the milk pitcher. It could be that this helps preserve the life of the pressure system, but it's messy. --In a well-lit room, it's hard to detect the pale "on" light. It's too easy to leave it on by accident. --Overall it's a bit noisier than other machines I've used. After a month using this base-model Breville, I'm delighted with its dependable coffee quality. It actually gets richer flavor from the beans I've always used.Read full review
This is a really solid machine with full functionality that enables you to dial in a precise shot and foam milk really well. Upon arrival the machine would not prime (delivered used to me) so I removed the back and blew water into the filter hose while holding down the shot button. Since priming it has worked flawlessly. Combined with an accurate grinder (I recommend the Breville smart grinder pro) you can get really consistent shots with amazing crema and flavor. The one drawback of this machine is that you cannot froth milk and pump shots at the same time -- something common to most consumer espresso makers. If you want to do both at the same time, get the Breville Dual Boiler. My system to make the time between power-up and pouring as short as possible is: open the steam wand over the tray until it is putting out steam and not spitting water; grind and tamp the beans into the portafilter; steam the milk and then pull the shot. The milk can sit for a minute but the shot should not. The dial makes it easy to tell if you have a fine enough grind or need to tamp harder to get the pressure into the optimal range. The program button allows you to dial in the precise amount of water per shot. Very happy with this product and considering that it has been discontinued at least 5 years (and been used during that time) prior to my purchasing it, it has held up very well.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Beautiful coffee maker, and a great price factory reconditioned. Breville makes the best small kitchen appliances on the planet, and I was thrilled to find a factory reconditioned model this inexpensive. BUT. . . the exchange had its problems. It took a while, not unreasonably, for the unit to get through customs into the States from Canada. Once it got here, it didn't work right out of the box. Returning it was a big hassle. There seems to be only one person on the e-mail exchange with the company - you can't get problems solved over the phone. It took nearly a week to get a return authorization, then I had to wait for the shipping back to Canada and for the re-ship. The folks on the other end were responsive and friendly, but in the end it took just a few days shy of 2 months to get a working machine. And by that time, BOY, DID I NEED A CUP OF COFFEE! So, if you choose to buy one of these - keep your fingers crossed. The star rating is for the machine, not for the shopping experience - that only rates 2 stars!Read full review
We just opened a deli. We had never used an espresso machine before. We got this one based on reivews. We read the instructions and then the rest is just experience. I have to say, it works and we are still learning. It is hard to pack the coffee enough to get the pressure to rise but if you do, it tastes better. We use the steamer a lot not only for coffee but for making bread and other recipes. Hot water nozzle is great for tea and cocoa as well.
This is my second Breville espresso machine. The first one I had for 7 years; it was still working but having a few minor problems, so I thought it was time for a new one. For all those years three adults in my household used it every day. In this day and age where equipment is designed to break down and be replaced and parts are often cheaply made, the Breville just keeps on going. Everything about it is exquisitely crafted. This is such a fantastic machine. The coffee it makes it beyond wonderful. The Breville is very user friendly and instructions are easy and simple. I can make lattes and other wonderful coffee drinks for my friends who drop by. Do not buy a cheap version of an espresso machine--get the Breville; it is worth every penny.
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