Rancilio Silvia espresso, lattes, cappuccinos maker (silver) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This machine is the perfect blend of quality, durability, and ease of repair for a home machine under $500. It makes espresso that rivals any you can buy at a coffee house.
I've been making home espresso for 25 years and have used many different machines of various prices which all died. I bought one for $250 from Starbucks which died in one year. They told me parts were not available. This machine is practically bullet-proof. I've had it for over 5 years and it is still running like new. Sure it hurts to spend this much on an espresso machine, but how many $250 machines will you go through? Learn from my mistake(s) and get a good one.
All the parts inside are commercial or semi-commercial grade. Anyone who works on commercial espresso machines can work on this one, and the parts are readily available. It's all stainless and cast iron. Very nice.
It has a 3-way solenoid, which you want, trust me. The 3-way solenoid lets pressure escape from the basket when you switch off the pump so that the coffee grounds fall out of the portafilter handle in a solid little disk instead of a soupy mess.
You DO NEED a good grinder made for espresso to use this machine. The pump puts out a solid 9 bar, which means most grinders can't get the coffee fine enough. A burr grinder is the only way to go. This makes the grounds fine enough that a shot will take about 20 seconds to make. Any less time for a shot and it means your coffee is too coarse. If you don't want to buy a grinder right now, there are some good preground espresso coffees in a can (such as Illy), but it will go stale fast. You'll want the grinder.
If you want great espresso, and a reliable machine, you can't go wrong with the Silvia. Take a bit of time to learn proper technique and you'll be happy with this one.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Rancilio Silvia espresso, lattes, cappuccinos maker (silver)

Click here for more information about Rancilio Silvia espresso, lattes, cappuccinos maker (silver)

Francis Francis 201030 X1 Trio Espresso machine Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I had wanted this machine for about 3 years. I finally decided to get one in Stainless. It is absolutely gorgeous! It is such a fine ascetically pleasing design. I love the toggle switches. Fit and finish are wonderful.
I had it for about a year. Unfortunately it was only good at making espresso with pods. It was an awful steamer and I drink mostly milk based drinks.
I ended up with the Rancilio Silvia. It is a night and day difference. The Silvia a "real" machine. Better tasting espresso, much, much better steamer ending in a tremendous product.
If you want a beautiful piece of equipment siting on your counter and are not too into coffee, one a week or so, I'd recommend getting this. Otherwise look else where for a good grinder and a good machine. I'd recommend the Silvia as the best you'll find under $800.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Francis Francis 201030 X1 Trio Espresso machine

The X1 Trio Espresso machine consistently brews excellent coffee, regardless of the user's experience and ability. The X1Trio machine uses pods only. The machine was designed by Luca Trazzi.The Body is made of steel. The finish is a baked-on powder coat epoxy.The 18 bar pump ensures enough pressure for the perfect extraction.The Trio head allows for a short, medium or long espresso using the same handle.Like the other Francis Francis! machines, the boiler is brass, the brewing head is chrome-plated brass, and the dual electronic thermostats control the coffee temperature and steam temperature. Easily identifiable symbols, lights and sounds makes this machine user friendly.

Click here for more information about Francis Francis 201030 X1 Trio Espresso machine

Expobar Office Control Espresso Machine Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have owned this machine for three years and have never regretted it. Ok, I regretted it a little when I had to get it repaired once, but it is a straightforward and simple machine, with a double boiler so you don't have to switch temperatures between making espresso and steaming milk.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Expobar Office Control Espresso Machine

The Expobar Office Control espresso machine is truly in a league of its own. It is a fully automatic espresso machine that has four programmable buttons for dispensing any amount of water through your coffee with the push of a button. The commercial style boiler is made of copper and has all the controls that are found on the larger commercial machines. It can simultaneously brew and steam, allowing for extensive flexibility. This machine is sensational for those who love to entertain, or even just for the executive who does not want to visit the drip coffee machine down the hall. It has both a steam wand and hot water dispensing wand that are mounted on ball joints so that they can swing in any direction. Its size makes it convenient for those who don't want to give up a large amount of counter space. It is 15.5" tall, 9.5" wide and 16.5" deep. The group head is comparable to the renowned E61 group head with pre-infusion and thermal siphon for maximum temperature stability and aroma extraction. The stainless steel housing is as beautiful as it is durable. The accessories include a chrome plated brass portafilter, tamper, single shot filter basket, double shot filter basket and a 7 gram coffee scoop.

Click here for more information about Expobar Office Control Espresso Machine

Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine - New 2009 Model V3 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a beautiful machine! I started learning about brewing espresso at home with a Gaggia Coffee. I've since stepped up to the Silvia and I wish I had bought it right away. The espresso I produce with it is far superior, never sour or bitter if I use the right amount and tamp it properly, and I can make microfoam. I also appreciate its heaviness, good looks, quiet operation and metal steam wand.
Many say - and it bears repeating - that you will only get the results you are looking for at home if you invest in a burr grinder of at least Rancilio Rocky or Gaggia MDF quality, grind right before brewing and use beans roasted within weeks, not months! I have had disappointing results with other grinders and all preground espresso including expensive Illy, etc.
Shop around and be sure to get free shipping, because this thing weighs a ton. I have seen good package deals where you can get the Silvia and Rocky together; with no tax and free shipping plus some free goodies such as a stainless steel tamper, you will be in business and might have some cash left over for the beans. Of course the instruction booklet is nearly worthless, but you can find some great videos on YouTube to show you what to do with all that stuff once you get it home.
If you have better things to spend your money on, like mortgage and groceries, or if you aren't too picky, look elsewhere; maybe try a stovetop moka pot. If you think you will be making espresso for years to come get this machine, a good grinder and a water filter, and some freshly roasted beans from Intelligentsia; then you will want a collection of little cups for serving your creations, and your friends might begin to think you are an insufferable coffee snob... and at that point, you will be. Trust me, your buddies most likely do not want to hear about your machine's brass portafilter and temperature stability.
This is NOT a cheap hobby. Maybe you should consider supporting your local coffee shop instead! As for me, I'm in too deep. Let me know if someone starts a twelve step program for espresso addicts. Enjoy!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine - New 2009 Model V3

This is the very latest edition of the widely popular Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine. It still has the powerful brass boiler and durable pump that have made the Silvia stand head and shoulders above the competition. New enhancement and upgrades for the Rancilio Silvia V3 include: a commercial grade, fully articulating steam wand with 1-hole tip for improved milk frothing, a new ergonomic grip for the steam wand to make it easier to open and close, a new ergonomic handle for the already heavy-duty porta-filter. 1 Year Warranty.

Click here for more information about Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine - New 2009 Model V3

Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)For the price, I'd give the espresso making part of this machine 5 stars. The portafilter and brew group are substantial and well-made. I've worked at two espresso shops with commercial machines, and the parts on this moderately priced Gaggia are nearly as heavy and substantial as the big multiple-thousands of dollars machines. I've had the machine for 4 days and have been brewing shots with Starbuck$ pods. The toggle switches are easy to use, the reservoir is easy to fill, and the shots are aromatic and full of crema every time. However, the steaming wand takes a star away from this machine. It does not rotate in every direction like the comparably priced Starbucks machine. This makes it hard to remove a cup full of frothed milk from under the wand without spilling. Also, the plastic frother contraption is silly. Actual frothing capability is pretty good, though the plain metal tips on the commercial machines produced finer microfroth, and were more fine-tuned to the trained barista's hand. Overall, it's a good-looking machine, and I'm satisfied with it for my main purposes - iced lattes and americanos, and straight double shots, all of which do not require use of the steaming attachment. This is a good entry-level machine that will brew you good shots, and look good on your countertop. However, I'm expecting to outgrow it and move up to an Isomac with more refined steaming capability within a few years.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

Consumers Best Buy! The Gaggia Classic is one of our best sellers for several reasons. Commercial grade quality: Rugged construction of heavy duty materials for longevity. High performance: Forged brass components to stabilize temperature with a three-way solenoid valve and independent expansion valve. Gaggia is in the process of rolling out a new Turbo-Frother wand replacing the metal frothing wand and sleeve. The Gaggia Classic turns anyone into a "Barista" in their own home. Includes two stainless steel filter baskets (single and double shot), coffee tamper and 7g measuring scoop

Click here for more information about Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel