| Items 1 to 10 of 46 total | Page: | Show per page |
-
Best espresso; worst froth
I have owned an espresso machine ranging from high to low end for the past 15 years, about 6 machines, and this one makes the best espresso.
I began studying the art of espresso making at age 13 (now, 29) and have worked as a barista a few times, although my barista studies were not company training, but just a hobby I was interested in.
So, I was very surprised to see the liquid remaining in the portafiltre, after pulling perfect shots! But the reasoning behind this was explained to me in a recorded message at the hotline number, and the espresso is perfect, so I cannot complain that the machine doesn't create dry pods of used coffee grounds.
BUT, I have to keep the cheap machine that I bought between this and my last machine for steaming milk, because the Cafe Roma does not make quality froth. Typically, with any machine, I can make quality, dense, wet foam which can be free-poured to make a proportioned cappuccino (=pts milk and froth) so I thought I may get accustomed to the different steam wand, but I haven't.
When frothing milk on the ESP8XL, I am only able to get about 20% froth from the milk. Again, I've always achieved at least as much froth as milk, or more froth than milk if I choose, regardless of machine or steam wand. These have always been traditional wands, somewhat straight, with a removable hex tip, but they have varied in length, angle (slightly), and in how far they extend from the machine.
Although I know that typical "froth enhancers," are designed to create froth for people who don't know how to make froth, and that instead of creating froth they create bubbles, I gave it a try to see if it was necessary on the machine. Indeed, it made bubbles instead of froth.
The steam wand on the Cafe Roma ESP8XL has a few problems:
A: It does not extend far enough from the machine, restricting the user from freely moving the milk pitcher slowly down, keeping the tip of the wand 1/8" below milk level during the entire frothing process. It should extend further out by at least 2". When pulling the pitcher down, the drip tray at the base of the machine gets in the way, stopping the milk pitcher, forcing the user to tilt the pitcher.
B. It is angled from the machine at about 225 degrees (the wand has a 45 degree bend in it), which is a problem, because in order to properly froth the milk, without creating bubbles, a steam wand should be held parallel to the side of the milk pitcher. This means that milk begins to pour out of the pitcher when about halfway through the frothing process, both because the pitcher is tilted at 45 degrees to keep the wand parallel to the pitcher, and because of problem A.
C. The steam wand now has a rectangular tip, which does not unscrew. The slight release of steam through gap between the steam wand and traditional screw-on hexagonal steam tip allows for better aeration of milk, increasing the quality/density/wetness of the froth. This wand does not have that slight gap, so aeration is reduced.
D. The steam wand is not long enough, and does not originate from a high enough point on the machine. The wand should be about 2" longer, and should extend from the highest possible point on the machine, to allow the maximum amount of downward pull on the milk pitcher.
These issues should definitely be addressed when the next machine in this line is released.
I don't want to sound like I'm unhappy with the machine. The quality of espresso I am producing with the machine is worth it. I would like to see a metal water tank, instead of a plastic one, but other than the steam wand issue, and my opinion about the water tank, I am very satisfied.
The machine makes such good espresso, that I am willing to keep the Cafe Roma and the cheap Mr.Coffee machine on the counter, side by side, so I can make espresso with the Cafe Roma, and use the other machine for its steam wand (which is the typical, standard, straight wand with removable hex tip).
-
Beautiful Metal Machine Outside; Plastic Inside
I just purchased this machine, but have not had a chance to use it yet, because the water tank was plastic, and had a hole in it. I saw another review about a higher end machine on this site, which made a mention about the few cheap plastic components. I would agree that with all the metal on the machine, the thickness of the exterior metal could be reduced , to offset the manufacturing cost of a steel water tank that won't break.
Otherwise, I'm excited to get my water tank via FedEx so I can start using the machine. I had a DeLonghi Rialto, which was very expensive, and does everything, including steaming the milk for you. I had little control over the quality of the espresso or steamed milk, and regretted the purchase--the trading of coffee quality for convenience, not that it was a bad machine. It made the quality espresso Starbuck's has been making since they stopped using the La Marzocca machines in their stores.
I'm looking forward to being able to control my brew, and hoping that I can pull a true Ristretto shot with this machine. - Great Machine I just got the cafe roma as a gift. Since I've worked in Miami for most of my life I've gotten spoiled with Cafe con Leche. Ive had a few of the cheap machines and they were better than nothing. This machine rocks. I don't know why there are any negative reviews unless people just don't want to take the time to make the drink they like. No more 4.00 lattes for me. I make mine the way I like it and the machine is as good as any high end home model I've seen or tasted. I will recomend this to all my friends. As far as the noise, you need a pump to get the best expresso.
- Excellent machine, excellent customer service, love the Aussie design! I had a Breville when I lived in Aus, and when I moved back last year, I was happy to find this machine at Macy's. It has great, sturdy, Aussie desingn, heats flawlessly and is really easy to use and clean. When I accidentally threw away the filter, emptying old grounds, Customer Service responded to my email really quickly. I love my Breville toaster also, and think the upscale Breville products are worth the extra money.
- Great at first, but... I've owned one for over 4 years. Had the machine changed within warranty within 3-4 months of purchase, as silicone steam ring gave out after using fine espresso ground coffee. I've already gone through at least half a dozen steam rings, and getting them from Breville USA is a whole different and frustrating story... It seems that steam rings do not hold up to fine ground well packed coffee; I've had to leave coffee slightly packed and give it at least a quater of an inch of space from top of coffee basket. Warming light turns on halfway through a demi tasse operation. Very frustrating. Would not recommend machine.
-
Excellent Customer Service
The ESP8XL is an excellent entry level machine that makes great espresso. The frothing wand is a little high, but otherwise this is an excellent machine that will deliver the goods.
However, I did have an issue with it not heating, so sent it back to Breville. It was replaced very quickly with a better model, no questions asked. That is excellent customer service in this day and age and Breville have earned a loyal customer, thank you Breville!
- how to unplug filter I bought my Cafe Roma used and have enjoyed using it . Makes very good espresso. I was aware there could be a problem with the filter clogging. After a couple months use I started using finer grinds, risking the clogging problem. Well it happened to me and after cleaning machine, using pin, etc. I still couldn't get it to work. Out of desperation I discovered that Oxyclean disolved the block! I took the filter out put it in a half glass of water with 1 tsp Oxyclean. I soaked it 4-5 hours and it worked! Now I'm not afraid to use grounds as fine as I want. Also, I don't know if it was a coincidence but it was Starbucks French Roast that blocked it. Maybe the french roast had something to do with it?
-
Good machine, a few quirks
This machine seemed well put together right out of the box. It has been giving me awesome espresso stand quality coffee from day one. I would give this machine 5 stars but it has a few quirks.
While frothing milk, there is a loud thump thump thump. Not too annoying but louder than I expected.
When brewing espresso, the machine vibrates and causes the shot cups to dance away from the dispenser holes in the filter holder. Not too objectionable, just slightly annoying. This is something I am very willing to live with considering this machine will pay for itself in approximately 55 days (not including the cost of fresh ground espresso beans) and the quality of my morning cuppa joe is just as good as the expensive espresso stand coffee. -
Got it for Chrisrtmas
I am surprissed at some of these reviews. All espresso makers make noise.
This makes perfect espresso. Better than I get from the coffee shops. They focus on what they add to the espresso.
The machine looks great. I have used it every day since Christmas. The only problem I have had is water coming out of the steaming wand. I just catch the water in a cup and use the hot water to clean the wand easily. Sometimes it might be 15 to 30 ml.
Does anyone have a solution for this?
I would hate to go back to regular coffee
- Customer Service I recently called Breville customer service to add parts for the Roma Espresso machine. The representative called back in 10 minutes and answered all my questions. I ordered the part through the internet and got it within a week. Great response.
| Items 1 to 10 of 46 total | Page: | Show per page |
