"I love this machine! It's the best maker that I could have ever got. I used to work at a big name coffee house that everyone would know and I can honestly say that I prefer making my drinks in the 800ESXL than anywhere or on anything else. It truly is the best. Having to measure out your espresso and tamper it down brings back the art to making a latte. As well as lattes, I can and do make excellent green tea lattes, hot chocolates, and have been known to add frothed, hot milk to my oatmeal in the mornings.

Definably the best. I am happy every morning that I get up and can make my own drinks to take to school/work. No more expensive coffee houses for me. After a month or two, the machine pays for itself.

A must have for anyone who loves luxury coffees and teas!

Lila

"

"OK- I generally love the Breville products, I really do, but why do I keep getting a lemon?
I have had two of the 800xl's espresso machines die on me, won't power on, after no more than 150cups/uses. Both machines died the same way, they simply won't power up.
Fortunately I bought mine at Williams-Sonoma and they were wonderful about exchanging my faulty ones for a working model. I am now on my third machine and I really hope that whatever issue caused the predecessors to die, has been addressed. Time will tell, as I have only had the third one for about 5hrs.
I also recently got the super-cute and fabulous counter top convection/toaster oven and LOVE it, so I'm still a Breville customer, I just hope for a better experience with my espresso machine."

"I've had my Breville Die-Cast Espresso Machine 800ESXL for about three years. I use it 1 - 2 times each day. It makes wonderful Americano's and latte's. Unfortunately, the computer board went out on it. (It was turning on on its own and not working when I wanted it to.) The cost to fix is around $200 for this $399 machine. I think I'll research and buy another machine. Too bad...."

"I've been using a Cafe Roma for about a year and recently upgraded to this machine. With the Krupps filter basket, about $14, an $8.00 tamper and a decent burr grinder you CAN make espresso and lattes as good or better than you get from a coffee shop. With the Krupps basket you don't get those horrible wet messy baskets, but you also don't get good crema unless your beans are fresh, properly ground and properly tamped. Trust me, the extra expense and work are worth it.

This machine looks great, and makes first class espresso with the Krupps basket. The only "con" I can come up with is that it uses a ton of water, so you do a lot of tank refilling and waste dumping. "

"I just saw Rob G's review "don't bother" and had to write in. This is the BEST machine ever! I have had mine for 2.5 years and it warms up in 90 seconds and performs flawlessly every single day. I have never been online or wrote a review before but dropped my ESE Pod filter into my disposal and needed a new one. Amazing customer service, super nice and they didn't even charge me for the filter or shipping! I love my machine and love this company! Buy one without hesitation and it will be your best investment ever."

"On reliability- our machine is over 5 years old, used heavily daily.... I 'enjoy' my latte's! Needless to say our machine has traveled across cross-country through camping trips, two years on a yacht (usually living on or near the ocean, salt water environments take their toll... yet the stainless finish looks just as beautiful as day one and have never had a problem with any of the seals... or any problem 'period' with this machine!!)

I cannot speak for anyone else's machine.... but my experience has been nothing but positive/enjoyable!

So when others comment on the fact that they LOVE this machine.... trust me, they mean it!! Mine is no longer a machine, it is a loved & valued family member that I look forward to greeting every morning! :)

I have never used a pod... we grind & go! Froths milk like a dream... easy to clean!

Bottom line from my experience: Dependable, Easy to clean/use/maintain, Reliable & Absolutely Beautiful on the kitchen counter after 'years' of hard labor & faithful service!
"

"My 800ESXL stopped working recently. Called Breville, was issued an RMA next day plus a Fedex return label. I received my new espresso machine 24 hours after Breville received mine. Thank you very much. That is impressive customer service!!!"

"A waste of $500+...don't even bother...watery grounds all over the place regardless of the grind and 30 to 40 psi tamp. Stick with a good Italian or german espresso machine and steer clear of AUS.

From Breville:
The water is caused by our pressurized filter system which produces a thicker, richer crema with less effort."

"Excellent!! Please do yourself a favor and BUY A GOOD GRINDER!!!!!! Do not use a blade grinder, buy a conical burr grinder and you will have delicious espresso!

I've had this since 2008 and it's still going strong!"

"until 3 months after purchase, it quit making multiple shots. First shot, good. But, don't expect a second shot. Machine quit. I could wait a couple hours and then might work again. I want more shots. So, glad Macy's has 6 month return policy. No problem now."