Comments for Espresso Drinkers Guide http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com Consumer Rating & Reviews of All Things Espresso Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:47:09 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Comment on Breville 800ESXL Commercial 15Bar TriplePriming DieCast Espresso Machine by Willieboy http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/169/breville-800esxl/comment-page-1/#comment-1410 Willieboy Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:47:09 +0000 http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/169/breville-800esxl-commercial-15bar-triplepriming-diecast-espresso-machine/#comment-1410 Great Home Machine for Lattes<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>We have owned this machine for about a year. We are latte drinkers and this machine does a great job pulling shots for lattes. I can not really comment on espresso, as I am by no means an espresso expert. That said, with this machine, I make better lattes than the local coffee joints (Seattle's best, Starbucks, etc). More coffee flavor, not as bitter, and certainly not the scald taste you can get from some of the chains. <br /> <br />Easy to use, though a little picky on the grind. I find a grind between espresso and drip works the best. I use the grinders in the grocery store, and use their bulk beans. Espresso grind will definitely clog the machine up, and drip is to course. I tend to go a little closer to drip than espresso when I am selecting the grind level. Great Home Machine for Lattes
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
We have owned this machine for about a year. We are latte drinkers and this machine does a great job pulling shots for lattes. I can not really comment on espresso, as I am by no means an espresso expert. That said, with this machine, I make better lattes than the local coffee joints (Seattle’s best, Starbucks, etc). More coffee flavor, not as bitter, and certainly not the scald taste you can get from some of the chains.

Easy to use, though a little picky on the grind. I find a grind between espresso and drip works the best. I use the grinders in the grocery store, and use their bulk beans. Espresso grind will definitely clog the machine up, and drip is to course. I tend to go a little closer to drip than espresso when I am selecting the grind level.

]]> Comment on Saeco Incanto Deluxe Automatic Espresso Machine Stanless Steel by D. Ciomek http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/168/saeco-incanto/comment-page-1/#comment-1405 D. Ciomek Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:39:07 +0000 http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/168/saeco-incanto-deluxe-automatic-espresso-machine-stanless-steel/#comment-1405 Awesome coffee, but ventilate issue<br>Rating:3 out of 5 stars<br>I got this thing 4 days ago when Costco had it on sale. Awesome coffee, whether you just want an Espresso, Latte, Cappucino, or a regular coffee. Easy to use. Not too noisy when grinding, tons of options to program. So, all in all, seems like a great machine. But...I have to say I already had to use their manual pump twice to "ventilate" the system (charging the circuit with water). It is supposed to do this once when installing, and then after a long time of not being in use. Well, I already had to do it twice within 4 days. Worse, it did not do it automatically, so I had to use this 20 cent hand pump that does not properly fit. It's ridiculous, this is a $1,200 machine. I really love the coffee, so I want to believe in it, but if this happens a few more times, I will check with customer service, and if this does not stop I will send it back and get a manual 15 bar one without so much electronic. Too bad though, coffee is really great. Awesome coffee, but ventilate issue
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
I got this thing 4 days ago when Costco had it on sale. Awesome coffee, whether you just want an Espresso, Latte, Cappucino, or a regular coffee. Easy to use. Not too noisy when grinding, tons of options to program. So, all in all, seems like a great machine. But…I have to say I already had to use their manual pump twice to “ventilate” the system (charging the circuit with water). It is supposed to do this once when installing, and then after a long time of not being in use. Well, I already had to do it twice within 4 days. Worse, it did not do it automatically, so I had to use this 20 cent hand pump that does not properly fit. It’s ridiculous, this is a $1,200 machine. I really love the coffee, so I want to believe in it, but if this happens a few more times, I will check with customer service, and if this does not stop I will send it back and get a manual 15 bar one without so much electronic. Too bad though, coffee is really great.

]]> Comment on Breville 800ESXL Commercial 15Bar TriplePriming DieCast Espresso Machine by Jthcds http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/169/breville-800esxl/comment-page-1/#comment-1412 Jthcds Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:41:38 +0000 http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/169/breville-800esxl-commercial-15bar-triplepriming-diecast-espresso-machine/#comment-1412 Great product, even better customer service!<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>We were given a less expensive Breville espresso machine as a gift. It started leaking after several months, so I contacted Breville customer service. They swapped the less expensive machine for this one -- without charge. I was thrilled that they took back the other one (since I didn't have a receipt) and even more thrilled that they upgraded it. Although the new machine was refurbished, I can't tell the difference. This machine is solid, works quickly, delivers great espresso and cappuccino, and is easy to clean. I highly recommend not just this machine, but Breville products -- due to their excellent customer service. Great product, even better customer service!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
We were given a less expensive Breville espresso machine as a gift. It started leaking after several months, so I contacted Breville customer service. They swapped the less expensive machine for this one — without charge. I was thrilled that they took back the other one (since I didn’t have a receipt) and even more thrilled that they upgraded it. Although the new machine was refurbished, I can’t tell the difference. This machine is solid, works quickly, delivers great espresso and cappuccino, and is easy to clean. I highly recommend not just this machine, but Breville products — due to their excellent customer service.

]]> Comment on Breville 800ESXL Commercial 15Bar TriplePriming DieCast Espresso Machine by K. Biegler http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/169/breville-800esxl/comment-page-1/#comment-1417 K. Biegler Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:41:10 +0000 http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/169/breville-800esxl-commercial-15bar-triplepriming-diecast-espresso-machine/#comment-1417 Great Machine<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>So not being an 'expert' on machines I went to an Italian friend who is asked him his advice and told him what I was willing to spend. He picked this out of a list of machines I considered and am I ever happy I followed his advice. I've had my Breville for a year and a half now and it's still going strong with daily use ... one other thing if you follow the directions on cleaning and maintenance you'll have no problem. I read a complaint about a 'soupy' residual of coffee vs a 'dry' puck and have to assume this person is either not tamping or getting a bum grind to use ... yes there is dampness but didn't you just run a bunch of water through it? yet when I empty the filter my coffee comes out in a solid puck and it produces a lovely crema (have tested repeatedly in a clear espresso shot glass). <br /> <br />One other thing I would like to mention. I bought mine through an online retailer who had a 'great deal' and assured me it was 'New'. When it arrived the box was clearly stamped as 'Refurbished' and of course the retailer was non-responsive. On top of which it didn't work. I contacted Breville and along with my pre-purchase emails of condition as 'New'. Well, Breville bent over backwards issued me a 'RMA" paid the shipping and upon inspection of the machine promptly returned to me a brand new espresso machine ... no additional charges, no shipping, no hassles. <br /> <br />I wouldn't recommend you try to buy refurbished in order to get 'new' but to me it speaks volumes to their attentiveness to customer service and satisfaction. Thanks Breville. <br /> <br />Now the best part. $$$'s. I was an average Starbucks/Caribou visitor maybe just on average 3x a week. I took a look at the budget and factoring in coffee purchases, extras (milk/cream etc) my Breville hit the break even point in just under 4 months of use and is now paying for itself ... plus very convenient! Not to mention how impressed dinner guests are when you finish up a meal and offer them espresso with dessert! 'If' it ever wears out I will be back for another! Great Machine
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
So not being an ‘expert’ on machines I went to an Italian friend who is asked him his advice and told him what I was willing to spend. He picked this out of a list of machines I considered and am I ever happy I followed his advice. I’ve had my Breville for a year and a half now and it’s still going strong with daily use … one other thing if you follow the directions on cleaning and maintenance you’ll have no problem. I read a complaint about a ‘soupy’ residual of coffee vs a ‘dry’ puck and have to assume this person is either not tamping or getting a bum grind to use … yes there is dampness but didn’t you just run a bunch of water through it? yet when I empty the filter my coffee comes out in a solid puck and it produces a lovely crema (have tested repeatedly in a clear espresso shot glass).

One other thing I would like to mention. I bought mine through an online retailer who had a ‘great deal’ and assured me it was ‘New’. When it arrived the box was clearly stamped as ‘Refurbished’ and of course the retailer was non-responsive. On top of which it didn’t work. I contacted Breville and along with my pre-purchase emails of condition as ‘New’. Well, Breville bent over backwards issued me a ‘RMA” paid the shipping and upon inspection of the machine promptly returned to me a brand new espresso machine … no additional charges, no shipping, no hassles.

I wouldn’t recommend you try to buy refurbished in order to get ‘new’ but to me it speaks volumes to their attentiveness to customer service and satisfaction. Thanks Breville.

Now the best part. $$$’s. I was an average Starbucks/Caribou visitor maybe just on average 3x a week. I took a look at the budget and factoring in coffee purchases, extras (milk/cream etc) my Breville hit the break even point in just under 4 months of use and is now paying for itself … plus very convenient! Not to mention how impressed dinner guests are when you finish up a meal and offer them espresso with dessert! ‘If’ it ever wears out I will be back for another!

]]> Comment on Breville 800ESXL Commercial 15Bar TriplePriming DieCast Espresso Machine by Don E Jenkins http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/169/breville-800esxl/comment-page-1/#comment-1409 Don E Jenkins Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:10:19 +0000 http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/169/breville-800esxl-commercial-15bar-triplepriming-diecast-espresso-machine/#comment-1409 DON'T COUNT ON GOOD SERVICE FROM BREVILLE<br>Rating:2 out of 5 stars<br>I purchased a Breville 800ESXL Espresso Maker because it appeared to be a very well built, solid machine. After very limited use, the entire steam wand assembly broke off. I contacted Breville, but they refused to do anything because it happened outside the 1 year warranty. They gave me a list of authorized non-warranty repair stations. Of the 7 locations given to me for California, the nearest one is in San Francisco - about 2+ hrs away from Sacramento where i live. I'm trying to find an independent servicer in the Sacramento area, but so far have had no luck. Check for local service before you buy! DON’T COUNT ON GOOD SERVICE FROM BREVILLE
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
I purchased a Breville 800ESXL Espresso Maker because it appeared to be a very well built, solid machine. After very limited use, the entire steam wand assembly broke off. I contacted Breville, but they refused to do anything because it happened outside the 1 year warranty. They gave me a list of authorized non-warranty repair stations. Of the 7 locations given to me for California, the nearest one is in San Francisco – about 2+ hrs away from Sacramento where i live. I’m trying to find an independent servicer in the Sacramento area, but so far have had no luck. Check for local service before you buy!

]]> Comment on Breville 800ESXL Commercial 15Bar TriplePriming DieCast Espresso Machine by Orit Tabak http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/169/breville-800esxl/comment-page-1/#comment-1421 Orit Tabak Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:08:58 +0000 http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/169/breville-800esxl-commercial-15bar-triplepriming-diecast-espresso-machine/#comment-1421 Great Service Breville<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>Mine broke on the wand but breville after 6months replaced the machine and upgraded it to the one with the gauge. i would get the one with the gauge as the wand is actually polished which makes cleaning a lot better. it also make better crema again thanks breville for great service Great Service Breville
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Mine broke on the wand but breville after 6months replaced the machine and upgraded it to the one with the gauge. i would get the one with the gauge as the wand is actually polished which makes cleaning a lot better. it also make better crema again thanks breville for great service

]]> Comment on Saeco Incanto Deluxe Automatic Espresso Machine Stanless Steel by G. Moore http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/168/saeco-incanto/comment-page-1/#comment-1402 G. Moore Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:13:56 +0000 http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/168/saeco-incanto-deluxe-automatic-espresso-machine-stanless-steel/#comment-1402 I couldn't ask for more.. 2862 cups of perfect coffee todate<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>I have had this machine 18 + months without a single glitch.. I have had to decalcify it twice in that time. The last time I decalcified it I did not replace the water tank completely and it asked to ventilate it, I then noticed my error, seated the water tank, ventilated it and once again perfect coffee... (According to the machine it has made 2862 cups) I couldn’t ask for more.. 2862 cups of perfect coffee todate
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have had this machine 18 + months without a single glitch.. I have had to decalcify it twice in that time. The last time I decalcified it I did not replace the water tank completely and it asked to ventilate it, I then noticed my error, seated the water tank, ventilated it and once again perfect coffee… (According to the machine it has made 2862 cups)

]]> Comment on Saeco Incanto Deluxe Automatic Espresso Machine Stanless Steel by Peter Houghton http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/168/saeco-incanto/comment-page-1/#comment-1399 Peter Houghton Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:11:26 +0000 http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/168/saeco-incanto-deluxe-automatic-espresso-machine-stanless-steel/#comment-1399 Maintenance Free - Perfect every time!<br>Rating:5 out of 5 stars<br>I have had this machine for 3 years now and it has always worked flawlessly. The ventilate issue that people reference above has never been an issue for my machine...it has asked to be ventilated twice (each time after a cleaning) and each time I just open the steam valve and its done. I have never had a more effortless, maintenance-free espresso machine and I've owned many. This is simply an awesome machine that I can't live without! We've made 2,700 espresso shots virtually maintenance free, so its more than paid for itself. Highly recommended! Maintenance Free – Perfect every time!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have had this machine for 3 years now and it has always worked flawlessly. The ventilate issue that people reference above has never been an issue for my machine…it has asked to be ventilated twice (each time after a cleaning) and each time I just open the steam valve and its done. I have never had a more effortless, maintenance-free espresso machine and I’ve owned many. This is simply an awesome machine that I can’t live without! We’ve made 2,700 espresso shots virtually maintenance free, so its more than paid for itself. Highly recommended!

]]> Comment on Breville 800ESXL Commercial 15Bar TriplePriming DieCast Espresso Machine by Ann Smyers http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/169/breville-800esxl/comment-page-1/#comment-1416 Ann Smyers Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:33:28 +0000 http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/169/breville-800esxl-commercial-15bar-triplepriming-diecast-espresso-machine/#comment-1416 DO NOT BUY THIS MACHINE----YOU WILL BE SORRY!<br>Rating:1 out of 5 stars<br>Just like others have said this starts out as a great machine. My nephew even purchased one after using mine. After the warranty was out, it started to leak. Breville told me it probably needed an O-ring replacement. I sent away for the O-ring and was able to replace it myself. It continued to leak and now leaks like a sieve. Unfortunately, the seals that really need replacing are up inside the machine. I had a repairman come to the house. He tried and tried to get inside the housing (he could see what was wrong) but couldn't. After seeing the other reviews with the same problem, I'm beginning to think that they "die cast" this machine to make it impossible to repair. I live in Sacramento and the nearest "authorized" repair is San Francisco. It sounds like my best bet is to just chuck the thing without spending a lot of time and money to repair it. In addition to these problems, my Americanas were never hot enough using the hot water feature and it seemed to take a long time to get steamed milk up to 160 degrees or hotter. <br /> <br />This is a very disappointing and expensive counter ornament! DO NOT BUY THIS MACHINE—-YOU WILL BE SORRY!
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
Just like others have said this starts out as a great machine. My nephew even purchased one after using mine. After the warranty was out, it started to leak. Breville told me it probably needed an O-ring replacement. I sent away for the O-ring and was able to replace it myself. It continued to leak and now leaks like a sieve. Unfortunately, the seals that really need replacing are up inside the machine. I had a repairman come to the house. He tried and tried to get inside the housing (he could see what was wrong) but couldn’t. After seeing the other reviews with the same problem, I’m beginning to think that they “die cast” this machine to make it impossible to repair. I live in Sacramento and the nearest “authorized” repair is San Francisco. It sounds like my best bet is to just chuck the thing without spending a lot of time and money to repair it. In addition to these problems, my Americanas were never hot enough using the hot water feature and it seemed to take a long time to get steamed milk up to 160 degrees or hotter.

This is a very disappointing and expensive counter ornament!

]]> Comment on Breville 800ESXL Commercial 15Bar TriplePriming DieCast Espresso Machine by S. kohler http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/169/breville-800esxl/comment-page-1/#comment-1414 S. kohler Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:28:15 +0000 http://www.espressodrinkersguide.com/169/breville-800esxl-commercial-15bar-triplepriming-diecast-espresso-machine/#comment-1414 Breville 800SL<br>Rating:4 out of 5 stars<br>Love this machine.....fast, easy to clean, and took a few tries to get the perfect latte, but have that part mastered. My only complaint was that nowhere on the product description did we see anything that stated it was a refurbished machine, and we were expecting brand new, so were very disappointed. We contacted Breville and they stated they refurbish the machines sold, and it holds the same warranty as a new machine, so we decided to keep it, registered it for the warranty and will hope for the best. Breville 800SL
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Love this machine…..fast, easy to clean, and took a few tries to get the perfect latte, but have that part mastered. My only complaint was that nowhere on the product description did we see anything that stated it was a refurbished machine, and we were expecting brand new, so were very disappointed. We contacted Breville and they stated they refurbish the machines sold, and it holds the same warranty as a new machine, so we decided to keep it, registered it for the warranty and will hope for the best.

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