This is the first espresso machine I bought, had it for about 6 mos now. And so far, I really couldn't be happier with it for what it is - a great looking, reasonably priced machine to make a couple drinks.
I'm still learning, but I think we get pretty great tasting coffee from this. In my heart, I wanted a machine that could also do grinds. But I don't miss paying extra for a grinder or dealing with the likely mess I would create in my kitchen. So - the pods are nice, and the trio of setting is pretty interesting. I've found that the lungo setting works pretty well if you don't want to being using 2 pods for each drink. The machine performs really well. Warmup is only a few minutes, and going from brew to frothing temperature is actually really quick. You can only pull 1 shot at a time, but for my usual routine - 4 shots and frothing - this works pretty well.
This is just a great looking machine, very attractive on your kitchen counter (we bought it in white). At first, we weren't sure about it being made from plastic - but the main body is pretty heavy duty and feels solid. It has a fairly small footprint, so it doesn't take up too much space.
The steam wand - even given it was my first time using a machine, I can say that it is a bit awkwardly placed and hard to use at first. I bring the machine near the edge of your counter so have a little more room to maneuver. But after some practice, I really haven't had any issues with it, and I'm able to get some decent foam. The water resevoir is nicely designed to pull out sideways, so I'm able to pull it out only half way and pour the water in from a pitcher. The drip pan is fairly shallow - but any bigger and I'd probably let coffee sit in there for weeks, so I actually like having to clean it out.
I'm sure there are bigger and badder machines out there. But for the cost, looks, and performance - this machine really fits the bill for our Saturday mornings.
Average Rating:
Brand: Illy
Color: Red
Model: 206001
Release Date: 2006-02-20
Product Description:
Pod only espresso/cappuccino machine
Features:
- 1100-watt espresso/cappuccino machine housed in ABS plastic with chrome accents
- Works with ESE pods; 18-bar pressure pump; all-brass boiler refills automatically
- Trio Technology allows for making 3 espresso preparations--short, normal, and long
- 5-cup removable water tank; steam jet with built-in milk foamer; handy cup warmer
- Measures 10-1/4 by 11 by 12-1/2 inches; 1-year limited warranty
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 499.99
Lowest New Price: USD 395.99
Customer Reviews
great machine
very happy, makes great expresso. It doesn't take much space on the counter and it goes with any decor.
Attractive and functional
Although taste is in the eye of the beholder, my wife and I were were attracted to the retro design of this machine. Cult like coffee sites recommended it for coffee taste as well and we agree. Be careful with shipping as the steam knob on the right side is a bit fragile. The second on came better boxed and intact.
Great lattes
I use the Francis Francis exclusively for lattes. Best latte I have ever had, better than Starbucks! The pods make it clean and easy. The machine itself is easy to learn and the pods make it easy to clean.
Form Over Function
First of all, this machine LOOKS fantastic, which is really the reason why I bought this, despite mixed user reviews. After having used it for about 2 months now, the machine has performed pretty much as I have expected, which is to say: it produces good espresso, allbeit with a few flaws, but it looks great doing it!
The machine, like some people have observed on Amazon and several other sites, "leaks" often. The "leaks" are really just a few drops of condensation that drips down around or through the extraction element. If you're not careful though, it could drip into your espresso and ruin your perfect shot. But the drips are a minor annoyance compared to the fact that the steam wand doesn't extrude out nearly far enough for a frothing pitcher to comfortably fit under it when you lower the pitcher as the froth forms. The pitcher hits the base of the unit before you can lower it enough for the froth to reach the top. The space between the extraction group and the bottom is so tight, in fact, there really isn't room for you to even insert a thermometer into the pitcher. So you're left with guessing what the temperature of the milk is as you steam it. You also have to tilt the mug at quite an extreme angle to receive hot water from the wand for your Americano. And guess what? You can't fill the mug to the top when you tilt it that much.
So in short, the design LOOKS great, but really isn't done with usability in mind. Did i mention that it LOOKS GREAT?! ok, you get the point, i'm sure. ;) If you must have an espresso machine that looks great with a specific decor, then this is a good purchase. Otherwise, you may be able find something else that'll make just as good of espresso that's easier to use.
