For that much money I'll just get my expresso from starbucks or whatever, no fuss no clean up no warranty to worry about.

boehke wrote:My machine might just be a little finicky. You can also purge some steam on your own (careful not to burn yourself, use a towel to catch the steam) to lower the temp.

The warming tray on my X5 is disappointing. It doesn't heat enough to keep anything warm, unless the machine has been on for about an hour. I work around it.

Don't tell anyone this ... but I sometimes cheat and use a separate milk frother. I think its an Au Lait?

I'm sitting here reading these entries and replies and I'm fighting the temptation to turn my machine on and have a double shot of Illy medium roast.

Do any of you use E.S.E. pods? I have a ton of them, all sealed, if anyone is interested PM me.

Never tried the pods, mine didn't come with the adaptor... Also I'm not sure if we're on the same page, this unit like the bigger unit should purge the excess temprature into the drip tray after you're done steaming/frothing your milk, as the larger unit does.

I actually run some water before i load the coffee into the cup and dump it out to warm it up, i suppose you could use the steam wand as well. I'll repost something recent i put on the other machice forum for what has been working for me.

This is a post I placed recently on the die-cast version forum. Some of the experienced baristas were recommending a non-pressurized filter basket. If anyone has comments on that for either of these machines I'm all ears before I go out and purchase one.


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Can anyone with the Krups non-pressurized filters comment on the quality of their shots with that? I'm still using the pressurized one that came with the unit, and I’ll second androus's comments. I've been pulling decent shots, and always let the thing warm up for a while, the other tip is make sure there is plenty of water in the reservoir. Also he's right with the comment of "after drip" once you turn it off, you need to yank the cup away to avoid that bitter stuff.

I've been using the alligator clip suggestion provided by Alton Brown in the video for the thermometer, and it's a must have to really know when your milk is 160*--otherwise you're going to stop well short of that because to the touch 120*-125* is almost too hot for the untrained to handle.

It does take me usually over a minute to get the milk to temperature and frothed up. I'm getting the hang of the frothing.

My order goes like this:
1) Turn on machine
2) Put cups on the top to warm
3) Pour some milk into the pitcher, place on top to warm...that way it steams up to temperature slightly faster (I know some say refrigerate the pitcher, but it seems to froth up quite quick with the attachment on the end)
4) Kill time, take a shower, etc.
5) Run a "water shot" though the portafilter into the cup I’ll be using (it warms the cup up more than the top tray will)
6) Pour out the water shake it dry (good enough for me maybe not for an "ultra snob"
7) Load up the portafilter with coffee and put it back in the unit
8) Steam and froth the milk to 160*, put back on top to keep warm
9) Pull the shots
10) Assemble your cap or latte

Again I'd like to know how the krups filter is working in this unit before I go out and buy one.

jwink wrote:Never tried the pods, mine didn't come with the adaptor... Also I'm not sure if we're on the same page, this unit like the bigger unit should purge the excess temprature into the drip tray after you're done steaming/frothing your milk, as the larger unit does.

I actually run some water before i load the coffee into the cup and dump it out to warm it up, i suppose you could use the steam wand as well. I'll repost something recent i put on the other machice forum for what has been working for me.

My machine heats to a different temperature when switched to steaming. Internally, it gets much hotter for steaming. I've read that you shouldn't force the water heated for steaming through your machine's pump, as it can cause damage. It will also be too hot for an ideal shot. So, what I can do is switch back to espresso "mode" and open my steaming wand to let some of the heat from steaming out and cool the machine back to the ideal temperature again, which it has an indicator to let you know.

I run water through the machine as well, actually, straight into the glass I'm using so that it gets heated as well. Heat up the portafilter, too. But my machine's manual warned against running the steam through the pump and filter.

I bought one of the last Breville espresso machines on woot. It leaked. I called Breville and they paid shipping both ways to get it fixed and sent me a brand new one. I couldn't be happier with it now. I am definitely a Breville customer for life after their outstanding customer service... something that seems to be more and more rare with big companies.

In short - if you buy this you have nothing to worry about. Breville will take care of you!

I bought the Breville 800ESXL about two months ago, and if this is anything like it, you may or may not be pleased with the end result.

I was no espresso snob at the time of purchase, and really, I'm no espresso snob now, but I've learned a thing or two since making the purchase. First thing's first -- the "dual-wall crema extraction" system is pure carp. The pull ends up taking half the time it ought to, and the shot of espresso came out bitter. I didn't once experience the "subtle bouquets of flavors" all the coffee dorks on the coffee dork websites were raving about. After reading a little bit more coffee dork web literature, I came to the conclusion that the pressurized filter basket is to blame. Luckily for me, the same coffee dork web literature that suggested a change in baskets also provided a link to a non-pressurized and compatible filter basket from Krups.

My guess is that it'll work just fine in this machine, also.

That said, Breville certainly makes a pretty machine. As it ships to you, it'll work just fine, and I guarantee you won't sleep for 3 or 4 days after receiving this thing on your front porch (provided it doesn't take a dump on you -- it IS a respiff, after all). The first few days are the most fun with a new espresso machine.

If I may make a suggestion (and you know I will...), spend some time farting around on all the coffee dork websites. Google anything with the search term "espresso" in it, and you'll see just the sites I'm talking about. You'll learn a load of useful info, and you will be sorry for it. What I mean is that you'll find yourself about $200 under on espresso-related accessories, ingredients, and appliances, and that's not including this machine. What you'll find you'll need are the following:

-Upgraded tamper
-Double espresso shot pitcher (two shot glasses won't work, since the pull tends to take turns dripping from the holes in the porta-filter)
-A conical burr grinder (spend at least $100 on this machine -- you'll be sorry if you don't)
-Kitchen thermometer
-Non-pressurized filter basket
-Portion-control pumps for your chocolate sauce and coffee flavors for milk-based espresso drinks.

Okay, I know that I sound like some sort of complainey-Janey, but I promise, I'm just being realistic, not pessimistic. This entry level machine will do you just fine, especially if you're a beginner, like me. Learning how to pull the perfect espresso shot is a labor of love, and the machine you get is only half of the picture. The other half is in the bean, roast, grind, and the tamp. Keep in mind that learning how to work with your machine is where the fun lies, and once you've figured out how to make that hoss do what you want it to do, then your espressos and espresso-based drinks will take on a quality that is unique to you and your machine.

So what are you waiting for? Click on that "I Want One!" button already!

Many years ago, I got an espresso coffee maker made by another brand, and used it for a decade or so to date. Pabst22 was absolutely correct in his or her comment, that it takes practice to learn to get the perfect drink, but it is well worth it.

I just bought a new one from Woot a week or two ago to get a few features, like the overflow indicator on the drip pan. The old one still works perfectly, but it has had a lot of cycles. I needed a back up just in case. Indeed, once you get going with perfect coffee at home, you really don't want to be without . . . EVER!! It can be that good.

All I've done with the new machine is to unpack it and read the instructions. I'll wash it out and use it in the next few days to perfect my espresso making skills with the new machine.

For those who don't get into coffee as some of us do, yes, the steam wand on the side is a give-away that the machine steams milk. That makes the froth you use to make lattes and such . . . all those drinks you hear about in movies and at the office. That is a fairly easy skill to master, to froth milk like a master. It adds much to the drink, believe me! Tasty addition. I found I can froth heavy cream for a way different drink, froth regular milk, or froth low fat milk. Each give a different result. The low fat milk gives the stiffest foam, and the heavy cream gives the richest brew. It's all what you love, or learn to love . . . you develop a taste once you get really good espresso coming from your machine.

If you don't think coffee and espresso is addicting, watch your local Starbucks to see how many of the same people show up there seven days a week. Really good coffee is a really great way to get a day started off right. Thanks to Woot for making these essential machines available at reasonable prices. For ninety bucks, you won't get many Starbucks caffeine grams for the money.

boehke wrote:My machine heats to a different temperature when switched to steaming. Internally, it gets much hotter for steaming. I've read that you shouldn't force the water heated for steaming through your machine's pump, as it can cause damage. It will also be too hot for an ideal shot. So, what I can do is switch back to espresso "mode" and open my steaming wand to let some of the heat from steaming out and cool the machine back to the ideal temperature again, which it has an indicator to let you know.

I run water through the machine as well, actually, straight into the glass I'm using so that it gets heated as well. Heat up the portafilter, too. But my machine's manual warned against running the steam through the pump and filter.

Makes sense for a different machine, I'm inclined to follow the manual than "winging it".

jpruitt10 wrote:One more QUESTION...

Can you steam the milk and brew the espresso at the same time? I looked on their website and it looks like you can't.

But if you were making something that needed both, wouldn't the espresso cool down so much that it would be no good- or would you do the milk first and it keeps?

I have this machine, it only takes a minute or so to froth the milk. The espresso is fine for that amount of time. But I usually steam the milk first

Oh yes, for all the "coffee geeks" out there, just how bad and big a difference be between using a blade and burr type grinder? I already have an avg Krups blade grinder that I've been using for drip coffee. I figured I'd use it until it eventually breaks down...

itch808 wrote:Oh yes, for all the "coffee geeks" out there, just how bad and big a difference be between using a blade and burr type grinder? I already have an avg Krups blade grinder that I've been using for drip coffee. I figured I'd use it until it eventually breaks down...

Ugh, I can't believe I'm actually replying to this, and only because it means I've graduated to a different level of coffee snobbery.

Blade grinders just sort of break the beans apart, and the size of your grinds will vary greatly in size. Burr grinders, on the other hand, actually break the beans down into a uniform size, since the grounds won't fall into the reservoir until it has reached a pre-determined size of grind.

Why does this matter? Hell if I know, man. The coffee nerds will tell you something about how uniformity of your espresso grind will extract the most flavor from your beans.

Using a burr grinder for other coffee brewing methods such as drip, percolate, or French press yields grinds that don't contain any of the super-fine dust that blade grinders and cheaper burr grinders tend to create. This coffee dust will be back for an encore performance at the bottom of your cup or coffee pot.

who cares about the freakin coffee??? long live robotech!!!!!!!

yeppers thanks for the two great products woot!! really enjoy my mornings, pulling a latte and watching my roombas clean the floors..

oh and if you start off using a blade grinder, you will end up getting a burr grinder in about two weeks..

I find it ironic that the majority of sales are coming from west coast coffee fiends.

silverlock22 wrote:oh and if you start off using a blade grinder, you will end up getting a burr grinder in about two weeks..

I hope not, dammit woot!!! That is...unless we see a nice BURR GRINDER pop up one day *hint hint*

Excited for my Breville to be in the mail!

great value...I purchased the 150.00 model last time. We love it.

This isnt one of those doohickeys that use those coffee cartridges is it?

This machchine is perfect for someone starting out. Seriously this is a great deal. If you want to save money on coffee buy this...even if it breaks youve still gotten your money's worth, and its fixable!

Oh! And BTW: Check out the map! THe most wooters are in Cali, Or and WA...Washington is known for great coffee. IF those guys are buying up its a good sign...they are serious about coffee there!

oh what a quandry... I actually missed out on the last breville woot had both times, the Breville 800ESXL and noticed another place selling the refurbed ones for 150 and was actually going to purchase one today then I saw the Breville Cafe Roma Espresso on Woot today for 90... is it worth paying the extra 60 for the 800ESXL for a complete espresso making noob or will this be just as good?

This again? I swear it feels like yesterday they had an expresso machine up for sale. I'm just coming to the realization that I haven't seen anything on woot that I'd buy in a long time.

pt606 wrote:Blade grinders just sort of break the beans apart, and the size of your grinds will vary greatly in size. Burr grinders, on the other hand, actually break the beans down into a uniform size, since the grounds won't fall into the reservoir until it has reached a pre-determined size of grind.

Why does this matter? Hell if I know, man. The coffee nerds will tell you something about how uniformity of your espresso grind will extract the most flavor from your beans.

You nailed it on the description.
The answer to why the burr is superior to the bladed grinder is consistency. The more consistent and uniform the grind is, the more evenly the coffee will brew which will help one obtain a better quality brew. Also, the aroma after the beans are grinded are forced into the coffee which enhances the flavor of the coffee even more.
The second advantage to the burr over the blade is heat. A burr milling system prevents overheating and preserves the aroma.

It is best to grind 15 minutes from when one will start to brew the coffee, or else lose that wonderful aroma.

Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill is one of my favorites.

Bought this machine brand new a couple of years ago -- it sold for $300, we got it for $169 or something like it with a set of demitasse cups, saucers and spoon included from the manufacturer. Love it. Well built. Makes good expresso AND cappuccino. Easy to operate (our youngest son makes capuccino for his mom).
Excellent "crema".

The only complaints I've ever read on forums for this machine that I can verify happen with mine are trivial nits: after you make the coffee and remove the handle, the coffee instead of been packed into a "puck" is kind of mushy wet - and the tray underneath the cups can fill up if you are not careful. -- I say, Who cares!

Unfortunately I don't drink Espresso's or coffee of any sort...

I bought one a year and a half ago. I have no trouble with it. In fact this was sold in Australia before marketing them in the States. Australia's consumer reports gave it a great rating over the higher $$ machines.

I'm not a coffee snob so I'm content with this but if I put on a snob hat, I'd venture to say that this machine doesn't extract the coffee as well as it should given that when finished the grounds are soupy instead of a compressed puck like in the professional machines.

Basic home use, go for it.

Be careful, history repeats itself.....three weeks and still waiting for my replacement....

If you are unfamiliar with the last Woot/Breville fiasco, look through this Woot discussion board:

http://www.woot.com/Forums/ViewPost.aspx?PostID=2608562

I don't know nothing about the espresso maker but... I understood most of what they're talking about on the product intro... That made me sad.

Actually, it doesn't use cartridges, but it does use ESE espresso pods. ESE pods are great for people who want to have espresso but don't want to deal with the hassle. They're like coffee pods (ie the ones that Senseo uses) so it's just a matter of putting it in, making the espresso and then tossing it. Awesome system.

I have this espresso maker. Very good espresso maker, a great complement to my Keurig B70 and the Kitchen Aid Pro Line Burr grinder I have.

I'm still trying to convince my wife to let me get a roaster so I can roast my own beans but she's not too hot on that one. ;-)

This is refurbished... can anyone say what kind of box it comes in? Is the box distinguishable from a new espresso maker, and would it be suitable as a gift?

iczer2 wrote:Actually, it doesn't use cartridges, but it does use ESE espresso pods. ESE pods are great for people who want to have espresso but don't want to deal with the hassle. They're like coffee pods (ie the ones that Senseo uses) so it's just a matter of putting it in, making the espresso and then tossing it. Awesome system.

I have this espresso maker. Very good espresso maker, a great complement to my Keurig B70 and the Kitchen Aid Pro Line Burr grinder I have.

I'm still trying to convince my wife to let me get a roaster so I can roast my own beans but she's not too hot on that one. ;-)

Does that mean you can use either pods or ground coffee?

I urge everyone to not buy these Breville products. They are made to be a cheap competitor. They use thermal block type heating which does not provide for a consistent temperature and produces sour coffee. I have done tons of research on this subject after buying the Breville 800ESXL. Their products are made to produce a quick cheap shot far worse than even a Dunkin Donuts espresso. Breville machines do not even get hot enough to even extract properly. Just giving out the info.

THIS IS GORGEOUS POURING...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baSXqzXSYxE

Everything you need to know about espresso and more!

http://www.coffeegeek.com/

does anyone really make espresso that often? this seems like it would just become a fancy ornament on my countertop...

I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that machine is identical to the Mr Coffee ECMP10, which I have in my office at work. It is a really nice pump machine for the money, and actually retails for less than this Breville.

We bought one of these about three years ago at an Amazon friday sale, and it's still going great. We bought a gaggia at a thrift store (they had no idea what they had) and actually liked this one better, so the gaggia went into a garage sale at a hefty profit. We've been really happy and we make espresso daily.

I'll stick with my instant coffee.
1 1/2 teaspoons instant coffee added to hot tap water with a shot of 2% milk and a teaspoon of sugar.
Works for me.

is this unit 110v or 220 v. thanks W56

I've had one of these for about a year and a half. I bought it @ a local store after doing a bit of research on CoffeeGeek and talking to a buddy of mine who's a bit smarter about espresso machines. Mine was just under $300, and at the time made the best espresso I could find in a machine of this price range.

For your average home user in the "I go to Starbucks a couple times a week" class, this is a great machine for the price range. Mine's well constructed, works great, and makes great espresso for the $. It's not in the quality of shot or construction of machines in the $500 and above price range, but let's be fair....if you needed or wanted that level of machine, you'd not be looking at a $89 machine on Woot.

Particularly handy are the little shot pouring cups, and the frother/steam wand makes for pretty decent Cappucino once you get the hang of it. An absolute steal for $89!