I was surprised for gettting it so quick. The coffee is great, considering it was my first time using a espresso machine. But after I turn the swtich to standby and took out the filter, I still see the water dripping out. Is it normal?

So far I will say we love the machine. We just bought the canned espresso coffee at the grocery store and it tastes great. We're not coffee snobs but, hopefully as we get better we will notice it tastes better. We are using half/half because the milk wasn't working well. Shot pull is about 25 seconds.

What I need is lower cups because dumping it into the cup seems to leave some of the shot behind.

just got mine. it works great but where are the metal cups???? did anyone get the cups? what happened to the cups??? did I metion mine was delivedred sans cups?

Just set mine up after viewing some online video and info. Of course, goofed it up and then followed the manual and left the steamer on and finally, it steamed up my stove top, cleaning off the grease...awesome.

Anyway, tried it out with NE Breakfast blend...awesome!! Went out and bought French Roast and ground it down to fine for espresso at ShopRite...huh? tasted worse...probably going from one cup to two cups didn't help

By the way, just how much can you get from one cup filter...like I said, noobie here...should you get only 1/3 of a cup or even less?

dcapo wrote:just got mine. it works great but where are the metal cups???? did anyone get the cups? what happened to the cups??? did I metion mine was delivedred sans cups?

http://s3.amazonaws.com/wootsaleimages/Breville_Cafe_Roma_Espresso_Maker5tfDetail.jpg

hohdude wrote:Just set mine up after viewing some online video and info. Of course, goofed it up and then followed the manual and left the steamer on and finally, it steamed up my stove top, cleaning off the grease...awesome.

Anyway, tried it out with NE Breakfast blend...awesome!! Went out and bought French Roast and ground it down to fine for espresso at ShopRite...huh? tasted worse...probably going from one cup to two cups didn't help

By the way, just how much can you get from one cup filter...like I said, noobie here...should you get only 1/3 of a cup or even less?

1 ounce out of single, 2 out of double. basically let it run around 25 seconds.

dpn0121 wrote:1 ounce out of single, 2 out of double. basically let it run around 25 seconds.

Problem here is a double shot pours in about 10-15 seconds. I've experimented with various tampers, tamping pressure, grind setting, and amount of grounds. I believe this has to do with the pressurized filter.

While doing the cleaning routine, and after trying to run my first drink, water and coffee grinds flushed out of the top of the brew head (the plastic unit where the filter holder locks in.) I just called customer support. They indicated that this could be fixed by changing the "O" ring and they are sending me a new one. They claim it is easily replaced.

I got mine too and used it over the weekend. So far I'm pretty happy with it.

Also, is the pump REALLY loud for anyone else when the steamer is going? It ook awhile for the steamer to work at all, but now it seems to be going OK.

iammatt wrote:Problem here is a double shot pours in about 10-15 seconds. I've experimented with various tampers, tamping pressure, grind setting, and amount of grounds. I believe this has to do with the pressurized filter.

Well, I finally fired mine up just now. I picked up some espresso (e.s.e.) pods at a local Starbucks just to test until my conical burr grinder shows up on Wednesday.

The only sour (ahem) note is that the pod shot (using their 1-shot filter) is way too fast...just about 10-12 seconds to hit the one-ounce mark. But I did two anyway and then foamed some skim milk, and I must say, I am definitely looking forward to experimenting with real beans, grind, and tamp to see if I can pull satisfying doubleshots.

The important thing so far, is that it appears that the machine operates properly!

At a minimum, in addition to a burr grinder, I recommend the following 3 items for purchase (they are the most inexpensive options; and I found all three on Amazon):

Taylor Classic Cappuccino Frothing Thermometer--$8.95
Bodum Pavina 2-Ounce Doubleshot glass (set of two)--$11.95
Amco Coffee Tamper (approx. 51-mm)--$6.95

The metal tamper is just to replace the included plastic one...tampers can cost up to $100 or more once you get your snob on...


I also have a set of espresso and a set of cappuccino cups in classic white on the way as well.

Thanks woot for another impulse purchase frenzy!

I don't get why so many people are buying a replacement tamp. Seems completely unnecessary to me... the plastic thing works fine.

Finally got my Breville. Fedex delivered late on Thur so nobody could sign for it and I missed it on Fri. Finally had it in my hands today. Took it home to make my precious cup of joy. Cleaned all the parts and ground my coffee, I was in for some love... I poured the water into the back and next thing I know I have 4 cups of water on my counter... Turns out I was missing the water container, wasn't in the box. I called customer service and they are going to mail out the part. 5-7 business day delivery.

sinucus wrote:Finally got my Breville. Fedex delivered late on Thur so nobody could sign for it and I missed it on Fri. Finally had it in my hands today. Took it home to make my precious cup of joy. Cleaned all the parts and ground my coffee, I was in for some love... I poured the water into the back and next thing I know I have 4 cups of water on my counter... Turns out I was missing the water container, wasn't in the box. I called customer service and they are going to mail out the part. 5-7 business day delivery.

bummer!! I'm getting addicted to espresso, so that's the downside of having the machine working.

Received mine today - opened the box and looked over everything... and saw that the plastic water tank was broken - giant hole in the bottom where the plastic had broken, so I'll have to call Breville and try to get a replacement part. The exterior of my machine seems to be in good shape at least, unlike some other people's it sounds like. I'm just eager to get this thing up and running and see how it works, but I guess I'll be waiting on that one.

And I was amused to find a handwritten list of complaints inside the instruction manual - guess it was what the original owner returned it for

I was surprised for gettting it so quick. The coffee is great, considering it was my first time using a espresso machine. But after I turn the swtich to standby and took out the filter, I still see the water dripping out. Is it normal?

I also noticed this. I have read many places that espresso is made by forcing steam through the grounds, not forcing warm water through. What gives?

mine takes under 15 seconds to make. if i let it run longer the espresso is very weak.

eaglejm wrote:On drink 5 the machine started leaking water out the bottom all over the place. Upon inspection it was coming out from where the water tank fits into the machine. The clear washer was visibly offset not making a good seal. Out came the power tools and i managed to get the thing disassembled and i straightend out the washer and now no problems. I hope i dont have to do this often...

Love this machine, OM NOM NOM NOM YUM YUM Espresso. But ours is leaking too. Thanks for the post, I'll look into it.

We got this one for work, a bunch of co-workers chipped in about 5-10 bucks each



Much better then Curtis who lives in the next room

eaglejm wrote:On drink 5 the machine started leaking water out the bottom all over the place. Upon inspection it was coming out from where the water tank fits into the machine. The clear washer was visibly offset not making a good seal. Out came the power tools and i managed to get the thing disassembled and i straightend out the washer and now no problems. I hope i dont have to do this often...

OK, I can see the washer, and it is slightly offset. How'd you get it apart? What did you do to move the washer? Maybe you can give us some more info on the process? Although I really don't want to disassemble and possibly not get it back together again. Thinkin I'll try the warranty route.

dertigo wrote:mine takes under 15 seconds to make. if i let it run longer the espresso is very weak.

I'd read here, especially the part about tamping and extracting. They outline how to make great espresso...

http://www.coffeeresearch.org/espresso/potential.htm

I love my machine. Got the one with the froth enhancer, though. Not sure if that matters.

Good luck and Happy Wooting!

hyzenthlay77 wrote:I'd read here, especially the part about tamping and extracting. They outline how to make great espresso...

http://www.coffeeresearch.org/espresso/potential.htm

I love my machine. Got the one with the froth enhancer, though. Not sure if that matters.

Good luck and Happy Wooting!

thanks for the info, i only have a blade grinder so that might be the issue. i might buy a bag of pre-grind espresso to see if that makes a diff.

I found a great deal on a respiffied Burr Grinder to go with my Breville (which is working great!)

I went for the big bucks and got the Baratza Viruoso http://www.baratza.com/respiffied.php (note it's easy to miss that link! tricky devils try to hide that link) The best feature is you can grind right into the brew basket with your thumb! See http://www.baratza.com/products.php?itemid=1

Mine came EXTREMEMLY finely tuned, and about setting is 15 is good for a grind.

After $250 in equipment, and $25 in beans, think of all the money I am saving! Bring on the depression, I am equipped with my own espresso machine.

hyzenthlay77 wrote:I'd read here, especially the part about tamping and extracting. They outline how to make great espresso...

http://www.coffeeresearch.org/espresso/potential.htm

I love my machine. Got the one with the froth enhancer, though. Not sure if that matters.

Good luck and Happy Wooting!

so i got a burr grinder and ive used the espresso size and even the larger turkish size and it still takes the same amount of time to pull. the taste and creme is better but the time frame is the same. do you think its my machine?

Sadly I've yet to use it. It arrived about 3 days after i ordered it, took it to the office washed it and turned it on. That's when I noticed water pouring into the drip tray Sent it to breville now I'm waiting for replacement to be sent out.

Just throwing in a followup comment...

I have had two double capps this morning and I must say that I continue to be VERY PLEASED with this purchase(s) so far!

I have spent the past year dreaming of buying a Rancilio Silvia (go ahead and check out the prices...) so when this came along, I couldn't stop myself.

Basically, I have a complete setup for less than $300 (that's machine, conical burr grinder, rancilio stainless steel drawer base, 2 bodum shots, 8 cups/saucers--espresso and capp, spoons, frothing thermometer, replacement filter, and first bag of beans!) compared to the 450+ for a used/respiffied rancilio silvia alone.

I can only hope that the more I practice my technique, the better things will get.

But today's grind/tamp/pull (non-pressurized filter) from fresh beans left me aching for more. And the foaming was satisfactory as well.

Day 20 and I still have not had a cup of coffee. The new O ring arrived. After replacing it I tried to run just water through the filter without coffee and water still leaks around the upper housing where the filter clamps in. This is becoming a pain. So sad.

Pressurized basket really needs to be swapped out. Anything over 15s is overextracted. Tamping it like a normal basket overwhelms the pump due to the quirky basket. Still, an otherwise great machine at this price IMO.

Alright! Finally got this all set up as it was a Christmas gift for my husband. I just wanted to address a few issues I've seen raised and give a former pro barista point of view. Both my husband and I earned our youthful dolla dolla bills slinging coffee in small coffee bars.

Overall, we are really happy with the machine. It's slower than a professional machine, but that's to be expected. It does what it's supposed to do and pours a damn fine shot when you get everything right.

When we first started up the machine, it took a good 30seconds - 1minute of the pump running for it to put any water through the head. This seems to be a common thing, so if you turn it on and it doesn't work for you right away, just wait and let the pump run a bit.

If you do not have a burr grinder, do yourself a favor and go to your good local coffee shop and buy half a pound of ground espresso to try it out. That way, at least you will know what your machine is capable of, and you won't waste a lot of time and coffee as you pull shot after shot thinking dear lord what is this swill, when really the only thing wrong is that your grind was too coarse and your beans too crappy and burnt from your blade grinder.

The tamping tool that comes with it is kind of a piece of koi, so get a new tamper. I got this one from Amazon, and the small end fits PERFECTLY into the head: http://www.amazon.com/RSVP-TAM-Terrys-Tamper/dp/B0001XRNEM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1231012775&sr=8-1
This tamper is perfect.

Tamping is everything. When you measure the ground espresso into the basket, smooth it over, rest the head against the counter, and then give it a nice, firm press with the tamper, then half a twist. Brush any loose grounds into the center, then tamp and twist again. Wipe any remaining grounds from the rim, as they can interfere with the seal.

The steam wand takes a bit of time to get going, but it definitely works. It can squirt water while it gets going, so start it off into a rag until it starts to actually steam. You may want to get a frothing thermometer. Depending on taste, you should steam the milk to about 155-165 degrees. If you like lots of froth, hold the milk so that the nozzle is just barely submerged.

Other things you may want:
Espresso cups (these are doubles):
http://www.amazon.com/Bodum-2-Ounce-Double-Wall-Glasses-Espresso/dp/B000A5CLG6/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1231014084&sr=8-1

Larger frothing pitcher:
http://www.amazon.com/Rattleware-20-Ounce-Latte-Art-Pitcher/dp/B0016CBMZI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1231014171&sr=1-1

Frothering thermometer:
http://www.amazon.com/RSVP-Frothing-Thermometer/dp/B000F7JXKG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1231014235&sr=1-3

Sorry for the crazy long post. Hopefully it will help some of you that got the Cafe Roma for Christmas, or if it returns to Woot.

Love this, I had two other espresso machines that cost me more than this one here and they were no where near as good as this one.