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 enlarge
| Brand: Breville
List Price: $499.90
Buy Refurbished: $239.95
You Save: $259.95 (52%)
Rating:  86 reviews
Color: Brushed Stainless
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Shipping Weight (lbs): 24.5
Dimensions (in): 15 x 16 x 13
MPN: 800ESXL
Model: 800ESXL
UPC: 021614037343
EAN: 0021614037343
ASIN: B00092ZVXA
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 10
 Nicholas J Piazza September 28, 2008
Nicholas J. Piazza (USA)
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
We use this produce every day. No problems at all. Coffee is great. I only wish I had a maid to prepare and serve me everyday.
Love this machine! September 26, 2008
CoffeeGeek (USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I've had this machine for about 3.5 months at this point. I had a Delonghi before and the boiler went out after 5 months of use--still waiting to hear back from them since last May!
The Good:
Anyhow, this Breville 800 esxl is gorgeous, and, despite other reviews I've read, maintains heat just fine, makes a great espresso shot (yes, crema isn't "thick" but it is marbled and yummy!), makes gorgeous micro-foam, the foaming wand swivels on a ball and clears the machine for added ease of foaming. It heats up quickly and the water chamber lasts forever! I use it 2-4 times daily and it's a jewel!
The Bad:
The rubber nozzle connector developed a tear in it a week ago after normal use, but it doesn't seem to affect the overall foaming capabilities. (I like my milk extra hot and the foam dense and "whip creamy"). The steamer slip cover is a pain but it does the job.
The Ugly:
I really dislike the portafilter set up. I think the pressurized water feature is unnecessary and the portafilter double chamber with a tiny pinhold for coffee to come through is a bad idea. It terminally clogged on me this morning despite normal cleaning and maintenance. I couldn't replace it locally and replacing it didn't solve the original issue--as in the filter would ultimately clog again. So...I did some "detective work" online and in someone else's review, they mentioned that someone else made the single bottom hole bigger and that solved the problem forever. Now, this isn't for the faint of heart or those who are challenged by electric drills (like me) (AND I take no responsibility for anyone who tries it!) My husband took it out to his work bench, drilled the hole slightly larger (without busting through both layers) and voila! It worked! It also allows me to grind the espresso finely and tamp it more tightly. So, even the ugly can be dealt with!
Other quirks:
It's noisy and the water chamber filling and emptying seems like wasted water. My husband explained why it does this--pressurizing the water chambers--and it really doesn't use all that much water to make it a concern. The brewed coffee grounds are not "dry", though the booklet explains why and I couldn't care less anyhow.
Tips:
Get yourself a good Burr Grinder. I have a Starbucks one I bought on supersale and it works awesome. Work with your machine and have the patience to go through some experimental coffee shots and tossed out milk in order to figure out the right coffee grind and the right angles for micro foam. As for coffee, I'm a Peets girl tried and true! Lastly, if you can, set up your coffee station by the sink. It makes clean up less of a hassle!
Best Ever August 22, 2008
P. L. Strickler (Bellingham, Wa USA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I worked with Industrial Espresso machines for several years, I wanted one for myself at home. The "Breville" tops any industrial one out there!!!
This is simply the best espresso machine and so easy to use.
Thank You,
Patricia S.
Bad reviews are off the mark August 16, 2008
S. Bichao (Highland Park, NJ)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I bought this after reading many reviews of many machines. In the end I decided to go with what I know: My parents already own an earlier model of this machine and it's worked beautifully for years. And now mine does, too. This machine makes great espresso and frothed/steamed milk and is worth the price. Some reviewers have complained about the clogging, but that is their fault for grinding the coffee too powdery and probably not cleaning out the holders. If the holders do get clogged, the machine comes with a fine needle-point tool that cleans out the filter in a snap. I've only had to do this once in all the years my parents and I have owned our machines.
 Stay far far away July 22, 2008
C. Bennett
0 out of 8 found this review helpful
If I could give negative stars I would. Not only does it pull mediocre espresso, I have gone through two machines in two years. Both with the same problem, it won't turn on. What a Joke for $400 a pop.
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