Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines Coffee Tea Espresso - Page 4

Briel ES15WF Lido Pump Espresso Machine, White

List Price: $139.99 By: Briel - Model: ES15WF Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $90.00

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Features:

• Constant 15-bar pump pressure and Crema Master filter guarantees perfect crema on espresso
• 28-cup water reservoir; stainless-steel boiler; brews up to 2 cups of espresso at a time
• Automatic self-priming pump eliminates annoying start-up preparation
• 2 thermostats regulate coffee cycle and steaming process, plus third safety thermostat
• Measures 9-1/2 by 8 by 13 inches; 10-year pump warranty

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 41 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Lukewarm Shots - Sent it Back 4 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

I'm modifying my original review of 4 stars down to 1 star. It doesn't look like Amazon will let me change my original 4 star rating, so I'm mentioning it here. THIS IS A 1 STAR EXPERIENCE.

The lukewarm shot temperatures can be overcome with much cycling of the unit, but it was just too much of a hassle. Shot temperatures started around 130 degrees and as I cycled the unit gradually topped out at 175 degrees. The sticker on the unit says 190 degrees in 35 seconds, but I was experiencing 170 degrees after 5 minutes of frustration. Either my unit was defective or Briel's specs are deceptive. I'll modify my review again if I have trouble getting my money credited.

Briel ES-15WF Pump Espresso Machine 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I received this as a gift for Christmas 2005 after doing quite a bit of research on Amazon and other sites. I was looking for an entry level pump espresso unit that was inexpensive. I just didn't want to spend $250 plus until I'm making one every day. I had a steam machine in the past (Mr. Coffee) and I was not impressed with the taste, so I stopped using it and eventually gave it away. I just got done with trying out this model and I can recommend it as a good buy (so far). My comments are almost all positive.

Pros:
1. I'm just a regular guy NOT hired by anyone and I have no incentive whatsoever for you to look favorably on this machine. I did a lot of research and I just want to help others make a good choice. I think I made one with this unit.
2. Great price for a pump machine.
3. Steamer works great. As good as high-end machines I have used.
4. Water reservoir is large enough for 3-4 drinks. Not too bad.
5. Small. Doesn't need much counter space. Available in white which is pretty rare.
6. Made decent shots after some tweaking (see below). The "tweaking" I had to do is my major gripe.

Cons:
1. I just started using it, so this review is not "complete"
2. Grounds easily got up into the head in a short time, so cycling the pump to blow it out is a must. I'm not sure how this compares to higher-end machines.
3. Shot temperature were too low initially. Out of the box, when I first warmed up the machine and draw the first shots (even after the ready light was on) the shots were coming out too cold. Even I, a relative beginner, armed with my thermometer (bought it at Starbucks) figured that out. Initially, I measured shot temperatures that were around 120-135 deg. F, much too low to pull a decent shot. I made two adjustments to help raise the temperature. First, I loosened the adjustment screw on the filter/strainer to allow more water flow (instructions indicate you should adjust this for flow but don't allude to temperature). I also started waiting a little longer than the "ready" light indicated before pulling a shot. With these changes, temperatures went up toward 150-160 F or more which is what you want. It also seemed to help by drawing a few quick "water only" shots while monitoring the temperature. Once the temperature got up to the 150-160 range, I then added coffee to the strainer and proceeded to pull two nice shots. Time will tell if these procedures will be necessary in the future. I will modify the review if this changes.

So, I gave this machine 4 stars because I had to do some adjusting to bring up the shot temperature and the instructions could have done a better job addressing shot temperature issues. After figuring it out, the shots came out real nice with crema, you know all the blah, blah, blah the paid reviewers like to add (all I care about is taste, which was good). The steaming was trouble-free. Other than the grounds needing to be frequently flushed out of the head, it's very easy to clean so there's no major complaint there. I needed to cycle the pump with water only a few times more than I would have liked to flush out the head. I used Starbucks espresso ground in my $30 Starbucks blade grinder. It worked just fine. Maybe someday I will try pods. I bought all the accessories at Starbucks after finding out 4 other stores didn't have what I needed. I do have to hand it to Starbucks on doing a good job of stocking everything you need to make your own. I tried to circumvent them, but it was futile!

This machine is half the price of a Starbucks Barista machine (which my semi-pro barista friend tells me is excellent). So, if money is no object, I just saw a Barista at Starbucks "on sale" for $300 and you should get that. If money IS important, I can't imagine getting a better entry-level pump machine for this price ($150). I requested the white model to match existing counter items(you know, please the wife). Of course, that's the one she bought me... Big surprise. I like the fact it has a small footprint because we have limited counter space (one of the main reasons I bought it besides the low price). I may even convince my wife to let me keep it on the counter 24/7. I think the black model goes for $20 or $30 less, an even better bargain. Good luck.

Editorial Review:

Briel ES15FW - Powerful 15-bar pressure Crema Master filter ensures rich, genuine crema every time AquaStop system prevents excessive dripping and eliminates need to bleed the machine of remnant water Snap-on Turbo Jet frother head 2 thermostats regulate the coffee cycle and steaming process.

Briel ES161AMRTB Domus Due, Ferrari Red

List Price: $499.99 By: Briel - Model: ES161AMR-TB Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $500.00

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Features:

• ESE adapted for use with ground coffee or coffee servings (pods)
• Electronically controlled AEF system with soft touch buttons
• Thermo Block assures a better temperature control as well as a continuous stream production, features two heating elements and long channels
• Easy to read gauge shows the pump pressure of the machine
• Constant 18 bars pump pressure producing a savory espresso with perfect crema every time

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Editorial Review:

The new Briel DOMUS DUE is a full size thermo block espresso machine with AEF automatic espresso flow. This design combines all the great features from Briel's existing range (plenty of pump pressure, patented "Crema Master" filter for consistent genuine crema, stainless steel housing, and chrome front panel), with innovative new developments which are guaranteed to make the production of espresso and cappuccino at home easier than ever before. ESE adaptable for use with ground coffee or coffee servings (pods)!

Briel ES200APG Multi-Pro Stainless Pump Espresso with Auto Espresso Flow

List Price: $499.99 By: Briel - Model: ES200APG Amazon Marketplace: 4 new & used starting at $320.00

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Features:

• Auto Espresso Flow allows for tall or short espresso; Crema Master filter guarantees thick cream
• Turbo Jet frother equipped with steam control knob and removable cappuccino nozzle
• Removable drip tray and grid; aqua-stop eliminates messy drips; cup warmer; coffee tamper
• Accommodates fresh ground coffee or ESE coffee pods; removable 2-1/2-liter water tank
• Measures 10-1/4 by 11 by 12-1/2 inches

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 55 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Nice try... 2 out of 5 stars.
5 of 9 people found this review helpful.

If you know anything about the art of pulling a shot of espresso -- forget this machine. The ESE adapter is junk. If you like quick poor shots this machine will produce.

Don't be misled by Briel rep. write-ins 1 out of 5 stars.
1 of 3 people found this review helpful.

Briel's espresso machines are complete junk. I had the same problems the others reviewers state. After reading the complaints about the service center and how you pay shipping both ways for warranty repairs, I have decided to junk it and count it as a lesson learned

Editorial Review:

Authorized Briel Dealer. A commercial espresso machine with superior quality. This highly-polished, stainless-steel thermo block unit comes with the pressure gauge and superior control of espresso quality that is found elsewhere in commercial machines. For use with fresh ground coffee or the exciting new E.S.E. pods, the Multi-Pro Thermo Block adds the convenience of a warming plate and the Briel?s patented Auto Espresso Flow feature. This Multi-Pro Thermo Block unit allows the user great control and ease of use combined with solid performance.... click to read more

Briel ES37SFB Versatile Uno Pump Espresso Machine, Black

List Price: $259.99 By: Briel - Model: ES37SFB Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $80.00

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Features:

• Adaptable for pods or ground coffee
• 15 bar pump pressure
• Regulated temperature for brewing and frothing
• Master crema filter for great quality espresso
• Built-in water filter on intake

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Sent it back...steam knob flimsy 1 out of 5 stars.
10 of 12 people found this review helpful.

Like most of you, I performed due diligence and did the research attempting to find value at the right price point. I landed on the Versatile Uno, and checked the Briel website to make sure it was current and supported. I bought the gift for my Mom for Christmas. It had to be simple to use and safe. After she opened it, we set it up for use and the steam control knob came off in my hand. It wasn't broken per se, just a bad design. Perhaps previous product iterations resulted in too-many ham-handed customers twisting the knob open or shut too far, so this plastic knob had a set of sloped interlocking tabs that mated with an interior piece. It was lightly greased and designed to ride up off the interior piece if over-torqued. Unfortuantely, the design also depends on the shaft being absolutely centered in the hole in the case and being perfectly horizontal. That doesn't happen with snap-together parts, so basically the knob quickly works loose. Since this knob controls steaming, that's not a good thing! The user is required to constantly press the knob back into the body of the machine in order for it to work correctly. I decided...hey, too unsafe, too much user intervention, a constant reminder that this gift was flimsy, etc. Look elsewhere. I bit the bullet and sprang for the Starbucks Barista machine...solid, heavy, two-year warranty, and 800# support and return to local Starbucks for exchange. That's perfect for a gift item for Mom.

Editorial Review:

Features:

Built-in water filter on intake

Adaptable for pods or ground coffee

15 bar pump pressure

Regulated temperature for brewing and frothing

Master crema filter for great quality espresso

Espressione Luna Wall-Mount Pump Espresso Machine

List Price: $699.99 By: Espressione - Model: LUNA Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $299.00

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Features:

• Stainless-steel, 15-bar pressure pump machine with a 1450-watt heating element
• 2 different systems for extracting espresso, steaming milk; cup warmer on top
• Uses ESE coffee serving pods; powerful thermo block prvoides instant and continuous steam
• Can be wall mounted or suspended on a metal support to save space
• Measures 15-1/4 by 15-1/2 by 6-1/4 inches; 1-year limited warranty

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

The Leaky Luna 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 5 people found this review helpful.

I bought the luna about a year ago and fell instantly in love with it. It is fast, convenient, and makes a killer espresso. Unfortunately it now leaks water when trying to steam. I believe it's coming from the heating block since this problem has been mentioned before. I am currently trying to contact the service center to see about getting it fixed. My last coffee maker/espresso machine cost $300 and still works and is 10 years old. I like quality but to me that also means reliability. When spending this kind of money on a product it better damn well be durable or at least servicable. If the service turns out to be good and I can get my Luna fixed I'll update this review.

LUNA Has Excellent After Sales Service 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 5 people found this review helpful.

Please send an e-mail to info@electra-craft.com and they will gladly service your LUNA wall mount machine.

I own this machine and have found it to be awesome. We've had some technical questions and the ESPRESSIONE people are fantastic.

Recommend the GRACE PG with great confidence.

Editorial Review:

One group pump espresso machine that can be wall mounted or suspended on a metal support. Stainless steel machine features commercial quality components. Thermo block for instant and continuous steam. ESE system for use exclusively with pods.

Espressione UNO-PUL Commercial Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

Amazon Price: $1,599.99 List Price: $1,899.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Espressione - Model: UNO-PUL

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Features:

• E.S.E adapted for use with ground coffee or coffee serving pods
• Built with professional components such as the internal copper boiler
• 1.2 liter boiler has zero recovery time for continuous brewing
• There is no wait time for the boiler to get up to steaming temperature to froth milk after making first espresso
• Machine can be left on all day with superior safety mechanisms including the emergency pushbutton and microprocessor logic control

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Expobar Office Control Espresso Machine

By: Expobar Amazon Marketplace: 2 new & used starting at $1,199.00

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Features:

• E61 Brew Group.
• Programmable Extraction Amount - You set how much water goes through each shot.
• Heat Exchange Boiler System - NO WAIT for steam.
• Stainless steel housing - Beautiful machine to spotlight on your counter.
• Large 12 oz Brass boiler - you won't run out of water while steaming, and can brew multiple shots with little recovery time.

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

The Expobar Office Control espresso machine is truly in a league of its own. It is a fully automatic espresso machine that has four programmable buttons for dispensing any amount of water through your coffee with the push of a button. The commercial style boiler is made of copper and has all the controls that are found on the larger commercial machines. It can simultaneously brew and steam, allowing for extensive flexibility. This machine is sensational for those who love to entertain, or even just for the executive who does not want to visit the drip coffee machine down the hall. It has both a steam wand and hot water dispensing wand that are mounted on ball joints so that they can swing in any direction. Its size makes it convenient for those who dont want to give up a large amount of counter space. It is 15.5 tall, 9.5 wide and 16.5 deep. The group head is comparable to the renowned E61 group head with pre-infusion and thermal siphon for maximum temperature stability and aroma extraction. The stainless steel housing is as beautiful as it is durable. The accessories include a chrome plated brass portafilter, tamper, single shot filter basket, double shot filter basket and a 7 gram coffee scoop.

FrancisFrancis! X5 Espresso Machine, Creme

List Price: $649.99 By: Francis Francis - Model: X5-Crème Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $350.00

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Features:

• Pump-driven Supercrema brewing system with 18 bars of dynamic pressure
• Chrome-plated brass brewing handles maintain ideal temperature
• 48-ounce water tank with rear access; battery-powered clock on the front
• Includes both ESE pods and ground coffee handles
• Measures 10-1/4 by 8-1/4 by 11-1/4 inches

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FrancisFrancis! X5 Espresso Machine, Creme

List Price: $649.99 By: Francis Francis - Model: X5-Crème Amazon Marketplace: 1 new & used starting at $350.00

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Features:

• Pump-driven Supercrema brewing system with 18 bars of dynamic pressure
• Chrome-plated brass brewing handles maintain ideal temperature
• 48-ounce water tank with rear access; battery-powered clock on the front
• Includes both ESE pods and ground coffee handles
• Measures 10-1/4 by 8-1/4 by 11-1/4 inches

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Coffee, Tea & Espresso -> Espresso Machines -> Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines