Breville - Espresso Machine - Stainless Steel

This is my second Breville Espresso Machine. I had a Breville Cafe Roma, less expensive model as my first. The price (it's about as cheap as you can get and still have a pump instead of steam pressure) and the aesthetics. The bad news is that try as I might, I can't get decent foam out of this machine. I can get enough for a latte, but not really for a cappuccino. I drink mostly straight espresso or americanos so that isn't too much of an issue for me but for people that like cappucinos this may be frustrating. The filter basket is also difficult to deal with which makes it hard to make a lot of shots at once without a lot of fiddling with really hot pieces in between each batch. Overall, if you want a machine primarily for espresso and don't want to break the bank this might be for you.

I have had this machine for nearly a year. The only time I had a bad cup is when I did not have good beans. I recommend an espresso roast that you have tasted before. Regular store brands are not the way to go here. In Chicago I have a great coffee store that keeps me supplied. Compared to $1,500 machines this does everything they do and much more stylishly. The solid steel casing doesn't scratch and break like the plastic ones on those more expensive machines. As for the coffee itself - with a good grind and the right beans you get one heck of a great espresso. In time I have mastered texturing the milk for a great cappuccino, latte or my favorite - mocha. Practice is all it takes, I also recommend removing the frothing attachement. It is a bit noisey, but quieter than those more expensive beasts. There is no such thing as a quiet espresso maker, just less noisey. Home espresso makers are not for everyone, it is a very manual process! But the joy of that FRESH cup that you did not have to leave your house for, or stop for on the way in to work is something you can't beat. You'll wonder why you ever sipped a cup from any of those chain joints.

My morning coffee will never be the same! This thing is so cool i dont know how anyone can do without oe if you love coffee. It s super user friendly to make great espresso ANYTIME! great price too and will save you money over making coffee runs!

Honestly, I have never in my life written a review for anything. Yes, I've bought bad products before...but honestly, NOTHING has EVER been so bad that I would take the time to write a review! This machine is AWFUL. The craftsmanship is a JOKE...I can't for the life of me get one single shot of espresso from it. (1) The water tray has to be filled to the ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM (I mean really, not ONE DROP below the max line) in order to have even a chance of this thing working; (2) this irritating little water tray thing is only compounded by the fact that the water tray NEVER stays in place - it just leaks everywhere - so it is impossible to actually keep it at the max line;; (3) the "warming tray" is a joke - I really do think they ended up thinking - wow, we have a flat top, might as well say its a heating tray; (4) water NEVER heats up - NEVER; (5) thing is SOOOOO loud - I wake up the whole neighborhood trying to make my morning espresso - which, ironically enough, doesn't even happen in the end; (6) if, and I REALLY mean IF, you are fortunate enough to actually get any coffee to come out of this thing - it will take about 7 minutes and will be horrible; and (7) god forbid you EVER use a grind that is too fine because then your machine is broke forever. Ok, I could go on and on and on - just trust me on this one - DO NOT BUY THIS MACHINE!!!!! DO NOT BUY THIS MACHINE!!!!! DO NOT BUY THIS MACHINE!!!!! DO NOT BUY THIS MACHINE!!!!! DO NOT BUY THIS MACHINE!!!!! DO NOT BUY THIS MACHINE!!!!! DO NOT BUY THIS MACHINE!!!!! DO NOT BUY THIS MACHINE!!!!!