Breville Espresso Machine - 800ESXL / 800ESXL - Silver  Product Reviews

"I purchased my machine for Christmas 2006 and have been using it happily for the past 8 months. I reccomend using the Illy pre-ground espresso, and do not tamp very hard. I do not own a $200 espresso grinder, nor do I have the room in my kitchen for one. I drink lattes, not espresso, so my coffee palate is not as advanced as some serious espresso drinkers. I love the frother, and it's sleeve like cover, which makes perfect foam, even if i walk away from the machine. If you are a latte or cappacino drinker, you will love this machine and the fact that you will be giving up your $4 a day starbucks habit. Cons- we have a water filtration system, so i have acess to unlimted amounts of filtered water. If you have to use bottled water you will hate this machine. My filters have never clogged, and I will run the machine in brew mode with no coffee to clean the filter. Also remove the stainless sleeve on the frother and wash in diswasher daily, as you need to clean the wand underneath sleeve. For $400, I am very happy."

"I find that this machine makes excellent coffee and can make refills quickly. Construction is very solid and durable. I like the product. I was missing the one cup filter but Breville sent me a replacment. I am satisfied with the machine."

"This is a quality item. Very sleek and sturdy. My last espresso machine (Gaggia) was a piece of plastic imitation compared to this unit. Very easy to operate and maintain. I have had none of the issues about clogging that some reviewers have reported. Perhaps they changed something, as the last month using this has been a pleasure. Like the other reviewer I have also stopped going to Starbucks on the way to work each day. I am very impressed with this machine."

"i own 3 espresso machines and my favorite is my jura z-5 perfect espressos every time, ok now this one, i have actually owned it longer, i have never gotten a good pull, its been very difficult to find the correct combination of grind and compaction, too fine a grind and it plugs the filter, too much compaction and the water wont flow through, but the real surprise is the sloppy grind mess, this alone should warrant a one star rating, no espresso machine should produce this mess that spills all over your counter. i have a ugly machine i bought at target for less money and you get a nice espresso with with a moist puck. i really dont understand these great reviews. why the 2 stars then? well it looks the way an espresso maker should look, i just wish it preformed as well as it looks."