Combining state-of-the-art technology with strikingly good looks, this easy-to-use espresso machine produces cafe-quality espresso, cappuccino, and other favorite coffee drinks from the comfort of home. Simply insert an Illy coffee capsule, which contains a 7-gram serving of pre-ground and tamped espresso, and the machine takes care of the rest–no need to learn how to measure, grind, or tamp. The unit provides a unique two-stage brewing process that ensures smooth, full-bodied an (more…)
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#1 by Valterra on June 22, 2009 - 3:52 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
THIS IS THE BEST
I received my X7 in January 2009 and I could not be happier with my purchase.
First, let me start with Amazon.
#2 by Gunhilda on June 22, 2009 - 5:39 pm
This is by far the BEST espresso machine I’ve ever owned. Being originally from Europe, my favorite coffee drink is plain espresso. The X7 consistently makes espresso that beats by miles what I get from Starbucks and Caribou.
#3 by Baina on June 22, 2009 - 5:52 pm
3.0 out of 5 stars
way overpriced in US market
I am interested of getting one after seeing the rave reviews it received. Then I found that the same product is sold at 199 euro in Italy, what is $260 at today’s exchange rate.
#4 by Walker on June 22, 2009 - 6:45 pm
I’ve been a faithful FrancisFrancis user for years. I loved my X1, but it needed repairs. Since Francis Francis has been taken over by Illy, their customer service has become nonexistent, so I haven’t been able to get the parts I need to fix it.
I was excited by the new iperespresso capsules, so I decided to go with the X7. The espresso is as good as advertised. But my wife and I each make a latte every morning. This machine, however, is very reluctant to switch modes between brewing and steaming. It’s not uncommon to wait five minutes between pulling the shot and the machine deciding it’s ready to steam the milk. This doesn’t sound terrible, but the espresso is sitting out all this time, and I’m getting late for work.
The machine produces good results, especially the espresso. It’s just frustrating to deal with the waiting. I’ve tried to contact the company to see if there was any sort of work around for this problem, but as stated above, FrancisFrancis’s once wonderful customer service has dropped off the face of the Earth now that Illy runs things.
#5 by Bash on June 22, 2009 - 7:21 pm
I’ll try not to gush too much – first the basics:
The machine is a little bigger than a traditional drip machine. Not too big for small kitchens. It’s very good looking even though the body is plastic. The metal accents, trim, and face look truly high end. Operation is a breeze. Fill the side reservoir, insert a capsule in the handle, and push the button. Less than 30 seconds later you have a perfect shot. PERFECT EVERY TIME. For steam, you push the steam button, wait a few seconds, then voila! If you want to switch back to coffee then you need to know a secret not published in the manual. Rather than switching back with the button and waiting for a few minutes, you push the button and then release the remaining steam by turning the knob. With this method it only takes about 45 seconds to go back to regular coffee making.
Cleanup is simple because there is no exposed coffee grounds. The capsule remains intact and you just throw it away. Too bad it’s not recyclable without emptying out the coffee (which is a pain). We just throw ours away.
The buttons and knobs have a nice rubber coating and feel great to the touch. When turned on the machine makes a gentle “beep” to let you know it’s up to temperature.
Prior to this machine, I’ve had a bigger Faema manual machine as well as a Gaggia. I always assumed that service such as replacing seals was a given. This machine does not require any regular servicing. Amazing!
So, when we first started shopping – I was ready to spend at least $1200 to get a super automatic machine. I even considered the Automatic / separate grinder combo. But after tasting the coffee in a Sur La Table store, we were sold on the simplicity of the Illy machine. A $1500 machine did not taste any better – and was HUGE on the counter.
So, if truly great coffee, simple use, minimal cleanup, low cost, no maintenance, and an attractive modern looking machine are in the cards for you – this machine is perfect!!!
#6 by Jennyl on June 22, 2009 - 10:55 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best home espresso yet
After living in Paris for 7 years, I have been searching for over 20 years for a machine that can duplicate the espresso served in bars in Italy & France.