I've been researching for a espresso machine that brewed nice, rich coffee like it should and i finally ...
595293
I've been researching for a espresso machine that brewed nice, rich coffee like it should and i finally found this one!!! I am super happy with the results!! I am Spanish and so when i make espresso coffee i expect nothing but a rich strong and hot espresso coffee to be the result..i love this machine, it's the best I've found.  I strongly recommend it for those of you that feel the same way as i do.
PS.. You can also make cappuccino if you enjoy that, and the taste with the strong coffee is awsome!! Enjoy!!
207816
I just got mine hours ago after reading plenty of reviews for this machine. I'm replacing a much cheaper coffee/espresso unit.

It is definately aesthetically pleasing and comes with everything you need including two stainless steel mugs with plates, two different sized filters and a filter cleaning tool which was unexpected. That was great! Its funny to note where the time was put in on Breville's side. Everything is matching except for the really cheap injection molded scoop/tamp combo. I wish every part of the machine and accessories were unified.

One of the things that I miss about my old machine is the audible process it made. I typically make my drinks at night and not in the morning. It was great to hear the gurgling of the water heating up and the pitter patter of the espresso dripping into the measured container. I felt like there was more trial and error in it, so you had more room for variety.

This machine is great for someone who wants their drink immediatly. It heated up the water almost instantly, and then as soon as you turn it on it  pours out the espresso and you turn it off once the mugs are almost full. Also it is noisy when it forces out the liquid. The traditional sounds of a cafe are lost by loud electronic pumps. The same pump noise is present when frothing milk. Another small disappoitment was that the switches are either on or off, there is no adjusting. So for somone who likes a good consistant espresso very quickly its a good bet.

After the instantanious procedure, I felt a little unsatisfied that the process was lost for a quick drink. Having the ability to learn how make the perfect espresso yourself is the rewarding part of owning these machines.

I think I'm going to return it, not sure which one is next.
4802205
Yup, took a chance on this and was totally blown away! I haven't had quality or functionality problems mentioned by a minority of other reviewers, and I eventually got good crema, even with crap-tastic grocery store espresso beans! Now, I will admit I have never owned an espresso machine above the $100.00 price point (I will do so one day) BUT, I HAVE had espresso made by Brevilles at 500.00 and such and this little pumper hits that quality. In fact, this machine makes rich, perfectly extracted espresso that is better than all bu the best coffee shops AND that's without a million moving parts to break or get gross and minerally-tasting and all.  I'd even say this machine offers a higher level of control because it allows the mindful user to control a variable machines do not: the exact pressure at which you are brewing.  This is also another possible confound in the search for excellent coffee drinks, yes, but one that can be worked out and isolated with careful, scientific control of your variables.  there are many Youtube vids published by espresso nuts who go over all these factors and are quite coherent, so go out for a rip, guys!!
4116448
So good!! Please please come out with an espresso!!!
3566231
What I can say, it does the work. I was worried before I tried it but it gave me an excellent espresso and the way I want it. Im so happy to have a good machine with so little money. Even with a starbucks regular and not espresso coffee it gives an excellent result.
3156303
The espresso machine works excellent!  You need to make sure you have the grounds compressed well and the filter on tight.
4088117
I bought this as a gift for a friend and I feel I'll be benefiting quite a bit from its bountiful espresso supply! It works wonderfully and easily. I would advise, like others, letting it heat up before making any espresso (15 to 20 minutes), but unlike others I don't think you should tamp the grounds too hard. 35 pounds of pressure may be standard for other machines, but this one seems to work better with a light tamp. (That's my opinion, at least. Experimentation is the best way to find what you enjoy)

It's a quality machine and great for its price without a great deal of hassle. If you're a die hard espresso fan, then perhaps you should consider investing in a slightly better machine and a good burr grinder and fresh beans and the like; However, if you just want a quality caff latte or cappuccino -- like myself -- then this machine and some nice grounds will be darling
3667796
The first machine I bought malfunctioned and I sent it back. I brought home the second machine. First I ran it with the decaf pods that came with the machine. They made quite possibly the foulest tasting espresso ever to spew from the bowels of the earth, with flavors reminiscing rotten cabbage gone both sour and bitter. Fortunately, I had also bought a package of Starbucks standard decaf pods. The machine was able to make beautiful rich espresso with nice beautiful crema. It was just like the espresso from Starbucks with every bit of flavor and complexity of the real thing. Even on the Starbucks website, it says that unlike regular espresso blends where they put robusta beans in the mix in order to ease crema, the starbucks pods do not have robusta, and so depend on the skill of the barista to achieve the crema. I was able to make espresso's with these pods, with beautiful crema, having never touched a pump machine ever before.

  In summary, do not even open the plastic around the packet of the Mr. Coffee pods that come with the machine. Take them out of the box and put them in the trash. They smell evil when you handle them prior to making espresso, and will certainly give you a bad impression of the machine if you use them to make rotten dishwater espressos.

  Get the Starbucks pods at the same time that you buy this machine and you too will be impressed.
4038606
Awesome!  It makes a very nice espresso.  Smooth, not bitter, descent crema.  My hubby from Italy says, "It's drinkable."  That's a first for my attempts to get good espresso at home.  How cool to push a button and the machine does it all!

We had a nespresso, and enjoyed it, but the pods are so expensive.  We tried the steam pump, it's horrible.

This espresso is richer and fuller than nespresso, I think...I like that we can actually adjust the programming of the machine to shorter shorts and longer longs...but for now, our first day, the whole family had a lot of fun and enjoyed the coffee!
304872
I just bought one of these machines to replace a nearly identical earlier model that I had had until a couple of years ago. That one had also worked very well, but had broken when the carousel was inadvertently turned the wrong way by someone unfamiliar with the machine. The Jura-Capresso company still features this machine on its website, but customers are informed that it is out of stock when adding it to their shopping carts, so it may have been discontinued. The one I bought was a display model that had not been used, but, in case any do become available, here is my review.

This machine makes excellent espresso, cappuccino, and crema coffee, but it is a bit temperamental, with several steps that must be followed in a particular order for it to work properly. That is perhaps why it is classified as a semi-automatic and is recommended for home use only. I can live with its quirks, however, for a machine that produces the same quality coffee, via auto-tamping, as a fully automatic machine for less than a third of the least expensive of those. It brews and dispenses coffee one cup at a time, without waste, without the expense of coffee pods, and without having to constantly clean and refill a lever-based coffee holder, as with my smaller manual espresso maker. With a turn of the carousel, the used coffee is dumped into a substantial holding container and the coffee hopper is ready for reloading, no dismantling and cleaning required, so that I can easily and quickly serve multiple guests their coffee of choice. It serves hot water, as well, heating it and then dispensing it through the steamer/frother spout, so, despite its size, it is a space saver for me, replacing my auto-drip coffeemaker, my other espresso maker, and my electric hot water kettle. I like also that, with the exception of a plate that is easily wiped clean, all of the parts that actually come into contact with the coffee are removable and easily washable.
1343471
I've been using this thing pretty much everyday for the past 6 months and I finally feel that it's time for a review. During this period, I've finally been able to understand how to get the best out of this machine. When you use an inexpensive espresso machine, everything you do has to be perfect in order to get a good pour. From how fine your coffee grounds are, to making sure you have enough coffee in the pressurized baskets. Also just as important, tamping...make sure it's perfectly leveled and enough force put into it. That's the only way to get good coffee out of this thing. Once you get experience, you will be getting great tasting coffee in no time. I have noticed that the machine takes time to get the water at the right temperature, which is very important as well. I don't know if this has happened over time but I always have to switch it on and wait for about 40 minutes until it's prepared before I can make the coffee. Anyway, that's all there is to say about it. If you're buying this then you have to be prepared to put a lot more effort into making your coffee than you used to.
3505465
I tried a De'Longhi BAR32 pump driven espresso machine, and was very disappointed.  I've returned that unit.  It was simply ineffective.  Boiler capacity too small, can't make doubles, too cold, can't froth any reasonable amount.  Just not good.  I had a Saeco/Starbucks pump driven espresso machine previously, which finally failed after 12 years of service.  The Saeco/Starbucks was a pretty good machine that performed well - fully manual.  However, it finally bit the dust.

So, I tried the Saeco Vienna Plus.  Sure, it's a lot more money, however it does a lot more and (though I've only used it for 2 days) it has performed very well.  No problems on capacity.  It can make double, or quadruple shots with ease.  It heats up very quickly, and has very good capacity.  I never thought I'd like a "super automatic" but now I'm loving it.  Frother works perfectly fine.  About the only thing I can say I wish it did were one thing.  That would be an easier way to swap out coffee beans in the hopper so I could do Decaf later in the day.

Instructions are simple - maybe a little too simple.  I'm still not clear on instructions to clean the brew assembly.

Setup was very easy and straightforward.  The unit worked perfectly out of the box.  Espresso can be dialed in great, and quality is excellent.  Frankly, it makes brewing an espresso or capuccino so easy and fast and so good that I'll be making WAY more.  So long as my experience stays consistent with the past two days, I'm very happy.

UPDATE March 2013:  After 7 months of use (some heavy and some light) the machine is pretty much performing exactly as when delivered.  I clean it routinely as per the instructions, and have not had any issues at all so far.  Given the price, and how it has performed for 7 months now, I would not hesitate in purchasing it again.
2510495
Update 5/5/17 - My first machine was a review unit that I had to send back. I liked the machine so much, I have since purchased the exact same one. I still love it and get a great shot ever time.  Unlike other reviewers experience, dry pucks are the norm and easily attained. The steamed milk is still a weakness on the unit. You are just not going to get tight foam that would pass for barrista quality.  Next time, I would like to get a machine that has a separate boiler just for the steam. So, that is the update, here is my original review:

I have had a couple of weeks now with this De'Longhi espresso machine. After making  dozens of espressos, lattes and americanos the machine has really grown on me.  Once I understood it for what it is (an entry-level machine that is simple to use) then I began to really admire the quality of shots coming from the De'Longhi. As with all machines, it has a little personality of its own.  Here is the process that I found produces the best results.

1. Of course, start with great coffee. If you do not roast your own beans then consider purchasing from a roast-to-order online retailer. At the very least buy beans from the store which are in a bag that is still somewhat poofy - a sign of fresh beans!  No worries though if you begin with less than ideal coffee. The De'Longhi will still give you good crema

2. Next, turn the dial to "on" and wait the 45 seconds or so for the green light to indicate the machine is heated and ready.

3. Use hot water from the machine to preheat the portafilter and basket along with your chosen shot glass or mug.

4. Dry the portafilter basket and you are now ready to fill it with your grind.  Know that this machine will not perform well with very finely ground coffee. This is because it has a self-pressurizing system with just one whole in the basket!  I find that a medium-fine coarseness like that for a pour-over is adequate. The portafiler basket is a little small so I use just 13.5 grams of espresso for a double shot.  A light tamp is all that is needed. I have read other reviewers complain that the machine comes with only a plastic tamp. Honestly, it is all you need with this one.  Tamp lightly or you will clog that one hole.

5. Now you are ready to pull the shot!  It should take about thirty seconds for a double. If not adjust your grind size and tamp pressure. Once the shot is done, immediately turn the dial to the steam position. It takes another minute or so for the green ready light to indicate the water is hot enough for steam.

6. Finally, I insert the steam wand into the milk (whole milk) just below the surface.  The wand is wide, but it is still possible to get a nice whirlpool going. It is a little slow in heating the milk to the proper temp. I found it takes close to 30 seconds as opposed to 15 seconds with more expensive machines. No big deal. The final froth is not very tight.  Certainly adequate, just don't expect to master latte art with it.

So there you have it!  Perhaps you will get good results with different methods, but this is what works for me. In the end. I think it is a capable and quality machine that is more than adequate for the home barista.  I received my unit as a loaner for a review (I am not compensated in any way). Unfortunately, I have to send the machine back.  It's unfortunate because I like it. When I have enough money saved for a new espresso machine I probably will buy this exact same unit mainly because of its simplicity of use.
1462175
I've had a Gaggia Classic Coffee for 20 years and have never been happy with the quality of the espresso using beans ground at our local Pete's. I've tried several grinds and they produce coffee that's too thin or too thick, and never a rich creamy espresso. As a last resort, I put a grinder on my Christmas wishlist and was excited to open the Breville today. It was trivial to set up. My first attempt gave too fine a grind (on 20 I think), but backing off to 16 produced excellent results for both the 1- and 2-shot amounts. I immediately had a rich crema and a great tasting espresso. The settings and controls on the grinder are excellent, and I like the 5-min shutoff.  Great machine!
3588092
I've tried several different brands at various prices ranges and have always found myself frustrated with your standard pressure-driven home espresso machines - coffee generally tastes burned, no crema, poor froth, and messy clean-up.  I wanted something that would really take the place of my local coffee shop in terms of quality and convenience.
The Briel Multi-Pro is a coffee lover's dream come true and nothing short of a work of art.  Right out of the box, it makes a beautiful serving of espresso with the perfect crema.  Warm-up time is quick, it is simple to use, coffee is the perfect temperature (and never burned!), the frothing attachment makes great froth, and clean-up is next to nothing.  It's also nice to find a machine where you can set the level of waterflow so that you can have "ristretto" or "lungo" espresso - depending on your preference.
I did have a few nit-picky issues; and when you're spending this much for an appliance, you have the right to be picky!  I found that the frothing attachment and brew head leaked a bit after being used the first time when switching from brew to steam and unless the nozzle is cranked HARD all the way off, leakage from the frothing attachment can be significant.  Additionally, the length proportions of the frothing attachment make it tempermental to use if you're only frothing a bit of milk, unless your frothing container is just the perfect size (I recommend a short one).  Finally, I was disappointed that the filter holder didn't have a nifty attachment to hold the filter in place for knocking out the grounds after use - one of my older Krups had this.  Without that little perk, you need to either wait for the filter to cool so as not to burn your fingers, or just hope that the filter doesn't fall out of the holder and into the garbage can.
Nit-picky comments aside, I still can't justify taking away any stars from the Briel Multi-Pro Espresso Machine.  It's easy to justify this purchase if you like to have the perfect cup of coffee!!
1308004
UPDATE AT THE BOTTOM

After my steam-driven brewer broke down a little over a year ago, I got a stove-top pot until a house guest did me a "favor" and put it in the dishwasher.  So I finally broke down and bought a new brewer.  It's pump driven, which I had no idea what it meant, but the obvious benefit is you can determine exactly how much cafe you want to brew providing you have enough coffee in the machine to do it.  My steam-driven machine was pretty much, turn it on, forget about it, it would brew the same amount each time.  This machine, you turn it to preheat, I pack the filter (bought a metal tamper, the one built into the machine isn't any good), attach the filter and turn it to start.  Don't run off!  You have to turn it off or it'll keep brewing and cause a mess.

The manual was a little lacking in detail, but I have some experience with these machines, so it wasn't overly frustrating to learn.  I wish I could adjust the height of the platform the cups rest on (something I could do with my last brewer) but it isn't a deal breaker, I just need new espresso cups.

The espresso has a nice rich crema and comparing the same coffee from my stovetop pot to this machine, I wish I would've just bought the machine instead of using the pot.

UPDATE 6/26/2015
So a little over 2 years later, it finally died.  Pressure dropped and it will barely brew a cup.  I noticed a little bit of water leaking around the aluminum on the front.  RIP.
994626
I spent a considerable time checking reviews on Super Automatic Espresso Machines.  They all seem to have issues. Agree or not, when I did a shortlist the ESAM 5500 came out in front. So when I got my annual rebate check from a Big Box retailer recently, I decided to buy this machine.  They had the best price on the ESAM 5500 at the time.  They also have a pretty solid, no questions asked return policy for duds.

I received the Super Auto late on a Friday.  I spent some time setting it up and reading the manual (should be madatory reading).  Right out of the box the water spout wasn't seated correctly, so the machine would not function.  It took a few tries to set it right. After that hiccup, things went fine.  To head off potential seal problems, I put a drop of grapeseed oil on the O rings in the hot water feed.  I am also using distilled water to head off excessive scaling. The system for removing coffee grinds/pucks is wonky.  You need to open the door and then pull the tray out to access the discards.  This is just asking for problems in the long run.  I keep the machine on a timer.  So to my surprise when it either heats up or shuts off, it spits hot water.  It's fine if you want your drip tray soaked and splatter everywhere. I keep a cup under the spouts to catch the run off from the automatic rinsing.

On to the coffee, I put in a container of Illy beans as per a recommendation in an on line review.  I heated my espresso cups with a kitchen hot water dispenser and off I went.  The Illy coffee was OK, but nothing special here.  On a whim, I picked up a Kilo of "Faema Premium Espresso Beans".  No plan, they were on sale. I dialed the grinder setting back 1 notch for a creamier cup and Voila, magic!!  I got the best cup of espresso I had ever had.  No exaggeration!!

As for complaints about the temperature of cappucinos.  If you preheat the cup with hot water, the coffee will be very hot.  The cup warmer on the top is OK but does not give you a hot cups, merely warm.

My kids love the automatic steamed milk.  They use it on their hot chocolate and it makes for happy kids.

Yes the machine is made out of plastic. So I intend to be careful with the plastic doors.  Delonghi offers an extended warranty for not a lot of money.  The cost is less than one repair, so I am investing in that.  I live in a large urban area where Delonghi has a repair and deistribution centre so I hope to have reasonable service should I need it.