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The X8 machines uses the new revolutionary iperEspresso Method to prepare espresso. Hyper Espresso is a unique and innovative two-stage process. The first is hyper infusion. This is followed by emulsion, resulting in a thick, velvety crema and full-bodied espresso.
- Pump-driven espresso machine that exclusively uses Illy coffee capsules
- 2-stage brewing process ensures full-bodied aromatic coffee with crema
- Simple controls; easy-to-read LED display; manual shut-off; steam wand
- 40-ounce removable water reservoir; decalcification solution included
- Measures 13-4/5 by 8 by 13-2/5 inches; 1-year warranty
This give to us some advantages, like this :
1. Very convenient. Some things you should know...
Illy is having a promotion of these. You can get them from Illy's website for $175 until 12/31/2009.
This machine is for people who want convenience. This machine uses pre-packaged espresso servings. If you do not want to fuss or mess that comes with grinding your own beans, you have three options:
1. Nespresso. You have to buy the machine and the capsules from Nespresso. I tried this machine and didn't really like the espresso. Not enough rich crema.
2. E.S.E Pods. Made by lots of different companies. This is an industry standard format. It's basically like an individually packaged tea bag, with a compressed puck of finely ground coffee inside. You could use this in a convensional espresso machine with the appropriate adaptor. Widely available. But the quality of your espresso will depend highly on your machine.
3. Illy's iperEspresso capsules, used by this machine, the Francis Francis X8. Not much of a selection of coffee, but...
2. Updated 1/2012
I did a lot of research into espresso machines. I ultimately choose this one because I realized I did not have any interest in becoming a home barista. I wanted a machine that is easy to use, easy to clean-up, and produces good espresso with minimal effort. The Francis Francis X8 has been perfect! I've owned it about month now and have no major complaints. It heats up very quickly - probably around 30 seconds. The steam wand works well for frothing milk. And there is no daily clean-up required. The only semi-regular maintenance that needs to be done is filling it with water (I used filtered water), emptying the used-pod bin, and wiping down the drip tray. It also needs to be descaled, which I haven't done yet. The only downside to this machine is that it only takes illy iper pods, and they only have 3 kinds - dark roast, medium roast and decafff. Not much for variety. If I didn't need to froth milk, I may have gone with the nespresso C100 instead which not only has a much larger...
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Illy Makes Good
Our family recieved our iperEspresso machine last week and we are still amazed. This is a very well built, thoughtout, quality machine for the money. It is very simple to use and makes excellent espresso in no time at all. I was very impressed at how fast the machine makes hot water and steam. Within a few minutes of plugging it in you're drinking espresso, and since it's Illy product, you know it rocks!
The only downside to the machine is it's exclusivity of capsules. You have to purchase the Illy pods, but they can be found on the web at a resonable price.
Definitely thumbs up for this one!
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