Francis Francis for illy iperEspresso Machine

Stylish and easy to use machine that makes great coffee
I really like this product. Using the new capsules makes for no mess at all.

The machine is ready in minutes and if you want a quick espresso its so so simple.

I tend to pull a couple of shots before switching to the steam function for foaming the milk.
It gets up to temperature pretty quickly. I find it takes a good 2 mins to get the milk up to the right temp.
It makes good foam and I can make better drinks at home than places like starbucks.

It doesn't beat the coffee shops I frequent but then it wont. A decent coffee house that uses $14,000 machines, good grinders, excellent beans and knowledgeable barristas will win everytime.

But for that quick fix at home its great.

Its a small unit and it looks great on my kitchen counter. People comment on how it looks all the time. It looks more expensive than it is.

My first recommendation is that if you want to switch back to pulling a shot after steaming milk do...

Few complaints
I've had this machine for about three years now, on the advice of a prominent Italian/American restauranteur who told me "want to know how to get the best cup of espresso at home? Write this down...."

The pods are relatively expensive, but there is a cost for laziness! More than anything, it's a guilty feeling environmentally. Wish they had a recycling program for them, I'd feel better.

The machine could not be simpler to use. The water container is a little tricky to get out sometimes, but you get the hang of it. Other than that, a child could make a perfect cup from this machine (to serve to mommy or daddy, not themselves of course!)

I did have a brief period where it was acting up, but unplugging and plugging back in, aka the first rule of troubleshooting devices, seemed to work. Fortunately did not have to progress to "percussive maintenance".

The steamer leaves something to be desired--I had a friend who works as a barista become...

Ok but died after 18 months of use :-(
Expensive capsules but great espresso at home. Unfortunately died after using for 18 months only. Would not recommend this product.

Click to Editorial Reviews