The Francis Francis X1 is an incredible tool. If you are willing to take the time to learn the device, you will LOVE it. The easy to read control panel light lets you know when the machine is ready to make your own delicious gourmet espresso. It also indicates when the steam is ready making it easy to use the steam wand with attachment to froth your milk for your favorite cappuccino or latte. It is feature-rich and comes with some other key benefits I would like to tell you about:
1. I’m still learning, but I think we get pretty good tasting coffee from this. The pods are nice, and the trio of setting is pretty interesting. I have found that the lungo setting works pretty well if you do not want to being using 2 pods for each drink.
2. If you want to get good results though, you will need to be willing to spend a bit more money on accessories, for example, a good grinder and fresh *non-Starbucks* beans are an absolute MUST. The water reservoir is nicely designed to pull out sideways, so I am able to pull it out only half way and pour the water in from a pitcher. The drip pan is fairly shallow – but any bigger and I would not probably let coffee sit in there for weeks, so I actually like having to clean it out.
3. It’s easy to use. If you must have an espresso machine that looks great with a specific decor, then this is a good purchase. Delivers amazingly easy consistantly good espressos.
4. The machine is sturdy and solid, and it cost-effectively delivers excellent coffee every single day. Prime your machine before and after making espresso to keep it clean inside and keep it working properly.
5. It’s smaller than most machines, at just a little stockier than your average drip coffee pot. The steam wand – even given it was my first time using a machine, I can say that it is a bit awkwardly placed and hard to use at first. After some practice, I really have not had any issues with it, and I’m able to get some decent foam.
6. If you want to get good results, you will need to be willing to spend a bit more money on accessories. A good grinder and fresh beans are an absolute MUST.
I’m pleased with my purchase. With the Francis Francis Machines the price is right, so if you’re looking for a espresso machine with all of the latest features and compatibility, this is a solid pick. It is a phenomenal machine; it does exactly what it says it does and does it in a very simple friendly way. The price is so much less than other units; it is embarrassing to compare. Great buy, great price, great service.