| | |  | Hamilton Beach | Home » » » Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker | | | | | | | Description: | | Breville ESP8XL Café Roma Espresso with 15 bar thermoblock pump has stainless steel commercial housing and includes a bonus stainless steel espresso cup set and frothing jug. | | | Features: | |
• Stainless-steel espresso machine with 15-bar Thermoblock pump
• Dual-wall filter system for excellent crema; froth enhancer; cup-warming plate
• Large, easy-fill 1-2/7-quart water tank; external water window indicates when tank is low
• Removable drip tray and grid; stainless-steel espresso cup set and frothing jug included
• Measures 9 by 9 by 12 inches; 1-year limited warranty
| | | Product Details: | | | Product Length:
| 12.0 inches | | Product Width:
| 12.0 inches | | Product Height:
| 15.0 inches | | Product Weight:
| 17.75 pounds | | Package Length:
| 14.6 inches | | Package Width:
| 11.8 inches | | Package Height:
| 11.6 inches | | Package Weight:
| 16.2 pounds | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 172 reviews |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers.
 OK...for a whileMay 05, 2010
I've had the machine for over two years now. It made OK espresso for an inexpensive machine but the real problems started when I'd had it a while. Because you have to place the espresso cups just so underneath the machine, it's necessary to get down at eye-level to make sure the brewed espresso doesn't miss it's mark. The first clue I had that the machine was starting to fail was I was splashed in the face with scalding water while trying to ensure the espresso was going where it should! I thought this was a fluke and blamed myself for not locking the basket properly. Some time later, the same thing happened. Finally, the machine spews hot water regularly now...the water actually bypassing the basket entirely and spewing everywhere resulting in cups full of brown water, not espresso.
I emailed the company and never heard a word. If I had, I may have considered replacing this one with another Breville. I'll buy another brand now.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Addressing the "cramped frothing wand" on a Breville Roma espresso machine.Mar 10, 2010
I've been using my Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma espresso machine every morning now for over six months. I'm fully satisfied. Rather than repeat what some of the other recent 5* reviews have said, let me add one tip. There have been complaints about the cramped position of the steaming wand. I concur. In fact, I'm using a larger steaming pot than is sent with the Breville "kit", which was way too small. This larger pitcher compounds the problem. I simply placed my machine on a granite cutting block that is about an inch thick and the problem is resolved. (The wand hangs over the right edge while my other espresso accessories set on the left side.)
I ordered my Breville with a 20 ounce latte pitcher from Rattleware, a ProAccurate Instra-Read NSF Beverage and Frothing Thermometer and a Terry's Tamper. I keep my coffee in an OXO air-tight storage container (12 oz. Starbucks just fits when full).
Better than expectedFeb 01, 2010
I read the reviews before I bought and was a bit scared to buy. I went ahead and purchased a used Breville from Amazon so maybe all the kinks were already worked out. Anyway, it's better than I hoped. Easy to use. Great expresso. No problems. My only complaint is the placement of the foamer: It's in an ackward place and a bit cramped when placing your pitcher underneath. This is my first espresso machine and I can't imagine that it can get better than this (for the price).
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
From a guy in the know ...Jan 28, 2010
[...] - visit my anti-foodie ... er ... food blog
I know quite a bit about the art of espresso. I have sold numerous models and makes over the last five years, and am considered "the Espresso Guy" in my kitchen hardware store (toot, toot -- that's my own horn you are hearing).
I've also used and sold many different kinds of machines -- stovetops, manual, semi-automatics and fully automatics -- not mention those transvestite-o-matics everyone is so up in arms about.
Anyway -- my point: for the price, it's a great, great deal. Especially considering I bought mine on special for $[...]. I doubt you will find it for that cheap anywhere, seeing as my employee discount really helped out there. But, I will say that the crema is terrific for this small machine, the frothing is a breeze, and the overall functionality is good (with the cup warmer on top). To be totally honest, I kind of bought it just to get the uber-cool stainless steel cups & saucers. But, I really intended on returning it if it sucked. It doesn't. The quality, thus far, rivals that of the "big- rig-fully-automatic-shines-your-shoes-too" machines.
I will certainly update my review if the machine fails down the road, but knowing Breville products well ... I doubt that will be the case. Cheerio -- bottoms up, bean heads!
That was a compliment.
UPDATE **************
After using the machine for a full week, I am even more pleased. People who bitched about "loudness" or "broken pumps" simply do not know how to work manual espresso machines. Espresso machines are loud. They used pumps and forced hot water and steam. Geez, are you making espresso in the dead of night at a sleep lab? What's the biggie? Each machine is different, and it takes a week or so of daily use to really get it down-pat. Easy sailing after that.
I LOVE this machine. Wonderful coffee with both Illy fine-ground coffee (expensive) or Café Bustelo (comparatively dirt cheap, yet very good - available at your local supermarket). You have to experiment with the grind and how hard you tamp the ground coffee into the filter -- HINT: very, very lightly. Too hard, and you get the "broken pump" complaint other people had. It's not broken, it's just that the pump cannot force water through the coffee cement disc you just made by pressing down way too hard. Also, make sure the water tank is pushed down all the way, and that it is .... drum roll....full! I have no doubt that most complaints on this product were from uninformed, impatient (didn't want to take the time to read the manual or do a little trial and error testing) kind of consumers -- of which, there are far too many. For me, 1/2 the fun of espresso is the making part.
The espresso is outstanding! My only complaint (I agree with the most recent review) ... the frothing wand can be a little awkward as it does not extend out far enough.
Boo hoo .... Buy this machine!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
greatJan 27, 2010
This is an excellent product. I love it. The shipper shipped on time and it was received in great shape.
Vern
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