Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #223253 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: Euro Food Brands Ltd
• Model: X1
• Dimensions: 11.81" h x 10.24" w x 9.84" l, 20.00 pounds

Manufacturer's Description
Francis Francis designed by Lucca Trazzi and manufactured by lly café; this is arguably the most stylish espresso cappuccino maker in the range. Its electronic control system ensures optimal brewing temperature and pressure, it has luminous and acoustic controls which make use of this machine very easy. The X1 is made of the finest quality stainless steel and Italian component parts from Europe. It has a 2 year back to base UK warranty. You can make 2 espressos at any one time.

Box Contents

Customer Reviews

Lovely retro look but not as good as it should be
I wanted one of these machines for a while before finally buying this one. I wanted to go for the Kitchenaid one (over 500 pounds!)but my husband persuaded me this one was fine. I have now discovered a couple of annoying glitches the first one being that the one and two cup spouts supplied with the machine are plastic (not metal like those with other machines) and they don't fit under the filter properly and fall off. This means that we can't use them and have to make single cups every time - which is a faff if you have 3 or 4 coffees to make - either that or fiddle around pouring coffee from one cup into another or use a small jug etc.....Which brings me onto the other frustrating thing which is that there isn't much 'headroom' for a cup under the filter (even less with the spout attached) - only short espresso cups fit and so if you wanted cappucino you have to pour the espresso into a bigger cup to give room for the steamed milk. I now know that the Kitchenaid is higher and so would take taller cups and mugs.
I guess the X1 is made this way so that it's not too tall to fit on the kitchen worktop where there is a wall cupboard above but it does compromise it's function.
I have to say despite these frustrations it looks lovely, I use it every day, it works very well, has a good sized water reservoir, heats up in good time, it makes great coffee, (but I'm drinking too much!)
Overall 325 pounds feels too much to pay for something that isn't quite what it should be.

Top Coffee!
I saw these in Italy about 5 or 6 years ago, and bought one on my return to England. I've never had any issues with cup sizes (I use regular espresso or cappucino cups), and mine came with a metal spout, which has always fitted without any problem.
It still makes fantastic coffee after 5 years.
If/when it does finally throw in the towel, I'll be replacing it with one exactly the same.

A bit expensive but great coffee
I did not purchase my Francis Francis from Amazon as it is possible to get this product cheaper from other online retailers. Keep an eye on the prices of coffee machines because apparently due to the credit crunch, we are drinking more coffee at home and the prices have gone through the roof. If you search the net, it is still possible to source a bargain.

Initially, I was not impressed but this machine needs some getting used to. Firstly, when you make your coffee, you have to ensure that the filter housing is in place correctly. You may think that it is but if you have coffee gushing over the top making your drink taste gritty and bitter then you are doing something wrong. You have to push the filter holder to the right, keep pushing (to the point where you think you might break the machine - don't worry you won't). That way, a seal is created and the coffee will not gush over the sides from the pressure of the pump.

One of the other reviewers mentioned the plastic spouts. I do not use mine at all as I make coffee for one. It is possible to use the machine without using them.

Make sure you have a jug which is 0.50 litres in size as this is the perfect size for the nozzle along with a temperature gauge for frothing the milk.

The nozzle could be a bit longer but it does the job.

Overall, I would say that the machine is a bit expensive but if you drink coffee or cappucinos every day it is worth it. It makes great coffee and once you get the hang of it, it will just get better.

Something to bear in mind is that with this machine you get a 2 year warranty. If your machine breaks down or it needs to be serviced, they will collect it, do the necessary and deliver it back - all free of charge. At least you have peace of mind for 2 years which is saying something.

Remember, with these reviews that sometimes people only review when their experience is bad.

If I were pushed I would recommend purchasing a Francis Francis. If, however, money is a bit tight, go for a Gagggia or a Kenwood Retro. Also check out the Dualit expresso machine which could be a contender as well.