The Coffee Maker Store
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FrancisFrancis! X1 Espresso Machine, Black |
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Your price: $799.95
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- Ideal for making coffee specialty drinks at home; hot water dispenser for tea
- Temperature gauge provides precise control; steam nozzle heats milk to make cappuccinos
- Circular wire holder on top warms inverted coffee cups
- For use with packaged coffee pods or ground coffee; powder-coated steel finish
- Measures 10 by 10-1/4 by 12 inches; 3-month product warranty; 1-year service warranty
Retro Chic with a Jolt
Rating: 
The FrancisFrancis X1 provides its owner not only with the makings for a superior shot of espresso, but a design which attracts the attention of even non-caffeine afficianados. With styling cues taken from Italy's sports cars of the 50's, its small footprint and rounded lines make it especially well-suited to kithcens with little extra counter space, and the availability of numerous colours allows one more freedom of choice than any other mid-range machine.
Now on to the important part: the coffee. The FF X1 is pump driven and produces more than adequate pressure for a well-balanced cup, but stick to a short shot for the best flavour if using the ESE coffee pods (great for convenience, but not as a permanent replacement for freshly ground beans - I use Illy for both pods and beans). The amount of crema is fairly good, but not top of the class in this price range - which is why I didn't give it the full five stars. Steam generated for caps and latte is as good as I've seen in this category.
Bottom line - darn good coffee, great looks.
