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Briel ES62ABPG Cadiz Espresso Machine |
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List price:
$329.99
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- 15 bar pump pressure; 10-year pump warranty
- Automatic shut-off
- Jet frother produces robust steam for thick froth
- Large removable water reservoir
- VHS instructional video included
Frustrated and happy all in one
Rating: 
I bought this machine about 1 1/2 years ago, and absolutely love the semi-automatic features, the fact that you can steam without making coffee if you want to, but I'm frustrated with the service side. About 6 months ago, it started leaking around the basket. I called the service no. on the back of the machine and the people are downright rude. I think the phone no. goes to the shop where the people are actually working on the machines, rather than answering questions and resolving problems. I was even told to call back the next day to talk to someone else. I don't feel I've used the machine to its maximum, so I do want to send it in for service, however, finding where to send it is a big pain. I don't have the service card anymore, and don't want to call the customer service no. but it looks like i'll have to. There is nothing online for Briel as a company.
I prefer this brand over my previous purchases of Krups anyday.
Good value
Rating: 
After searching long and hard (and reading countless reviews) I decided upon this machine because of 1)price and 2)looks. This machine replaced an old Krups steam driven machine. I've now had it about a month. Here are my thoughts: 1)There is a learning curve - I had to adjust my burr grinder to get the correct setting, or adjust how hard I tamped, or else I found the liquid coming out around the edge of the filter holder. So,I suggest first buying good quality preground espresso, and get used to tamping it properly (ie. very lightly!). Then, after mastering the tamp, adjust your grinder so you get a grind that approaches what you bought (I used Illy). I found a 5.5 on my Braun grinder works best. Since then I've had no problem and perfect espressos. (the machine seems to work better with time). 2) It drips - no matter what they say it drips. If it didn't drip they wouldn't have a drip pan. It takes a rinse and its clean - no big deal. I have a sponge I use just for the machine to wipe up drips, etc. (also use a toothbrush periodically to clean the brew head). I don't want to turn anyone off; making espresso is messy and will always be unless you pop for the $1000 machines that do everything. 3)I don't have much use for the automatic serving system (the middle dial). Supposedly you can use it to control the amount of water, but I find it varies considerably between shots. I set it to the highest setting and then just turn the brew button on until my shot glass is full and then hit it again to turn it off. Takes around 25 seconds. In all, those are the problems I found - and they aren't biggies. For the price, I'm willing to deal with them as I don't think any of the other machines at a similar price would offer much difference. I'd definitely buy it again.
BEST BUY IN CONSUMER GUIDE
Rating:
Consumer guide is right...This machine is awesome.
After searching long and hard (and reading countless reviews) I decided upon this machine because of 1)price and 2)looks. This machine replaced an old Krups steam driven machine. I've now had it about a month. Here are my thoughts: 1)There is a learning curve - I had to adjust my burr grinder to get the correct setting, or adjust how hard I tamped, or else I found the liquid coming out around the edge of the filter holder. So,I suggest first buying good quality preground espresso, and get used to tamping it properly (ie. very lightly!). Then, after mastering the tamp, adjust your grinder so you get a grind that approaches what you bought (I used Illy). I found a 5.5 on my Braun grinder works best. Since then I've had no problem and perfect espressos. (the machine seems to work better with time). 2) It drips - no matter what they say it drips. If it didn't drip they wouldn't have a drip pan. It takes a rinse and its clean - no big deal. I have a sponge I use just for the machine to wipe up drips, etc. (also use a toothbrush periodically to clean the brew head). I don't want to turn anyone off; making espresso is messy and will always be unless you pop for the $1000 machines that do everything. 3)I don't have much use for the automatic serving system (the middle dial). Supposedly you can use it to control the amount of water, but I find it varies considerably between shots. I set it to the highest setting and then just turn the brew button on until my shot glass is full and then hit it again to turn it off. Takes around 25 seconds. In all, those are the problems I found - and they aren't biggies. For the price, I'm willing to deal with them as I don't think any of the other machines at a similar price would offer much difference. I'd definitely buy it again.
