The Francis Francis X7 has been rated 8.40 overall by our member reviewers
This product has been in our review database since November 7, 2012.
Francis Francis X7 reviews have been viewed 3,009 times (updated hourly).
Ratings and Stats
Overall Rating: 8.4
Manufacturer:
Francis Francis
Quality:
8
Average Price:
$300.00
Usability:
9
Price Paid:
$360.00
Cost vs. Value
9
Where Bought:
Local Vendor
Aesthetics
8
Owned for:
3 months
Overall
8
Writer's Expertise:
I like coffee
Would Buy Again:
Yes
Similar Items Owned:
None
Bottom Line:
Giving the cost it is an excellent machine and is great as a gift. Just remmember the capsules aren't available nearby stores. Only though Illy website you can get more selections.
Positive Product Points
- Easy to make great espresso ( you will get the creama and the de facto look of an espresso) - Looks gorgeous. - Easy to clean and to use - The espresso is great compared to other capsule machines (I am looking at you Nespresso) - Simple configuration for making espresso (manual and automatic mode) - Solid build quality for that price - Can fit in almost any place.
Negative Product Points
- To difficult to achieve microfoam and you will have difficult time if you want latte art. - Limited selection of espresso capsules from the place I live in (it isn't available locally and need to order it online to be shipped 5000 miles) - Takes time to make more than one espresso drink (the boiler had to shift from espresso temperature to steaming temperature) . - You need to decalcify it a lot. - Espresso capsules are around $1, so the overall cost gets high the more you use capsules. - No manual fill-in capsules which are wildly available for other brands.
Detailed Commentary
Bought this machine for office use, we are 4 and were looking for an espresso machine that is will fit well in the office space and with the ability to have variety of espresso drinks and wouldn't leave any mess. So after searching for time we have found this little boy and the main factor for selecting it was the steamer since other machines were all full automatic. So after some hustle we found it at a local distributor of Illy coffee. We were all disappointed at first as the espresso produced wasn't living to any standard and the steamer was blowing half-steamed air. It wasn't until the next day we realized that this small boy was asking for 1000w and our electricity was barely able to provide 500w. So after buying a power converter we got amazed by the great espresso this machine produced thanks to Illy coffee. The flavor was super with exquisite golden creama that made our local coffee shops loose in shame. The steamer worked fine but don't expect that smooth microfoam for your latte. Not because it couldn't produce it but rather it is too difficult and was able to create it couple of times and couldn't prefect it. Also, it takes around 2 - 3 minutes and you will get bubbly milk.
In overall the machine is a good choice for low-budget capsules, but if you are plan to use it extensively then you better look for a grinder and a semi-automatic machine.
Buying Experience
Couldn't order online cause the shipment cost would be half the price of this machine. So barely found it locally after calling multiple stores.
