Espresso Machine Reviews

The FrancisFrancis X5 espresso machine is a terrific option for the coffee connoisseur who needs a little more affordable machine than the commercially viable high-end models.  This machine can satisfy your espresso, latte, or cappuccino beverage needs for a comparably reasonable price.

Features

This espresso maker comes with two portafilters: one for ground coffee and the other for use with standard ESE pods.  Both are constructed of brass and plated with chrome which allows the temperature to remain consistent during the brewing process.  The portafilter for ground coffee has both single and double shot filters.  The portafilter for ESE pods comes with three filter baskets: one for a short shot; one for a medium shot; and one for a longer shot.

The boilers on the FrancisFrancis X5 espresso machines are composed of “high wattage brass.”  This element is said to be a conduit of outstanding thermal properties.  It quickly heats and then retains a constant temperature.  Temperature is a crucial factor in steaming, especially when trying to brew numerous espressos.  The brass component of the boiler is also said to resist scaly build-up and pitting well, along with providing a solid durability for the machine.

A very essential component of creating that superior cup of espresso or other specialty coffee drink is having an already warm cup to put it in.  There’s almost nothing worse than putting hot espresso in a cold cup.  The X5 provides space to hold up to five cups for espresso use on a warmer made of stainless steel.  It uses the heat from the boiler to warm the cups.

This machine is also a great provider of hot water that you can use to make tea, hot chocolate, or Americanos.  It’s easy – just push the brew button and open the steam wand to allow the hot water to flow through it.  The steam wand is copper with chrome plating and provides a special tip for frothing.

Convenience/Usability

The design of the FrancisFrancis X5 espresso machine offers push button simplicity that is easy to understand.  The machine provides three switches and two indicator lights.  The main control switch to turn on the power is located on the back of the machine.  When flipped on, the boiler will immediately start to work to heat the water.  A switch on the top front works the pump that starts and stops the process of brewing.  A switch on the bottom changes the heat to steam.  The two indicator lights are located on the left side of the machine, with the top one being lit whenever the main power switch is turned on.  The bottom of the two lights notifies you when the machine is ready to either brew or steam, whichever mode you have chosen to utilize.

Style

The FrancisFrancis X5 is full of style and comes in five bright and distinctive colors:  yellow, orange, light orange, red, or black.  It will bring charm and art nouveau to any locale.  Many users report that they fell in love with the look of this machine.

Value

This model of espresso machine is for the consumer who may not be able to afford the top-of-the-line espresso machine, but who is still passionate enough about their coffee drinks to want to brew their own at home.  Accessories that come with this product include the pod filter baskets, a 7-gram coffee scoop, a new Francis tamper, and both one- and two-shot filter baskets for ground coffee.

What People Are Saying

Some consumers say that the style of the machine first got their attention, yet after they had purchased it, they became dissatisfied with its construction and engineering.  Other reviewers say it makes good espresso but the construction quality of the product ensures that it will not last over a long period of time.  Another user indicated that the ESE pods brewed the flavor a little on the weak side and they had to use more pods than normally called for to achieve maximum taste.  Others have suggested that the FrancisFrancis X5 espresso machine would be a great choice for beginners but that it doesn’t have enough stamina to last for true espresso connoisseurs.

Conclusion

This machine seems to be a great choice for a “starter” machine for beginning espresso lovers.  It has a style and charm that brings an aesthetic appeal to its surroundings.  It is priced considerably lower than more “serious” espresso machines, and beginners can affordably get their feet wet while learning the espresso basics.