Pros
Consistent espresso quality
Beautiful stainless steel design
Easy to clean
Powerful milk steamer
Durable and long-lasting
Great crema extraction
Large water reservoir
Efficient warming plate
Included accessories are mostly useful
Good value for the price
Quick heat-up time
Easier to use than some other brands
Cons
Steam wand adds water to milk
Micro-vibrations can move cups
Removal of coffee puck can be cumbersome
Main Product Advantages
9 Espresso Quality
The machine consistently produces good quality espresso with a rich crema. It compares favorably to higher-end machines and local barista espresso in taste. Users have noted that the extracted shots are not bitter and maintain the right consistency.
9 Durability
The machine has shown excellent long-term reliability, with users reporting consistent performance over several years of use, making it a durable choice for the price.
9 Value for Money
At the price point, users feel that the Breville ESP8XL provides excellent value for money, offering high-quality results comparable to more expensive models.
8 Design and Build Quality
The Breville ESP8XL Espresso Maker has a beautiful stainless steel design that looks better in person. It is mostly made of metal, providing a durable and elegant appearance. However, some parts like the portafilter handle and brew head system feel less sturdy.
7 Ease of Use
The Breville ESP8XL is easy to use and clean. Users appreciate the straightforward operation, though some minor inconveniences like the need to manually control the pour and dealing with wet coffee pucks are noted.
7 Milk Steaming and Frothing
The milk steamer is powerful and heats milk quickly. However, some users noted issues, such as the steam wand adding water to the milk over time, prompting them to switch to an external milk frother. The need for frequent thorough cleaning is also highlighted.
7 Accessories
The machine comes with useful accessories like a frothing jug and cleaning tool. However, the included plastic tamper could be better, and the provided jug is considered too small by some users.
6 Learning Curve
There is a learning curve associated with the machine, especially related to grind size, tamping pressure, and manual control over the brew process. However, most users find it manageable with some effort.
Product Review: Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker,1.2 liters
The Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker is designed with a thermoblock heating system that extracts espresso at the perfect temperature. This feature ensures every cup is brewed to perfection, delivering consistent quality.
The espresso maker operates with a full 15 bars of pressure. This high-pressure system is instrumental in maximizing crema, providing a rich, barista-style aroma and taste that coffee enthusiasts will appreciate.
Another standout feature of the Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma is its effortless frothing and foaming capabilities. The machine makes it easy to create perfectly frothed milk for lattes, cappuccinos, and other espresso-based drinks, enhancing the overall coffee experience.
Included Accessories
The Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma comes with several useful accessories:
- Single, double, or pods espresso shots
- Stainless steel frothing pitcher
- Tamping tool and measuring spoon
- Cleaning tool
Conclusion
Overall, the Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality, reliable espresso machine. Its thermoblock heating system, 15 bars of pressure, and easy frothing capabilities make it a standout product. The included accessories add even more value, making it a comprehensive package for any coffee lover.
