Breville ESP6SXL Espresso Machine, Café Modena
Product Details
Web ID: 336575High maintenance
I received this as a gift after doing some research and this machine had gotten pretty good reviews. I was thoroughly disappointed. It requires substantial upkeep from cleaning to priming to decalcifying and I ended up having to maintain the unit much more frequently than even recommended by the manufacturer just to keep it working. We took the unit apart several times trying to clean it internally because the typical recommended cleaning didn't seem to do the job. I frequently had issues with the coffee not running through the filter correctly and the frothing wand just spews out a stream of water for several seconds before turning into steam making a mess all over the place. About a year into the machine, it quit heating up and the indicator light would not turn off indicating it was preheated. I fiddled around with it and got it to work but it ultimately was the reason why the unit quit working. Of course, by the time it finally quit working, it was just passed its 1 year warranty and after contacting the manufacturer directly, they would not honor any warranty or credit toward another purchase. It just ended up being a very inconsistent machine.
Great Machine
I'm still very happy with this machine and I've had it for close to 3 years, using it 1-2 times a day. However, I did lose the "double espresso" pod, so now I can only make singles. As another reviewer mentioned, it is very difficult to see the water level. This machine is very easy to use for espresso and for foaming (much easier than the electronic ones in my opinion)--it's pretty much foolproof. It also makes a delicious crema!
Great espresso maker
I have my Breville Espresso Machine for 3 months now and love it! I pull a minimum of 4 shots a day and sometimes more. It makes great espresso--as good as Starbucks. I use espresso roasts, either Starbucks or Peets and usually have them grind it because I do not have a good burr grinder. The only problem (and it is minor) is that it tends to leak water on one side of it. I highly recommend this machine.
Breville Cafe Modena Espresso Machine
I do like this machine. I make great lattes with it every morning. The only thing I don't like is that the frothing wand does not swivel and the rubber attachment made it difficult to actually foam the milk. It kept shooting air into the milk making it rise to the top of the pitcher before ever heating it. I took the rubber attachment off the wand and now it is working as it should. I do wish it were a little longer as well but it is not and to get the absolutly perfect espresso machine would cost much more than this on. I am just happy to be able to make a latte at home and a good one (better than starbucks) for a fraction of the cost.
We are pleased.
After purchasing two DeLonghi espresso machines (and returning both dead carcasses in less than 6 months each...we run our machine 4-10 times per day) we were ready to try something a little more expensive, so we chose the Breville. We've owned it for roughly three months, and are happy to report that 1) the machine is still alive; 2) is a very easy machine to use, and 3) produces a very good Americano with a relatively decent crema. No disappointments and only $200. Not bad!
great espresso, but
I've had this machine for a year and a half and it still makes great espresso. I pull probably 4 double shots a day. I nuke my milk out of time constraints so I don't know much about the steaming frothing wand. My only complaint is the extremely annoying fact that it is almost impossible to see the water level through the "viewing" window.
poor quality
I would not recommend this product. The Steam wand puts out water when trying to steam. it is very frustrating. I have tried all different ways. So I end up heating the milk in the microwave. The espresso is good, but the water thing is not. I wish I would have returned it.
Great Little Machine
Have had the Breville about two weeks now, and can honestly say it makes a "great" espresso. The first espresso was watery, so I re-read the instructions. I had my Rocky Rancilio burr grinder (made in Italy) set for a grind that was a little too coarse. I refined the grind to about the consistency of sand, and since then, a perfect cup every time. I've read some of the other reviews. Although it's always possible to buy a lemon, it helps to read the instructions carefully. Well worth the return. You can't just buy one of these machines and expect to make perfect espresso without knowing what you're doing. It's more art than science. I also own an old-style Pavoni brass machine with a draw handle (made in Italy). Making a good espresso with it takes a lot of time, practice, and eventually, skill. So beware, shoppers. Read and follow the instructions. The machine is great. Sometimes the operator needs more training.