When you think of an espresso machine you usually have a certain view in your head about what it looks like, am I right? Square, black or stainless steel, maybe bulky. Stylish is not usually a word that comes to mind but the francis! francis! x1 is definitely stylish.
Coffee makers don’t have to be boring looking after all and the francis x1 really fits the bill, but at the same time makes a really great espresso cup, cappuccino, or latte, every time. It’s a product that defintely spruces up your view of the kitchen.
So what can you expect to pay for x1 trio espresso in your home? Francis! Francis! machines are more expensive than your standard department store coffee makers, but not nearly as expensive as a high end super automatic machine. Expect to pay anywhere from $300 up to around $1,000 depending on where you buy it and the specific model you get (francis! francis! x1 or francis! francis! x3 etc).
This is not an automatic machine. It doesn’t come with a grinder, for instance. But if you’re like me, you probably hate attached grinders anyway. I much prefer to grind my illy whole beans to the exact consistency that I like. It really does make the coffee or espresso better.
And besides, depending on the exact model you purchase, some of them use pods only while some of them are geared towards ground beans. So you can shop around and find the model that suits you best in that specific regard. I find that the pod only machines are generally cheaper than the ground machines.
The x1 comes in a variety of colors but the most popular amongst customers seems to be red or a sort of dark lime green. They both pop, and really stand out (you may have seen them in several different movies or tv shows).
It has a pretty fast boiler cycle that can sometimes effect the pre pump pressure. Some people suggest that this machine is more looks than substance. And some have even gone so far as to say that the machine may break down after only a few years use. I’m not sure about that.
There are comparable machines out there that may edge out this one in quality as far as producing the best espresso. But if you are looking for a machine that will stand out and make people stand up and notice, and comment on how cool it looks, than this is definitely the machine for you.
While in my view it may not be the king of the espresso machines in regards to making the absolute perfect shot of espresso, I still give it a solid 4 and a half out of 5 stars every time, and highly recommend it for personal use in any home or kitchen.
