Crew Review: Francis Francis X7

[joeldamianicigan]

To be honest, I think one of the characters in this HBO series actually had a Francis Francis X series in her apartment.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@joeldamianicigan very likely, I'm sure -- illy loves product placement :) - Kat

[joeldamianicigan]

I used to dig these machines but now find them to be way too Sex & The City. Something Samantha might have on her countertop. The noise it makes in this video reminds me of something you'd hear from a slot-machine.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@joeldamianicigan It is pretty swank looking, but I don't know about Sex & The City (never seen it). - Kat

[MegaMarkoni]

Is that one or double espresso sitting in the cup before adding milk?

Great video!

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@MegaMarkoni A double - Kat

[dragondespot]

in teh UK, the X7 uses the Illy Iperesresso system (its a little plastic pod) - which is superb - perfect, creme topped results every time - no technique or practice require - details are over on craystoneshop.co.uk

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@dragondespot Cool -- we're looking into carrying the Iperespresso here as an alternative for folks. Thanks for the info! - Kat

[davidlerital90]

where is this X7 made? china or Italy

same question for the X1 iperespresso and Y1

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@davidlerital90 The box for the X7 & X1 say Made in ECC and we don't have the other machine to look at, so not sure where it's manufactured. - Kat

[sb677778]

Kat and Gail, help! Your videos helped me pick the X7 Duo, got it yesterday, and I'm getting watery espresso w/o a drop of crema by every method -- pod, ground (theirs), different tamping pressures, etc. Water seems to come out too fast. Any ideas?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@sb677778 These seem better suited to fresh ground coffee, although they say it's pod friendly, we don't think they perform well. It sounds like you will need to grind freshly and take the grinder finer to get good pacing/crema. Let me know if you need more info - thanks! - Kat

[kianacarter]

@sb677778 I just bought the Francis Francis X7 and I had the same results up until I grounded my beans finer. If you grind it too big or say at a grocery store then it will not brew properly!

[6002mac]

I really like your reviews :D

I think that Francis x7 is a gorgeous sexy espresso maker , that i owuld proud show off on my kitchen table :D

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@6002mac Thank you! Yeah, I love the design/look of this machine. It's retro but funky. :) - Kat

[darkhorse007]

I just got my Francis Francis x7 using some Amex points and based off of some research that I have done. Love it, even though it is pod only. Having a wife that loves to keep things clean, it makes her a little happy since I can make a mess of anything. Anyway, after about 7 days, the water seems to backflow into the drip tray. I am not sure if the drip tray should be full after brewing 2 - 3 shots. Any advice?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@darkhorse007 Did you not get a Duo or Trio version? They're supposed to do grounds and pods. As far as the overpressure valve release, it should release a little bit of water each time but filling the tray sounds like a lot. I'd contact illy to troubleshoot for warranty, etc. - Kat

[darkhorse007]

@SeattleCoffeeGear The only Francis Francis I could get with Amex Pts with the x7 iperEspresso machine, which leads me to believe that it is pod only. I dont' mind pod only. I try to live by the happy wife, happy life motto.

I will have to reach out to illy and see what they say. Thanks Kat

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@darkhorse007 Got it; very sage, I'm sure ;) Let us know what you hear -- if this is the nature of their pod machines or if something is up with it. We'd definitely like to hear about your experience. - Kat

[darkhorse007]

@SeattleCoffeeGear I was pretty impressed with illy's response. I called them about the situation. All they wanted to see was the proof of purchase and as long as it was recent, they are going to send me a brand new machine. I just hope they accept my AmEx points summary as proof of purchase.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@darkhorse007 Yeah, they have pretty great service. So obviously, it's defective, yes? That's good to know for our own future ref :) Thanks for sharing this. - Kat

[2brattykids]

I just got mine for Christmas..thanks for the review. Mine only came with the portafilter for the pods. Where can I order the 57mm portafilter?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

As far as I know, the standard portafilter on the X7 Trio can use pods or grounds. If you got a pod-only kind, then the machine is likely not configured to use ground coffee and you'll have to stick with pods. We don't have a source for replacement portafilters on these. - Kat

[xxshane3000xx]

thanks for the reviews. you two make an awesome team!

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

Thanks for the feedback! Glad you're digging the reviews :) - Kat