Making Cappuccino and Espresso With The illy X8 iperEspresso Machine

Detailed steps to prepare cappuccino and espresso with the illy (FrancisFrancis!) X8 machine which uses illy iperEspresso capsules. Also included are tips for using the machine, milk to espresso proportions for the best taste, milk frothing suggestions to avoid watery tasting cappuccino, and results from timing extractions with multiple red (medium roast), black (dark roast), and blue ("lungo") iperespresso capsules. Video includes full extractions which show liquid and crema proportions as well as the extraction variability which suggests extraction by volume rather than time.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• illy
• X8
• iperEspresso
• Cappuccino
• Espresso
• FrancisFrancis
• Francis Francis
• pannarello
• Lumix
• ZS3
• iMovie
• Sonicfire
• smartsound

[rashroff]

I can't seem to effectively produce much from when steaming milk. I've tried with 2% and full cream same results. I am using a metal 20oz pitcher with thermometer. I usually use 4oz of milk, the milk steams and increases in volume but barely any froth.

[alanmcdonley]

@rashroff

a) Check airway around the red O ring is clean, open.

b) Keep the panarello tip just barely below the liquid surface, moving the pitcher down a little as froth starts to build

c) Try starting with 8 oz of milk (and toss 4oz of liquid) The greater volume of cold milk allows longer froth before 160 degrees

d) Pre-cool pitcher, pour milk into pitcher, then put pitcher back in fridge till ready to froth.

e) Try Gaggia Panarello from WholeLatteLove

[rashroff]

Thanks for posting this. I just got the X8 today, and could not get the drip tray to budge up and down, until I saw your video. I thought it was stuck/broken. Thanks again.

[alanmcdonley]

@rashroff Be sure to check out Amazon Subscribe for your iperEspresso capsules. I get one red and one black each month for $13.53 each delivered. For cappuccino I'm frothing 4oz of "Real Goodness" 2% Lactose free milk. Then brewing one red 1.5 oz to top of foam plus one black into the same measuring glass so the foam line goes to 3oz, pour into preheated Crate and Barrel cup. Add the frothed milk. It just tastes too good. Enjoy.

[underworldmonkey]

@rashroff it doesnt matter how much fat the milk has, yes it does make difference, dont think while doing milk, it will come in time, you will learn to use the pressure just by "feeling" the milk. keep in mind, not too much air and it has to look nice and silky.

[rashroff]

hi thanks for the suggestions. I took the wand assembly apart and cleaned it completely, and made sure there was no mol residue or anything to block the steam. I think I maybe immersing the wand too far in the milk, so I am going to play with it a bit more, and hopefully will be able to get some decent results. Thanks again!