Crew Review: Francis Francis X1

Looking for something a little retro, stainless steel, with auto-refill and more sophisticated temperature control? The X1 has all that and more! Watch Gail take us through its features and function, then demonstrate making a latte. Fun AND functional!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• francis francis
• x1
• illy
• single boiler espresso machine
• demonstration
• review
• how-to

[sweatnapper]

I have been watching videos from you guys all day and just realized your the company I just ordered a Francis! X1 from!! No joke I was looking you up to see if you were local because I wanted to see your store and mention how your vids have been helpful.

Now I'm even more exited to get it, thank you!

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@sweatnapper Cool!! Please come visit sometime :) - Kat

[peddfast]

I have this machine, and I love how you can tweak the espresso without doing so much programming that you have to do with some semi automatics. I just have one problem, it is that when im steam, some drops and water comes out of the portafilter, it is pretty irritating because it fills up the driptray fast. But I do have an old version from 5 years ago, and it still works almost perfectly. It is an extremly durable machine. I fixed it myself about 2 months ago because it wouldnt steam.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@peddfast Have you been descaling regularly or recently? Little drips from brew head or steam wand when the other is in use is often a sign of scale build up and the machine's inability to properly seal. If you haven't done that, I'd highly recommend a thorough descaling -- could fix that leaking issue :) - Kat

[rtrski1]

We just got an X1 (not from y'all - unfortunately; price would be the same and seems like you have a good customer service presence). But hope you wouldn't mind a question. Seem to get a LOT of leakage from around the portafilter handle (between brewhead and PF) and even out of the 'top edge' of the brewhead. More when using the single-serve insert and pods than with ground. Machine is new - any chance it's missing a gasket or something?? Overtightening or undertightening the PF?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@rtrski1 Hmmmmm -- This sounds like overfilling but peculiar that it would happen more with the pods. I would definitely check with the retailer & troubleshoot with illy (they support the warranty). This is generally a sign of too fine grind, too packed grounds, too full portafilter or not properly sealed portafilter. Depending on the pods that you are using, this could pose an issue -- I know we tested some pods on this machine that did not perform well at all, they overpressured. Kat

[peddfast]

@SeattleCoffeeGear Il do that its been a month since I last descaled :) thanks btw. Like your videos to :)

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@cobr1 Ha - yeah; if you're brave enough, go ahead, But since we see these machines in the repair center all the time for this very issue, I'm not buying their story ;) - Kat

[cobr1]

@SeattleCoffeeGear Ok yeah, Ascaso claim that the Dream boiler has an external resistance so that it wont burn out, for those wo want to try it ;)

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@Dantius2009 Yeah, sorry...it's not gonna happen. I am an international woman of mystery! ;) - Kat