I owned the X7 for less than a year, when it suddenly decided not to work anymore! I did not use this machine daily, and after about 8 months it started making a loud noise from the boiler, and produced nothing! Luckily I bought mine at BB&B, and I was able to return it. Since I have a pretty large supply of the Illy iperespresso capsules, I decided to give Illy another shot. I will say that while the X7 worked, it worked well. The espresso tastes excellent. To my disappointment, after returning the X7, BB&B sent me an X7.1. The difference is substantial. They look and work almost exactly the same, except the X7.1 has no steam knob! There is only a steam button which allows steam to be on or off. This is important for several reasons. First, you have no control over the amount of steam, but even more importantly it does not allow you to clear the steam out of the machine which is vital when you are making more than one coffee. With the X7, you are able to vacate the steam which cools down the boiler back to brewing temperature for a second cup. The X7.1 has to be turned off, and cooled down before it will allow you to make a second cup. Rediculous!! If you want to make more than one cup without the wait, you can make all of your espresso shots first, then steam your milk, but then you risk having cold espresso by the time you get your milk steamed. The other issue I have with this X7.1, is that it has a plastic steam wand that allows air mixture to automatically froth the milk. I prefer the all stainless wand on the X7 because it gives you more control allowing you to froth the milk towards the end of the process which puts you in control of the ammount of foam. I will be returning (once again) this X7.1, and will either have to spend more money, or go a different direction than Illy.
Then I remembered that almost ALL of the cafes I visited used Illy coffee... So I bought this machine...
I LOVE IT!! Finally , coffee as good as Italy. The machine is so easy to use and looks great on my counter. I highly recommend it!Sadly I never got to try the coffee! I set it up and water sprayed everywhere. I called the help number listed and they said pack it up and send it back. Sounded like a common problem. What a hassle and disappointment.Water started leaking all around the head where the coffee is made, some of it inside of the device where electric connections are. Called Illy, then been directed to Francis & Francis "out of warranty" repair center, who quoted me $120 just to send and diagnose the problem, and any repairs would be extra. Needless to say, the machine is going now to an electronic recycle center or trash can...I used to make latte with illy X7 for a year.
I love X7's retro design.
The steam nozzle is a little short to use 1 lit. steam pitcher that I had. If you are making 1 or 2 cups at a time, you need to get a 600ml pitcher as I did.
Recently I moved internationally, so I sold the old X7 and bought X7 again here.
It had some problems, but the seller figured them out quickly.
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