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More on this product: Features | Accessories | Editorial Review | Description
Customer Reviews of Briel EG281APG Multi-Pro Stainless Steel Pump Espresso Machine with Built-In Coffee Grinder
Customer Rating:   Summary: Performs flawlessly, serves up a great espresso or coffee Comment: For several years I've been making espresso at home using an off-brand (Monterrey) device bought from woot.com for $20. Though it also made decent espresso, I was in the market for something a bit better so I investigated here on Amazon and talked to several customer reps at different resellers. In February of 2008 I settled on a Gaggia 9306 Syncrony that was listed as refurbished. When it arrived, the unit and the packaging all looked to be in perfect condition. However, I soon discovered what they never tell you before you buy an automatic espresso maker: You can't use most types of coffee beans in the grinder because they are too oily and they clog the grinder and brewer. I sent it back for a full refund after a week of trying out different kinds of beans. Now it was time to do more research on "semi" automatics because it seems that every automatic has the same problem with oily beans. I settled on the Briel because it appeared to have what I wanted (control over brew size and strength, and a grinder that dispensed fairly accurate doses). This machine has been through a good 40 large (6 oz) cups of both espresso and weaker coffee since it arrive ten days ago. The grinder has worked better than expected grinding the beans of MY choice (not the beans that the reseller makes you buy), which I buy from a small coffee roasting outfit (Cafe Sophia in Palo Alto, CA). These, like most good beans, are indeed oily. [see note below] The brew itself is consistently great (as good as Sophia herself makes, which is orders of magnitude better than Starbux or Peet's) espresso and cappuchino. The Briel lets you control how much water to run through the brew head, making a cup of regular coffee a breeze as well. I'm still getting used to the frother (nothing's perfect!) as it is quite a bit different from my old unit, but when I do have the knack, it works great as well, giving a good head of froth on top of my half and half (I know, everyone says not to use half and half but I particularly enjoy the creaminess). I like that you can leave it on for a while (it turns itself off after a couple of hours) so I can have a second cup (or more when friends visit) without waiting for the water to heat. One thing that might interest others is the separate holder for ESE pods. I don't use pods so I can't say whether or not this option works well or not. My only beefs with this unit is that (1)you are limited in what height of cup you can place under the brew head. I usually like my drinks in a regular coffee-shop-style ceramic mug and unless I remove the drip guard, it won't fit. My mug is 4" tall and the distance between the coffee ground filter (the thing that you crank onto the brew head) is less than 3.5", and (2) when the machine first boils the water, water drips from the frothing wand unless it is tightened REAL tight. However, once tightened so tight, it is difficult to release it so steam can be used. Minus one star for these problems. I would highly recommend this machine to anyone who is looking for a consistently good cup of espresso, cappuchino, or a tall cup of coffee. [Note about oily beans: Despite what resellers and mfrs of fully automatic espresso makers try to pass off on the unsuspecting buyer, oily beans are preferred over dry beans. A Google search (oily coffee beans) will turn up a number of hits that will give you further info. I liked this response from <[...]> : "Beans that are not oily have been roasted for a shorter period of time. A dark roast brings the natural oils of the beans to the surface and gives them that oily appearance. These oils are volatile and contain much of the subtlety of the taste in a fine coffee. That's why it is so important to keep your beans in an airtight container until you use them." Other web pages will mention that the oils are what really make a good strong-tasting espresso drink. I leave the ultimate decision as an exercise for the individual coffee drinker.] Customer Rating: Summary: Costly but effective Comment: We've had our second Briel Multi-Pro for over three years now - bought the original unit at Costco and the second "online" (at another source other than Amazon) and they'be both been "useful" units. Yes, they are a bit expensive compared to some other manufacturers but I very much appreciate the appearance of the unit as well as the quality of espresso this unit makes... y'gotta love that crema!! And I truly love "blending" my own bean combinations and enjoying the fresh-ground flavor the side-by grinder accommodates. Unlike some of the other reviews I've read here, I very much like the machines and I've had more than a few expresso machines in my "coffee drinking lifetime". The only limitation I might mention are those complaints of "unavailable parts", from local sources.... although when I've needed them, I've found that there are parts available by simply doing a "google" on "Briel Multi-Pro parts". The "800" source that the reviewer from Canada mentioned, is helpful and they guided me to a source here in Denver with one phone call; but to-date, I've needed only two parts in over six years so I cannot speak for the unfortunates who had unfortunate luck with their machines.... Customer Rating: Summary: Don't be misled by Briel rep. write-ins Comment: Briel's espresso machines are complete junk. I had the same problems the others reviewers state. After reading the complaints about the service center and how you pay shipping both ways for warranty repairs, I have decided to junk it and count it as a lesson learned Customer Rating: Summary: Looks Great, Works Great--for a while Comment: When I got this machine I was in love with it. It was rugged and out-performed every other machine I owned. However, within a year it was on the fritz. There is nowhere in the USA for repair other than in New Jersey. Living across the country I wasn't about to ship the machine there so it "might" get fixed. I repaired the thing myself and got another 6 months out of it. Finally too much started to go wrong with it. It is now in the pile of disgarded machines. We use our machines two or three times a day for multiple drinks--light commercial use for a home. This machine should have been able to handle the volume, but service and parts are lacking, or a long time in coming. I am now going to buy a Pasquini Livia 90 to replace this machine. Lots more money, but proven durability. Customer Rating: Summary: Too much money, not enough performance - nice looking tho. Comment: I have been an espresso fan for years and recently decided that it was time to upgrade from my simplistic countertop home-kitchen espresso machine to something bigger and better. After lengthy searching, reading reviews and looking at several machines, I decided that this was the one. It had everything I wanted (grinder, water reservoir, pump delivery, steamer) and it looked good too. I eagerly placed my order. I was SO looking forward to the new addition to the new kitchen that we just built. Unfortunately, it arrived used and broken. The grinder still had beans in it from the previous user and was broken to the point that the top wouldn't shut. It also wouldn't grind - wouldn't even turn on. (Grinder is powered separately from the rest of the machine.) The coffee basket handle was broken as well. I was disappointed but figured that it was probably a simple mistake (i.e., used machine that got re-sold) and returned it. The second one arrived shortly and was in brand new condition. (Good!) I read through the instructions and set it up step by step. I could hardly stand the suspense. Finally it was time. I brewed espresso and steamed up some milk for my first semi-pro homemade latte. It was really good...BUT took a really long time (compared to my Mr. Coffee Wal-Mart special...) The steamer was a pain because you have to wait at least 30-45 seconds after the last espresso shot is done brewing (one shot at a time, tic toc...) before you flip the switch to the steamer. Then you have to wait for the steamer to get going (tic toc...) THEN it takes awhile to actually steam the milk (tic toc - zzzz). FINALLY, you put your latte together (or whatever drink you prefer) and it's pretty good - BUT - not for over $400.00. I was surprised too, for that price, at how cheaply made the knobs are. They are simple plastic and "gave" a little; it felt as if you could over-turn them very easily. I ended up returning the second machine and getting my money back. Bottom line: If you want to spend too much money for a hot-rod looking machine that takes too long to produce, this one will get the job done. BUT, if you want decent espresso when you're jonesing for it in the morning, save your money and stick with the tried and true until a better machine than this comes along. More Reviews Features: 
Choosing Appliance -> Whip / Whisk Many still consider a whip as a "gourmet" piece of kitchen equipment. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is as essential as a kitchen stove and should be in everyone's kitchen. Nothing works better for mixing a multitude of different preparations or for making sauces or gravy. Buy a solid stainless steel whip with moderately stiff wires. Very thin wires are for mixing delicate things like egg whites or whipped cream. Very thick, solid wires are for mixing stiff dough. Choosing Appliance -> Built-in Ovens The standard 60cm oven has been joined by various other sizes. Now consumers can choose from 60,70 and 90cm wide built-in single ovens. Always check the internal capacity shown in litres as well as the external dimensions. Briel EG281APG Multi-Pro Stainless Steel Pump Espresso Machine with Built-In Coffee Grinder
Useful info -> Energy-Efficient Appliances When you do have to shop for a new appliance, look for the Energy Star label. Energy Star appliances have been identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and DOE as being the most energy-efficient products in their classes. They usually exceed minimum federal standards by a substantial amount. |
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