Review of Francis Francis! 206002 Espresso Machine, X6 Trio

This is the first espresso machine I bought, had it for about 6 mos now. And so far, I really couldn't be happier with it for what it is - a great looking, reasonably priced machine to make a couple drinks.

I'm still learning, but I think we get pretty great tasting coffee from this. In my heart, I wanted a machine that could also do grinds. But I don't miss paying extra for a grinder or dealing with the likely mess I would create in my kitchen. So - the pods are nice, and the trio of setting is pretty interesting. I've found that the lungo setting works pretty well if you don't want to being using 2 pods for each drink. The machine performs really well. Warmup is only a few minutes, and going from brew to frothing temperature is actually really quick. You can only pull 1 shot at a time, but for my usual routine - 4 shots and frothing - this works pretty well.

This is just a great looking machine, very attractive on your kitchen counter (we bought it in white). At first, we weren't sure about it being made from plastic - but the main body is pretty heavy duty and feels solid. It has a fairly small footprint, so it doesn't take up too much space.

The steam wand - even given it was my first time using a machine, I can say that it is a bit awkwardly placed and hard to use at first. I bring the machine near the edge of your counter so have a little more room to maneuver. But after some practice, I really haven't had any issues with it, and I'm able to get some decent foam. The water resevoir is nicely designed to pull out sideways, so I'm able to pull it out only half way and pour the water in from a pitcher. The drip pan is fairly shallow - but any bigger and I'd probably let coffee sit in there for weeks, so I actually like having to clean it out.

I'm sure there are bigger and badder machines out there. But for the cost, looks, and performance - this machine really fits the bill for our Saturday mornings.


Product Description
Designed by renowned Italian espresso-machine maker Francis Francis! and architect Luca Trazzi, this 1100-watt espresso/cappuccino machine features a stylish retro-contemporary design that makes a strong visual statement in any kitchen. With an 18-bar pressure pump and quality all-brass boiler and brewing components, the machine works exclusively with ESE single-serve coffee pods for perfectly measured and tamped espresso every time. Thanks to its innovative Trio Technology, all it takes is a simple and intuitive rotation of the filter holder to make three different espresso preparations--short (ristretto), normal (espresso), and long (espresso lungo). The same coffee pod can therefore be used to obtain three different results.

For added convenience, the machine maintains the ideal temperature needed for dispensing coffee or steam, and the boiler refills automatically for continuous steam for cappuccinos and lattes, as well as to prevent heating element burn-out. The unit's removable water tank provides a 5-cup capacity with water levels visible from both sides. Other highlights include a steam jet with a built-in milk foamer, a steam knob, a central and removable dishwasher-safe spout, easily identifiable symbols on the function buttons, a removable stainless-steel drip tray, and a cup warmer with safety rail. Housed in solid-color high-impact ABS plastic with chrome accents and weighing about 16 pounds, the espresso/cappuccino machine measures 10-1/4 by 11 by 12-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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