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This incredibly stylish and modern espresso machine features a thermo-block heating system and 15-bar Italian-made pump that dispenses impeccably tasty brew. Additional hot water function is perfect for tea and other hot beverages. One-year warranty. Model 800ESXL.
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Outstanding Performance, Excellent Espresso!!
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This machine is amazing. It is made very well and makes consistant cups of perfect delicious espresso one after the other. It was everyones preferred beverage as dessert was served after our Holiday dinner.
Rating: 
(5
out of 5) @ 2009-01-07
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Extremely pleased
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I purchased the Breville 800ESXL Commercial machine and what a good choice I made. First, the item arrived at my home way before I expected it. Second, we opened up the box and found everything that was advertised with the product. We gave this product to our daughter as a Christmas gift and she loves it. It works great. I have no complaints at all with either the seller or the product.
Rating:
(5
out of 5) @ 2009-01-06
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There is a better option
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We had one of these for about 2 months and returned because we thought it had broken (in hindsight I think the steam tube was clogged and I burned out the motor); we had purchased it from Williams Sonoma who have a lifetime guarantee on electrical products like this so they took it back but as they were no longer selling this model we paid the difference to upgrade to the 820XL version, which looks very similar to this one except very importantly there is a pressure dial on the face so if the steam tube or the filter basket becomes clogged you can tell before burning out the motor.
Also different are buttons set for dispensing one or two cups of espresso (replacing the buttons on the 800 for steam or hot water), which are programmable so one can change the length of flow to fit your tastes. It is easier to fill water on the 820 and there is a storage area for "tools" and a warning on the overflow tray as to when to empty it. There are separate tubes for dispensing hot water or creating steam. The hot water/steam selector is a lever on the right side, easy to use.
Both machines were very sturdy. We have used the 820 at least 3 times a day (our standard coffee is cafe au lait)for the last year without problem. It is easy to fill with water, easy to operate, gives one warning if you have a clogged tube or forgotten to fill with water, and it looks good in a stainless steel way.
The taste of the coffee made it worth it for us. I think the model shown here, the 800, would last if one knew all the warning signs of malfunction before failure (clogged tubes, no water, clogged filter basket). It is learning curve vs. life expectancy. I think Breville makes a good machine. I like the 820 better(possibly only available at Williams Sonoma).
Rating: 
(3
out of 5) @ 2009-01-03
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Water not hot enough
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For a $400 Expresso machine, this unit just doesn't produce water hot enough. I need to microwave it after brewing. Additionally it brews too fast while giving you the crema, resulting with coffee not deep and dark enough. For a expresso coffee purist, this unit is a disappointment.
Rating: 
(2
out of 5) @ 2009-01-02
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200+ cappuccinos and no clogs
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Because of the bad reviews about clogging, I passed over this machine and bought a Starbucks Sirena, which got raves (I wish people would hold off on writing reviews until they've used it many times). Anyway, the Sirena was trouble from day one and completely died at 6 months. I then bought the Breville after getting assurance that I could return it if it clogged, but it has been a fantastic machine. I've had a few espresso machines by now, and this is really the best designed one I've had. It works like a charm and has never clogged on me. (I use coffee that is ground for espresso -- even a fine ground Illy works great.) The coffee is delicious, has a nice crema, and the frothing wand works wonderfully. The water tank is easy to access and clean, it comes w/ a cool little tool to unclog the frothing wand if necessary, and a little hidden storage compartment. I love that I don't have to hold the pitcher to froth milk. It's a very attractive and well-designed machine, and most importantly it's easy to use and clean.
Rating:
(5
out of 5) @ 2008-11-12
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