Thread: francisfrancis x1

Welcome to coffeesnobs, then!

I dont have heaps of experience with heaps and heaps of single-boiler machines, but it seems to me that, as a general rule, going to a more expensive machine of the same type doesnt really achieve much. You will get much more by training yourself up, getting a better grinder, using better beans and making sure your machine is brewing at the correct pressure.

Part of what you mgiht need to consider is how big the filter baskets are. If the FFX1s baskets are smaller, I would expect to have to extract a smaller volume of coffee. You would also need to check if the X1 was pod-only; you might need to pay extra to get a normal portafilter.

In terms of steaming, the X1 seems to have a built-in froth-aider, which is a big negative in my books. With either of these machines, the trick to getting decent steam will probably be to start steaming before the heating element stops, so that the element is creating more and more steam as you go. That, and to remove the crappy froth aider thing. To work out if the X1 has better steam capacity, I would look at the boiler capacity and the wattage of each machine.

At that price, ask yourself if youre prepared to deal with a machine that is substantially similar, but just looks better. The X1 looks cool, but Id rather step up to a semi-commercial machine. Problem is that these cost significantly more than $500.

Hope that helps,

Luca

Originally Posted by alex link=1152088720/0#0 date=1152088720

Hi there i am new to the site i have been looking in from the outside for a while and have enjoyed c/s site and members comments.
i have a question ,i have been offered a francisx1 new still in the box from a retail shop that just wants to get rid of it for $500.00
are they any good or should i upgrade to some thing better. at the present moment i have a baby gaggia 1996 vintage wich i am happy with but the steam is an issue.
i look forward to reading your comments.

Hi Alex- Attilio of Cosmorex sells this machine if Im correct. CG may also be a good place to find a review of the machine...The pricing seems way cheap to me....You sure it didnt fall off the back of a truck??

2mcm

hi Luca, thanks for your thoughts I will take it on board and do some soul searching.
I agree with you whole heartedly on the grinder a good quality beans, i guess in a nut shell $500.00 is only a bargain if the machine is going to do what you want it to.
ps. thanks for the welcome

Hi 2mcm, Pretty sure the machine didnt fall off the back of a truck, the guy has got a retail gift shop and is stuck with the francis x1 and a francis 3 (this one is $300.00) he has had them for a while and hasnt been able to move them .
As per earlier comments from Luca I think he has made some valid points and this probably is not the machine for me.

Its an excellent price for retail and is below cost (to the retailer).

The "guts" of this domestic boiler machine is of very very good "quality"...it has an electronic (factory fitted) controller that keeps good control of the temp of the brass boiler / brew water. That is, it is much much more temperature stable compared with your current machine. the steam is not as agressive as that from your current machine, but for rank beginners with no technique the turbo frother works well.

It is however primarily designed for use with pods so make sure that if you wish to buy, that the "fresh coffee kit" is included otherwise you will take it home and find it cant be used with fresh coffee. Consequently it is fiddly to use with fresh coffee in comparison with a machine that is simply manufactured for use with fresh coffee rather than pods.


After that, its up to you!

Hope this helps.

Regardz,
FC.