Unit looks great! What’s the warranty? Also, if I have 8-10 people over and everyone wants coffee, can the unit pump out 8-10 cups one after the other?
The most I have done is 3 back to back. It’s a little bit of a time consuming process since it isn’t an automatic machine but worth it. I don’t think you’d have any trouble doing 8 or 10 back to back. Also, I believe it’s a 6 month warranty from Breville.
I got this machine for my wife’s birthday and she LOVES it! This is also a pretty great deal on the unit-- Breville sells this refurbished unit for $319.99.
They’re selling the same refurbished machine on Groupon for $389.98.
The only downside I see to this one is that the machine doesn’t output the same amount of water each time. You need to eyeball it and turn off the water when you think you have enough.
Another thing is that you either make espresso or froth the milk, you can’t do both at the same time. Not sure if that is really an issue at this price as I don’t think you can get one that does both for much less than $1k.
Other than that, I have the 870xl and love it. It is just the bigger model and over twice as much $$ but has a built in grinder so it is bigger($480 new). If the above items aren’t that big of an issue, then yes, this would be fine for larger partys. I can keep pumping espresso one right after the last with out issue but usually don’t need more then 6 for guests.
The tank should handle the espresso shots just fine, 10 x 2oz shots is 20ozs and the tank is 60oz? Note that steaming does use water as well, I’ve never calculated that part though. I usually refill weekly for 2 people every morning.
Froth milk while tamping the next shot and you probably won’t notice the delay between shots.
Also, make sure to get a knock box because knocking out the puck in the garbage can end in a holy bag(or melted from the pucks).
Another odd tip is froth milk first or let the machine heat up for 15 minutes. The shot will come out a bit different than just turning it on and going when the light says it’s ready. By doing this, all the pipes get hot instead of just the tank and it does seem to make a difference.(I read to do this somewhere)
Either way, Breville seems to make solid espresso machines and I don’t think you can really go wrong if this fits your budget for now. One thing I remember reading before diving into my all in one is that you will eventually get addicted and want to upgrade anyways. Me having both appliances in one is a bit of a downer since I will need to replace both parts if/when I upgrade.
Edit - Oh and warranty is 6 months per the woot page and that is the same as the Breville refurbs I believe. I’ve heard that Breville has great customer service but haven’t had to use them yet in the 5+ months I have had mine.
The unit is pretty fast between shots. Steaming is what takes a little more time. But I have had the previous model for about 5 years. In that time I have replaced it once from Brevelle out of warranty for $100, and bought a new pump for it, about $40. But, it has pumped out hundreds of shots, and steamed gallons of milk.