written by on 07/11/2010
A little perspective. Actually it really is one of the best out there!!
Markham Aldridge's review of the November 7, 2010 12:40:90pm
Ok, I have now had this machine for 3 1/2 years. So think i am probably qualified to write a meaningful review. To address some of the comments made on other reviews. Ok yes it is true that Fairfax are no longer uk agents for Briel. And there is as far as i am aware no one else in the U.K. That being said, with any of the problems i have had i have dealt direct with Briel in Portugal (Talking Skype out on the telephone with them at less than 1p a minute). They have been brilliant and sorted out things promptly and without any fuss. sending spare seals and metal frother replacement by return post. Also given good advise on de scaling periodically and how and and how often to do it. I live in a hard water area and any pump action espresso machine is very prone to calcification over time and it is vital on any machine to use de-calcified water. ( I use water from a Britta Maxtra water filter (the one that de calcifies the water). And also to have a regime where you clean and de scale the machine using vinegar solution once every 6 months or so. This is required on all machines including the ones they use in Starbucks and Costa. So to summarise I make on average 3 to 4 cups of coffee a day for the last 3 1/2 years and it still works like new and makes perfect coffee every time, So please people reading this be aware before buying any expresso machine. You will need to do a bit of work for about 45 minutes once every 6 months. If you don''t it will cease to function.
Johnsea's Comment
Written on: 19/11/2012
Thanks for this. My machine is now 'leaking' steam from the 'Brew Head'(?), so where could I find the cause of (and remedy for) this?
Also, where, please, could I find those 'de-scaling' instructions?
John C.