Briel Versatile Due Reviews
Latest Reviews
“I have had my Versatile duo for years now with out a...”
Written on: 24/04/2011
I have had my Versatile duo for years now with out a problem - excelent machine, worried i can not buy another if it ever breaks if it has been discontinued!!!!
Well worth the money.
Can not comment on serivce/support as i have not used them. However Harrods mail order provided a very good service on this product.
(read more)
“Had mine for over 3 years, never had a problem with...”
Written on: 11/03/2011
Had mine for over 3 years, never had a problem with it. Makes excellent coffee with fine crema, and the milk frother does a great job once you get the technique right. Can't rate service & support because it's never needed any. The only minor hassle is keeping it clean and descaling regularly - but all these machines need that. (read more)
“A little perspective. Actually it really is one of the...”
Written 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...
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“I had three of these machines in quick succession over...”
Written on: 07/04/2010
I had three of these machines in quick succession over 3 years ago. If you know nothing about real espresso machines you can forgive yourself for buying such tat! I would suggest that the only machines worth buying are the Italian branded items.
I bought a Gaggia Classic, it is over three years old and has been very reliable over all that time. if it brakes you just get parts and repair it! You wouldn't bother repairing a Briel machine.
It can be brought for £250 or less on the Net. This...
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“My boy-friend gave me this coffee-machine as a present...”
Written on: 21/02/2010
My boy-friend gave me this coffee-machine as a present a year ago. I drink espresso almostevery day - two or even moor cups. And do love it! It makes very good espresso with strong dark-brown crema. I used to work in a cafe as a waitress and I had a possability to become a barista, but didn't want to get involved in all this snobbish barista-business. I thougt, it was too complicated - but now I have my Versatile Due at home and have no p;roblems with preparing very good coffee! I feel so,... (read more)
“First machine never really worked properly. Was...”
Written on: 27/01/2010
First machine never really worked properly. Was replaced without any argument. Second machine arrived in pieces!! Third machine worked beautifully and made fantastic coffee but after 2 years it has given up the ghost. Was used to make one cup per day and was regularly descaled.
Would never buy another!
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“always been rubbish it sort of used to work then...”
Written on: 05/01/2010
always been rubbish it sort of used to work then packed up never be tempted to buy one (read more)
“I love my coffee machine this is my second. It makes...”
Written on: 08/11/2009
I love my coffee machine this is my second. It makes fantastic foamy coffee.
I would have no other coffee machine.
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“i just got my Briel Versatile C9 from ebay for 600....”
Written on: 14/05/2009 by boyko
i just got my Briel Versatile C9 from ebay for 600. the price was right.
now that i have had it for a week here are my comments. first of all, it will not replace going to a coffee shop and sitting outside and enjoying a nice latte while people watching. So there is no money to be saved if you think you are going to stay home and get the same quality coffee, not to mention the experience of going out.
the coffee it makes is not great. first of all it is lukewarm. even on its hottest setting,...
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“I've had mine 3 years and it's been used heavily. It...”
Written on: 22/01/2009
I've had mine 3 years and it's been used heavily. It produces excellent results but of late it's developed problems and is struggling. For those who want a machine that's not going to get heavy use it's a cost effective solution that will deliver what your looking for. For heavy use it's probably worth splashing out for something more robust but you would have to splash out quite a bit more. (read more)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 34 Reviews
“Overall I find the Briel Versatile Due a great...”
Written on: 23/11/2008 by dianaskye
Overall I find the Briel Versatile Due a great machine. I wanted a bean to cup machine but could not afford one - in my opinion this Coffee machine is the next best thing. (read more)
“Our Briel Versatile Due has always worked well and...”
Written on: 16/11/2008
Our Briel Versatile Due has always worked well and when using Illy ground coffee it makes coffee that can't be bettered anywhere. I can't comment on milk function as I only make black coffee. It slowed down but descaling cured that very easily. We've had the machine around 2 years and love it. (read more)
“I bought this Briel Versatile Due on the strength of...”
Written on: 10/10/2008 by teresa howell (1 review written)
I bought this Briel Versatile Due on the strength of the Which report but have been very disappointed especially with the steamer. Its hit and miss with the foam and only really does 2 cups well after that the steamer can't cope. (read more)
“I have had my Briel Versatile Due for over two and a...”
Written on: 01/10/2008 by loanhead (1 review written)
I have had my Briel Versatile Due for over two and a half years, I have been delighted with it since day one. I treat it well by de-scaling it regularly and keeping it clean. My house is the 'good coffee house' with family and friends. It is in use every day. My biggest fear is being unable to replace it should I eventually have to. (read more)
“Best cup of coffee I've tasted. Had Briel Versatile...”
Written on: 30/09/2008
Best cup of coffee I've tasted. Had Briel Versatile Due for two years. My folks have had one for longer. Both used every day. Never a problem. Would buy one tomorrow if it broke. Not cheap but worth every penny so far. (read more)
“At first seemed a very machine, cost quite a bit,...”
Written on: 26/09/2008
At first seemed a very machine, cost quite a bit, however water leaked into the electrics and it broke. Would not buy this brand again, expensive mistake. (read more)
“I'm glad i read the comments on this site as I thought...”
Written on: 20/08/2008 by natthebat
I'm glad i read the comments on this site as I thought I was the only person struggling with my Briel Versatile Due, it's useless in my opinion. I've gone back to purchasing individual filter pots and will take it down the local car boot sale! (read more)
“Eventually, after taking the Briel Versatile coffee...”
Written on: 05/08/2008 by rickp
Eventually, after taking the Briel Versatile coffee machine apart (several times) I located the problem (with the electronic circuit board) and arranged repairs myself. Although the maker works okay now I have been put off Briel and would not buy another of their products. (read more)
“Bought the first Briel Versatile Due coffee machine...”
Written on: 27/07/2008
Bought the first Briel Versatile Due coffee machine from Red Monkey who replaced it after a few weeks when it went faulty (leak caused electrics failure). The next one had a leak on delivery and the next failed quickly. Red Monkey were excellent in dealing with the problems by sending replacements each time, I have to recommend them. My advice is just don't buy anything Briel. (read more)
“Do not buy a Briel Versatile Due, or any other Briel....”
Written on: 11/07/2008 by alphabetsoup (1 review written)
Do not buy a Briel Versatile Due, or any other Briel. If it's anything like mine, I'm sure you WILL be sorry.
I would suggest that judging from the usernames the last 2 good reviews are actually from the suppliers in Portugal?
Buy a much cheaper one or a much more expensive one, but I will never buy Briel again!
(read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 11 - 20 of 34 Reviews
“What a hopeless machine did this turn out to be. It...”
Written on: 10/07/2008
What a hopeless machine did this turn out to be. It would be cheaper to go to a coffee shop 3 times a day than buy this machine. I can only imagine you will be disappointed too if you buy this machine. (read more)
“For the price the Briel Versatile Due is a nice...”
Written on: 03/07/2008 by nunopinto
For the price the Briel Versatile Due is a nice machine, with good quality coffee coming out of it, so what more can you wish for?! (read more)
“The Briel Versatile Due is an excellent espresso...”
Written on: 30/05/2008 by Tocasteixas (1 review written)
The Briel Versatile Due is an excellent espresso coffee. Good steam. This machine is top sales all over the world. From the factory they assured me that whenever I need spare parts they gladly would assist me.
They were very nice and gentle with me.
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Alphabetsoup's Response to Tocasteixas's Review
Written on: 11/07/2008
I disagree, because I think you are the export agent for Briel - are you?
Reply to this comment
“Had the machine 18 months, first problem I had was...”
Written on: 30/05/2008 by whitey99
Had the machine 18 months, first problem I had was last week when it stopped pumping water through. This was because I had been lazy and never de-scaled the machine. Once I did this, back to full working order. Used many times a day and stands up to the job, excellent value for money. (read more)
“Lukewarm coffee, steamer broke after 3 months, started...”
Written on: 20/05/2008
Lukewarm coffee, steamer broke after 3 months, started leaking after 6 months, completely broken after 2 yrs. Would not buy again. (read more)
“Good when it works. It died after a year of usage....”
Written on: 18/02/2008
Good when it works. It died after a year of usage. Leaking issues, filter problems. And to top it all the UK representative does not sell them anymore making this product not supported in the UK. (read more)
“Very good coffee. Rubber seal has blown twice in less...”
Written on: 29/12/2007 by robbrown
Very good coffee. Rubber seal has blown twice in less than a year - with relatively light use. Review based on home use for one year (read more)
“Fairfax, the importers advise in my opinion is that...”
Written on: 20/12/2007
Fairfax, the importers advise in my opinion is that this machine cannot be repaired as it is no longer made and the electronic part is not available to them. (read more)
“Since opening the box the Briel Versatile Due has been...”
Written on: 13/11/2007 by diffenthal (4 reviews written)
Since opening the box the Briel Versatile Due has been a doddle to use. I particularly like the metered dose feature which means that you can concentrate on something else while the machine produces the coffee.
Periodic maintenance is a simple de-scale which I have been doing every couple of months. Briel suggest 4 months, but I live in a hard water area.
I can't comment on the quality of the after sales service since I haven't needed to call on it. When I asked for some information...
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“The milk steamer stopped working after 1 months on the...”
Written on: 10/10/2007 by dtruss01 (1 review written)
The milk steamer stopped working after 1 months on the 1st Briel coffee machine, the replacement has also stopped working. Known fault although the importers, fairfax coffee, have been excellent in sorting out replacements. Now swapping for an Ascaso. (read more)
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Showing 21 - 30 of 34 Reviews
“Looks good on your kitchen counter. Cannot understand...”
Written on: 26/04/2007 by nmyttas (1 review written)
Looks good on your kitchen counter. Cannot understand how it was recommended by Which? a couple of years ago (probably because they did not keep their machine long enough). (read more)
“My Briel Versatile Due coffee and espresso machine...”
Written on: 03/02/2007 by worfolk (1 review written)
My Briel Versatile Due coffee and espresso machine lasted less than 24 hours before breaking down, and I was not overly impressed with it anyway. This is the second espresso machine I have had. The previous one was a Gaggia, and that was returned twice, and it still never worked right. I have now given up on home espresso machines. I do not think any of the small ones are up to the job. (read more)
“The Which Magazine Best Buy report is 100% accurate....”
Written on: 24/01/2007 by georgevegas (1 review written)
The Which Magazine Best Buy report is 100% accurate. Since turning the machine on it leaked from the sides, the espresso was barely warm and the taste was average with a hit or miss with the golden cr me. There was no control for the steam and therefore making frothy milk was difficult. Getting it fixed is a nightmare. I was advised by the company that I bought the machine from to contact Fairfax who are the dealers for the Machine and repairs. Fairfax never contacted me back after leaving... (read more)
“First espresso machine so difficult to make...”
Written on: 18/07/2006 by rayhook (32 reviews written)
First espresso machine so difficult to make comparisons with other machines. Purchased on a Which? recommendation. Once switched on, it's ready for use in a few minutes although the cup warmer takes perhaps an hour to come up to full temperature. Cleaning is a doddle - especially the drip tray. Have tried pods (which came free with the machine) but despite Which? saying it makes better pod coffee than dedicated pod machines, the result was very poor. Not an issue as we don't plan to use pods... (read more)
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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.