I bought this machine approx 10 years ago having read Which's positive review. In that time I have not had a moment's problem and it continues to make excellent coffee. I use filtered water (8.5p per litre) to avoid scaling.

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.

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.

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, as if I were a real barista!