We have owned a red Francis Francis X1 since 2003. I use it for making ground coffee. Except for an internal leak repaired for a modest fee by a local shop we have had few problems and the coffee is excellent with good crema. I should say that the red enamel has flaked off around the edges of the drip tray where coffee acids accumulate, and the thermometer has ceased to function, although the thermostat still works. In the event that the machine finally gives up the ghost I would seriously consider buying the current Francis Francis X1 model, though I understand that the electronics are more complex, hence more potential service problems. I would recommend this machine to a friend.

We used to have a Kenwood retro espresso machine and it started rusting under the coating as well as the pump breaking within one year. The francis francis x1 is powder coated which seems more durable. It is very quick with reheating between cups of coffee and cools down quickly from steam function to coffee. It does leak a little from the steam spout when brewing coffee but I keep a glass under it.