Customer Reviews

Briel EG82CAB Portofino Combination Pump Espresso Machine with Built-In Burr Grinder

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

My family owns a BRIEL PORTOFINO pump espresso machine and we use it every day. The built-in coffee grinder with an automatic dispensing system is the best in convenience, freshness and taste. Conical burrs turn slower than typical blade-type grinders, keeping heat to a minimum while milling coffee beans and exposing maximum surface area for extracting the natural flavors of the beans.with built in coffee grinder. The best way to have a perfect espresso is to grind the beans on site and then brew the coffee.This machines does the trick. It also can be used with the ESE coffee serving or pods, that are premeasured, fast and easy to use. I found that the Patented Crema Master filter produces rich genuine crema every time and AquaStop No-Drip System prevents dripping and need to “bleed” machine of remnant water. The machine is powerful with constant 15 Bar pump pressure (substantially above the minimum requirement of 9 Bars necessary for an authentic espresso) produces a savory espresso with perfect crema every time. As far as making a milk based drink, the Snap-on Turbo Jet Frother produces plentiful dry steam for a thick milk froth for a cappuccino or latte. This machine is a home run and I recommend it highly to serious espresso lovers and novices alike.

I purchased this machine a couple of weeks ago and returned it within a week (When it could still be returned in new condition). This machine is not tall enough to allow the use of a normal size cup, forcing you to only be able to use the small espresso cups or shot-sized pitchers. It is an extremely messy machine requiring a significant amount of time to clean up. I did like the grinder being attached to the machine which makes it much easier to brew very fresh coffee. My machine came with the frothing attachment which used A LOT of milk and did nothing more than heat the milk (virtually no froth). I have years of experience with a varity of home espresso machines (primarily cheaper Krups and a Starbucks Estro Vapore (same as the Barista), which I like very much. This machine simply tries to cram too many bells and whistles into one machine at too low of a price level. It would be better to get individual components (frother & grinder). To say the least I am not enamored with this machine and was very glad I could return it.

For a while, at least, it was been a nice machine; a good introduction to making espresso at home. After about 3 years, I have to join those who are disappointed with this machine. In the last several months it's progressively deteriated. Sometimes it manages to successfully pump water through the grounds, sometimes not; the portofilter sometimes will not hold pressure; and lately whenever it's heated for steaming,large amounts of steam stream out of the brew area. Time to shop for another machine.

I love this machine- it was given to me as gift- I lost some of the attachments- so I can not make some of the stuff-
However, I use it mostly to make expresso- and Its easy to clean- fast and makes GREAT expresso~! I like to use Bustelo- and that makes a big difference in the taste... unless I grind some fancy beans-

My Briel Portofino began leaking like a sieve after about 4 months of use. Virtually every seam on the plastic chassis
oozes water now, and the frothing nozzle spits out a steady
stream of water every time the brew button is pushed. Every pull requires a combination of paper towels and sponges. I will replace soon---not with another Briel.

I have owned one of these machines for five years. When it works, it can produce a good pull. However, you need to know what you are after and experiment until you can reproduce what you want. Service provided for the machine is poor. I have had mine serviced twice and both times it was returned poorly repaired. Briel's customer service is non-existent as far as I could discover. I had to have it serviced locally, but they can't get parts so they made do. Still, I did get five years of daily use from it (over 2000 pulls) and so I ordered a new one. This one was received factory packed incomplete and the casing was damaged (before leaving factory). It's a gamble. I will cannibalize my old one to make this one function.

I own a Briel Portofino Espresso machine; it has never worked correctly on a consistent basis. I spoke with a man at the U.S. Briel offices and he told me in very abrupt and abrasive terms that, not withstanding regular cleaning, there was nothing that he could do. Aside for pumping steam, I am convinced that the pump DOES NOT deliver 15 bars pressure. I just purchased a Breville, which is performing very well.

This is a great machine for someone who like to have control over the how strong their espresso is and likes the option of steaming milk or using the quick froth attachment. I also really like having the grinder, which is adjustable, right on the machine. It's a great addition to any kitchen!

I love a fresh espresso or cappuccino. The best way to do it is to grind fresh whole dark roast or espresso roast coffee beans and immediately brew the espresso. Fresh, rich aroma, creates an incredible atmosphere.

After much research, here are the reasons why I purchased this machine at amazon over other machines that are shown:
Built-in coffee grinder with an automatic dispensing system for the best in convenience, freshness and taste. Conical burrs turn slower than typical blade-type grinders, keeping heat to a minimum while millimg coffee beans and exposing maximum surfacearea for extracting the natural flavors of the beans.

Constant 15 Bar pump pressure producing a savory espresso with perfect crema every time

Automatic self-priming pump eliminates annoying start-up preparation

Snap-on Turbo Jet Frother, a Briel exclusive, produces plentiful dry steam for a thick milk froth for a cappuccino or latte

Patented Crema Master filter produces rich genuine crema every time and AquaStop No-Drip System prevents dripping and need to bleed machine of remnant water

Stainless steel boiler - It's better

OK light signals when machine is ready for brewing or frothing

Two thermostats regulate the coffee cycle and steaming process, with a third safety thermostat located on the pump in the event of abnormal or continuous use

Push Button switches - dependable quality

Die cast filter holder for minimum heat loss

Large, removable water reservoir. Also fills from the top

Water level visible from front

Water filter on intake

Removable overflow tray for easy clean-up

You can't go wrong with the sleek, black PORTOFINO from BRIEL. It's a bit of Europe in the comfort of your home. We also have tried using the E.S.E. pods (coffee servings). They are fast, easy to use and give you an option from grinding whole bean coffee from scratch or having a rich, premeasured espresso without fuss or mess. I like having choices.

It will do everything but some will also find it lacking in different ways. It is a messy little beast but at least it works which is more that I can say about my Briel 271....