Briel Lido Pump Espresso Machine

by Briel

Product Features

• Constant 15-bar pump pressure and Crema Master filter guarantees perfect crema on espresso
• 28-cup water reservoir; stainless-steel boiler; brews up to 2 cups of espresso at a time
• Automatic self-priming pump eliminates annoying start-up preparation
• 2 thermostats regulate coffee cycle and steaming process, plus third safety thermostat
• Measures 9-1/2 by 8 by 13 inches; 10-year pump warranty

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 10.5 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00006JL0T
• Item model number: ES15WF
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #299,920 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining)

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

This compact little machine lets you skip the coffeehouse and brew delicious espresso or cappuccino right at home. The reliable push-button on/off, brewing, and frothing switches make this espresso maker easy to use for even a novice. After filling the 28-cup water reservoir to the desired level, scoop measured espresso grounds into the filter. You then place the filter into a holder, which locks into the brew head. A green OK light tells you when the water in the machine's stainless-steel boiler is hot enough for brewing, indicating that you should turn on the power. The unit will brew up to two cups of espresso at a time. Constant 15-bar pump pressure and the Crema Master filter guarantee a perfect crema on top every time. The automatic self-priming pump eliminates annoying start-up preparation and the patented Aqua Stop system prevents the machine from dripping when brewing is complete.

For cappuccinos or lattés, the OK light functions as your signal to froth as well. The turbo-frother delivers plenty of dry steam for heating milk, and the nozzle swivels for convenience and detaches for easy cleaning. Two thermostats on the unit regulate the coffee cycle and steaming process, while a third "safety" thermostat on the pump provides backup in case of continuous use. For cleanup, the water reservoir and overflow tray (under your espresso cups) are removable. This unit comes with a coffee tamper, measuring spoon, filter, and die-cast filter holder that retains heat. The Lido was rated as a Best Buy by a leading consumer testing publication for its design, performance, and ease of use. --Cristina Vaamonde

Product Description

Part of Briel¿s "Mini" line of espresso machines, Lido delivers perfect crema with Briel¿s patented Crema Master filter and effectively alleviates dripping through the patented AquaStop No-Drip system. Machine is manufactured to be used with traditional ground coffee and the E.S.E. coffee pods (or servings). Budget conscious consumers will love the high-tech design, outstanding performance and affordable price of this easy-to-use, fool-proof espresso machine. Lido also has the distinction of being chosen as a "Best Buy" by a leading consumer testing publication. Additional features include: constant 15 bar pump pressure producing a savory espresso with perfect crema every time; automatic self-priming pump eliminates annoying start-up preparation; Turbo Jet Frother, a Briel exclusive, produces plentiful dry steam for a thick milk froth for a cappuccino or latte; stainless steel boiler; "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; die-cast filter holder for minimum heat loss; large, removable water reservoir that fills from the top; water level visible from the front; water filter on intake; removable overflow tray for easy cleanup; coffee tamper and measuring spoon included.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Pump-based Espresso Machine -- for the price..., June 20, 2005

By 

H. U. "Cooking Enthusiast" (San Francisco Bay Area, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Briel ES15WF Lido Pump Espresso Machine, White (Kitchen)

I've owned the Briel Lido for about two years now and I can say that it's the a phenomenal espresso machine for the price. You can't purchase another effective pump-centric machine for any less than this. It is capable of reliably producing fine espresso with beautiful crema and frothed milk to match -- with a few caveats...

Caveat 1: You'll need to buy an aftermarket non-pressurized portafilter. The pressurized portafilter that it comes with is how it "guarantees" crema -- even with stale beans. It may work for a while, but I found that in order for it to produce consistent results over time, it needs constant maintenance (cleaning) and adjusting (via the tightening screw at the bottom to regulate pre-release pressure). A non-pressurized aftermarket portafilter means you'll have to properly grind (or purchase properly ground) coffee and learn how to tamp the coffee with the right amount of pressure so you can consistently produce a good pull. Forget purchasing a fancy tamper unless you just like to "look" professional. The plastic disc with handle that it comes with does fine as a tamper... like anything else, you just need to put in the time to learn it.

Caveat 2: Pull all your espresso shots for as many drinks as you're serving BEFORE you froth your milk. Since this machine uses one heater element to both produce pressurized water for espresso pulling and dry-steam for milk frothing, you won't be able to pull a decent espresso shot without drawing a burnt taste after frothing milk... at least not until the machine cools down sufficiently, which can take quite some time.

Caveat 3: You must clean the machine regularly if you don't do an empty "cleaning" pull after you're done pulling your espresso shots. Residual oils from the coffee will build up and turn rancid contaminating your espresso over time. You'll notice this rancidness in your espresso shots when you're into the 2nd month, if you do absolutely no maintenance and/or cleaning. Don't blame it on the beans or the water as it's more than likely that you're machine just needs cleaning.

Two years into owning this thing and it still cranks out great espresso. What's happened since I bought the machine? The silkscreen on the top is now a bit worn, especially around the steam knob/lever. The steam knob/lever control has progressively slipped over time. It functions just fine, but is now off the original graphic marks that is on the machine.

That's it. It's a great machine, still pulling great espresso and rich, frothy milk for me. If you can't deal with all the work involved in pulling a good espresso shot with this machine, I'd suggest you try one of the semi-automatics or automatics up the range... say maybe one of the Saeco's, Gaggia's, or La Pavoni's. If you're willing to work within the tools provided by this machine and you purchase quality espresso-oriented coffee blends, it's guaranteed to be able to provide superb espresso and espresso-based drinks -- substantially better than any major chain and on-par with any professional barrista-led cafe.

35 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Espresso Lover-Great Machine for Low Price, November 22, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Briel ES15BF Lido Pump Espresso Machine, Black (Kitchen)

The LIDO machine by BRIEL is incredible. It created a rich espresso coffee with excellent crema. We especially like the machine because it's inexpensive!. Yet it has a 15-bar pump system, produces hot espresso coffee and has plenty of energy to quickly froth milk for cappuccinos, etc.

Although the machine works super with ground coffee we enjoy using the ESPRESSIONE pods that we purchased from AMAZON.COM. No fuss, no mess and the coffee is sensational.

We've enjoyed using many BRIEL products. This one is truly a winner.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 stars, actually..., May 10, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Briel ES15BF Lido Pump Espresso Machine, Black (Kitchen)

Reasons to buy:
1. The price. How are you going to beat it? It'll pay for itself after one month if Starbucks would have been your destination in the morning otherwise.
2. The pour. I love a shot of espresso after dinner and when we dine out, I'll always critique the pour. Too bitter? Too sour? Just right? This little machine hits the mark every time with the espresso pods we bought for it.
3. The size. It takes up less room than your toaster.
4. The foam. It's small but it packs plenty of punch to get that latte whipped into shape in no time. We use soy milk and it creates plenty of foam.

Reasons not to buy:
1. Low profile. Hey... the size thing cuts both ways. You can't fit a proper cup under the filter retainer - you have about 2.25" of clearance. We get around this by removing the drip tray and tucking a small cup under it that way. Works great once we positioned it not to spill.
2. Short frother arm. Doesn't have a wide range of motion, constricting you to hold the container your steaming with close. We placed ours on the counter and I've positioned the machine sideways on the edge so I have more range of motion when steaming milk.
3. Filter holder sticks sometimes. I'm reaching here... just want to report all the facts. I've found removing the filter holder to be a bit difficult sometimes if it's on snug. And watch out for the steamy water if you remove it too soon! Let it cool down for a few minutes to alleviate this.

Overall: Very pleased with the purchase. If you buy it, get the espresso pods! They're convenient and make surprisingly great espresso. The pros far outweigh the cons in my opinion. It's a great little machine at a great little price.

Oh, and one other thing: They give it a water test in the factory before they ship it out, so don't be alarmed (as we were initially) if there's a bit of water in the plastic bag it comes in. A small note is included that explains this but we missed it in our enthusiasm to start brewing.

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