Customer Reviews

Briel ES200APG-TB Multi-Pro One Group Thermo Block Espresso Machine with Auto Espresso Flow, Steel/Silver

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

 

 

To the point... Could not fine support for any questions I had through the Briel Company in the USA. The phone number in the espresso machine help book was Out Of Service. The instruction book, I feel needs more pictures to help individuals locate and understand usage of the espresso machine than what Briel offers. (Example) You need to turn the ON Switch fully to the right until you here a Click or the Machine will not brew and acts like it has a Vapor Lock which it doesn't. This why Briel gets only four stars from me. The Briel ES200APG-TB is really a Great Machine as long as you fully understand it's operation. I would recommend this product to my friends.

Less than 2 years old now, very light use. (office only) Blows water out around porta filter. Found the only authorized shop to repair these machines are on the east coast. With shipping and repairs cost over $200.00. They said the gaskets were worn out and the boiler support needed replacing. I have a Gaggia at home and have never had any problems.

I've had my ES200 APG-TB for just about a year, and while I did have to consult the service center, I was VERY impressed with their responsiveness. When I called, I connected DIRECTLY to a service representative - no computer menu - a real live person! The service rep walked me through a quick trouble-shooting procedure, diagnosed the problem, and the replacement part was delivered in very short order - that level of customer support is a rare find in today's business world.

And does the ES200 ever look great on my counter!!! It even looks better in real life than in the pictures - and the pictures look great. Also, the ability to use coffee pods sure makes life easy - no fuss - no mess - perfect brew!! One very satisfied Briel customer!!!!

I bought this machine to replace an older model of the same machine that served me well for many years. With that machine, I learned that the Briel is a wonderful machine for someone who is willing to work a bit to adjust the machine settings for a personalized espresso. It is not for the user that wants to push a button and be done. I knew this when purchasing this machine. Yet, as first I could not get the espresso to flow through the filter basket despite many attempts. I knew the machine was working fine, but I must be doing something wrong. Since I live near by, I called the service center to ask if I could come by, and they were very helpful on the phone and welcomed my visit. There, the owner came by and promptly stepped up and plugged my machine in. He spent about a half hour with me, and we found the right filter basket and right adjustment for a perfect flow. Thank you Steve! This is a great machine but may take some personal adjusting at first.

The first one I bought started to leak (from underneath the machine and from the steamer nozzle) after a couple months and I am still in the process of getting the company in charge of warranty repairs to fix it. When they tried to fix it the first time they broke the steamer which is now loose and doesn't work at all. So I foolishly bought a second one (while the first was getting repaired) since we couldn't do without ours for an extended period of time and this one never worked from the minute it came out of the box. When we turned it on it shorted out every outlet we plugged it in to. Amazon took that one back and credited our card. Will never buy this brand/model again.

Sadly I am returning this machine...for the second time. The first unit I got leaked water onto the counter. I figured it may have been damaged in transport so I sent it back. Amazon sent me another one as soon as I notified them of the return and I had it before I had even sent the bad one back! About 8 weeks later the second machine had the same leak! Too bad since the coffee was really good! A couple of other items. It's a good idea to run a plain water pass through the head before brewing to bring the whole machine up to temp. Coffee temp out of the head measured about 180F which is a little cool for proper espresso. I would have also liked the two cup espresso receptacle be larger.
Big kudos to Amazon for great customer service with both the exchange and return!!