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If you’re looking to get into the tasty world of brewing your own espresso at home, this is the perfect machine for you! We’re going to explore the intricacies of the Breville ESP8XL Cafe Roma Stainless Espresso Maker, a semi-automatic espresso machine that has been a great hit among home baristas.
Although it comes with a simple design and sleek look, this Breville machine is packed with features that offer excellent value for its price point. But before you grab your cups of espresso, let’s dive into the details!
Breville Cafe Roma ESP8XL
Stainless Espresso Maker
- Made of stainless steel and equipped with a 15-bar thermoblock pump
- Dual-wall filter system for optimal crema production, froth enhancer, and a cup-warming plate
- Removable drip tray and grid & frothing jug
- Accessories: a stainless steel frothing pitcher, a tamping tool, measuring spoon, and cleaning tool
- Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 12 inches
- Water Tank: 40.6 oz (1.2 L) – can be easily removed for refilling or cleaning
- 1-year limited warranty
Breville Cafe Roma Espresso Machine: At a Glance
The XL Cafe Roma espresso machine comes from Breville, a brand known worldwide for their quality home appliances.
Key features of this product include a 15-bar thermoblock pump, dual-wall filter system, and a 40.6 oz water tank. Other notable aspects are the control panel with simple controls and the machine’s sleek, compact design.
Boasting a stainless-steel finish, the machine measures 9″D x 9″W x 12″H and weighs 13 pounds. This espresso maker doesn’t just look good on your countertop, but also promises performance that goes beyond its $200 price tag (as of writing this).
Sleek Look: An Eye for Design
The Cafe Roma is a beauty, and that’s undeniable. With its stainless steel finish, the machine sports a polished, modern look that easily blends with any kitchen decor.
The compact design further ensures it doesn’t hog space on your countertop. Moreover, the design isn’t just about aesthetics; it also helps maintain the optimal temperature for brewing the perfect espresso.
And who wouldn’t love to see that shiny espresso machine gleaming in their kitchen every morning?
Features List
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Weight | 13 Pounds |
| Pump Type | 15-bar thermoblock pump |
| Heating System | 1000W Thermoblock |
| Filter System | Dual-wall |
| Accessories Included | Stainless steel frothing pitcher, tamping tool, measuring spoon, cleaning tool |
| Special Features | Froth enhancer, cup-warming plate |
| Lights | Heat indicator light |
| Removable Parts | Drip tray and grid; 40.6 oz (1.2 L) water tank |
| Size | 9″D x 9″W x 12″H |
| Wattage | 1000 watts |
| Color | Silver |
| Coffee Maker Type | Espresso Machine |
| Special Feature | Manual |
| Price | About $200 (as of the time of writing this) |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great Value for Money: The Cafe Roma offers excellent features and performance at a competitive price point.
- Versatility: The Cafe Roma is compatible with both ground coffee and espresso pods, catering to different coffee preferences.
- Easy to Use: With a user-friendly control panel and selector dial, brewing the perfect espresso shot or double shot is as simple as can be.
- Quality Build: The machine’s stainless-steel finish doesn’t just look sleek, it also enhances durability.
- 15-Bar Thermoblock Pump: This feature ensures optimal water pressure for excellent espresso extraction.
- Thermoblock Heating System: This system ensures your water heats up quickly and stays at the right temperature for brewing.
- Large Water Tank: With a 40.6 oz water reservoir, you can brew multiple cups before needing a refill.
Cons
- No Built-in Grinder: The Cafe Roma doesn’t come with a built-in grinder, which means you’ll need to buy one separately if you want to use fresh coffee grounds.
- No alert when the drip tray is near capacity
- Milk frother doesn’t work well with large amounts
- Learning Curve: While this machine is user-friendly, those new to espresso brewing might face a learning curve initially. But hey, that’s part of the fun of becoming a home barista!
- Manual Operation: As a semi-automatic machine, you will need to manually start and stop the espresso extraction. Some might prefer this control, but others might find it less convenient than fully automatic machines. For a more automated process, check out Nespresso.
Features Deep Dive
Bars of Pressure: Exploring the 15-bar Thermoblock Pump
Perhaps one of the standout features of the Breville’s Cafe Roma is its 15-bar thermoblock pump. This pressure system ensures the hot water infuses with your coffee grounds at just the right intensity.
It’s like having a tiny Italian barista inside your coffee maker, controlling the water pressure to give you a great espresso shot every time.
Thermoblock Heating System: What It Means for Your Espresso
The thermoblock heating system in the Cafe Roma ensures the water heats up fast and stays at the perfect water temperature. Say goodbye to lukewarm espressos and say hello to hot, aromatic coffee every time.
Water Reservoir: The 40.6 oz Tank
Let’s talk about capacity. With a 40.6 oz water reservoir, the Breville machine ensures you won’t be refilling after every single shot.
You can brew several cups of espresso before the water tank needs a refill, making it an excellent choice for households with multiple coffee lovers.
The water level is also visible from the front of the machine, so you never have to worry about how much is left.
Café Roma’s Heating Indicator Light
One of the intuitive features of the Café Roma is its heating indicator light. This little but mighty feature provides real-time information about the machine’s temperature status.
When you switch on the Café Roma, the heating indicator light shines a bright orange. This signals that the machine is in the process of heating up, preparing itself to brew your delicious espresso.
Once the machine has reached the optimal temperature and pressure for brewing espresso, the light turns off. It’s a clear, visual cue telling you, “Hey, I’m ready! Let’s make some fantastic espresso!”
The Dual-Wall Filter System: Quality Espresso Guaranteed
The Breville Cafe Roma Espresso Maker’s dual-wall filter system is a feature that’s bound to impress.
This system is designed to extract the most flavor from your coffee grounds while giving you that thick, frothy crema that’s the hallmark of a great espresso.
Control Panel and Selector Dial: Simple Controls for Perfect Espresso
Worried about the learning curve with new coffee machines? The Cafe Roma makes it easy.
The control panel is user-friendly, featuring a selector dial that allows you to adjust the machine’s settings with ease. Whether you prefer a single shot or a double shot, you can make your perfect espresso with the twist of a dial.
Accessories
Froth Enhancer: Effortless Frothing for Your Lattes and Cappuccinos
The Cafe Roma comes equipped with a froth enhancer to add that creamy froth on top of your lattes and cappuccinos.
The best part? It’s all effortless. With the froth enhancer, you can channel your inner barista and create coffee shop quality drinks at home.
The Tamping Tool and Measuring Spoon: Your Key to the Perfect Grind Size
The machine also includes a tamping tool and measuring spoon. The tamping tool ensures that your coffee grounds are packed at the right density for the perfect espresso extraction.
The measuring spoon, on the other hand, helps you add just the right amount of coffee for that barista-style aroma.
Cleaning Tool: Maintain Your Machine with Ease
When it comes to maintenance, Breville has you covered. The Cafe Roma includes a spoon cleaning tool to keep your machine in tip-top shape.
Regular cleaning can help prolong the lifespan of your espresso machine, ensuring you get to enjoy great coffee for years to come.
The Built-In Steam Wand: Barista-Style Aroma at Your Fingertips
And last but not least, the built-in steam wand. This little tool can froth milk for your lattes and cappuccinos, adding that creamy, dreamy texture that we all love.
Plus, it can inject steam into your espresso, intensifying its aroma and flavor.
What We Love about the Breville Cafe Roma
Brewing with Ground Coffee or Pods Espresso Shots: You Choose
Flexibility is the name of the game with the Breville Cafe Roma machine. It’s compatible with both ground coffee and pods espresso shots, meaning you can choose between the convenience of pods or the freshness of ground coffee.
If you decide to grind your own coffee, you’ll just need a good burr grinder and some inexpensive filter baskets.
So whether you’re a busy bee needing a quick coffee fix or a coffee enthusiast wanting to enjoy the full brewing process, this machine caters to your needs.
How The Warming Tray Prepares Your Espresso Cups
The built-in warming tray on top of the machine is another feature that sets the Cafe Roma apart.
It pre-warms your espresso cups, ensuring that your coffee stays at the perfect temperature from the moment it’s brewed until the moment it hits your lips.
It’s these little touches that make the Cafe Roma a truly standout quality espresso machine.
Pairing it with a Quality Coffee Grinder
While the Cafe Roma doesn’t come with a built-in grinder, pairing it with a good burr grinder can elevate your coffee game.
Freshly ground coffee is known to deliver superior flavor compared to pre-ground or pod varieties, and if you’re a coffee lover chasing that perfect cup, a grinder is an investment worth making.
Price Point
Value for Money
When it comes to value for money, the Cafe Roma offers great bang for your buck. Its quality, features, and performance are competitive with other entry-level espresso machines in the same price range, and in our opinion, it’s one of the best espresso machines out there.
For around $200 (as of writing this), you get a stylish, durable machine that delivers delicious espresso and is easy to use and maintain.
If you’re new to espresso brewing or want a machine that provides excellent coffee without breaking the bank, the Cafe Roma is a superb choice. With its easy frothing and simple controls, this machine is also a perfect pick for those embarking on their home barista journey.
FAQs About the Breville Cafe Roma Espresso Maker
Is Breville Cafe Roma discontinued?
As of the time of writing this review, the Breville Cafe Roma is not discontinued and is available for purchase.
Is Cafe Roma a good machine?
Yes, the Cafe Roma is an excellent machine, especially for those new to brewing espresso at home. It’s easy to use, makes great espresso, and offers fantastic value for money.
How long does the Breville Cafe Roma last?
With proper care and regular cleaning, the Breville Cafe Roma can last several years. It’s built with durable materials and is designed for longevity.
Does Breville Cafe Roma use pods?
Yes, the Breville Cafe Roma is compatible with both ground coffee and espresso pods, providing you with flexibility based on your preference.
What is the best coffee machine brand in the world?
There are many excellent coffee machine brands available, and the “best” can often depend on personal preferences, budget, and specific needs. Breville, however, is certainly a highly respected brand known for its quality and innovative products.
Why are Italian coffee machines so expensive?
Italian coffee machines are often handcrafted and come with advanced features and high-quality materials, which can justify the higher price. They’re designed for superior performance and longevity, providing an authentic, barista-level espresso experience.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up our Breville espresso machine review, the Cafe Roma is a gem of a machine. With its 15-bar thermoblock pump, dual-wall filters, and a 40.6 oz water tank, it has all the features you need for a perfect espresso, all wrapped up in a sleek and compact package. Whether you’re a beginner or an espresso aficionado, the Cafe Roma offers a remarkable espresso experience that’s hard to beat for its price.
So, is it time to become your own home barista with the Cafe Roma? We think it’s a resounding YES. Happy brewing!
