This new machine from Illy and FrancisFrancis! offers the features you’ve come to expect for great tasting espresso. Brewing Illy iperEspresso capsules exclusively (available in decaffeinated, medium, and dark roast), the FrancisFrancis! X7 offers a special capsule holder within which to place the Illy capsule, a traditional steam wand arm for making cappuccinos and lattes, and a 18 bar pump to provide the necessary power for brewing and steaming. Since the FrancisFrancis! X7 employs the classic FrancisFrancis! design, you’re sure to find the model that fits your kitchen or workstation the best. Illy coffee capsules are brewed in a two-phase extraction, so your coffee is of the highest quality and cleanup is always simple.
The FrancisFrancis! X7 may be a new model, but it already has an interesting past. For nearly a month, the X7 was on display in an Illy-designed shipping container in New York City’s Columbus Circle – you can read more about it in our factoid article here.
Features & Benefits: Coffee
Illy iperEspresso Capsules
Each Illy iperEspresso capsule is a pre-ground and tamped serving of 7 grams of Illy espresso. This system is more convenient and simpler to use than learning how to measure, grind, and tamp espresso. Illy and FrancisFrancis! went above and beyond mere convenience, however, by developing a unique two phrase brewing process. First, the capsule is pierced; hot water under pressure is injected into the grounds, a consistent process no matter who is using the machine. Next, the coffee is forced through a valve at the bottom of the capsule. A rich layer of crema forms from the mixing of espresso and air, leaving a long-lasting layer of golden marbleized foam on top of each shot of espresso you brew. The capsules are available in dark roast, medium roast and decaf, and stay fresh for 30 days after the container is opened.
Control Panel
The control panel features oversized backlit buttons with icons, so it’s easy to remember which button does which. The center button has an icon of a coffee cup, and around it are backlights labeled 20º, 40º, 60º, 80º, indicating the temperature in the boiler in Celsius while the machine warms up. The center icon lights up and emits a beep when the machine is at brewing temperature. The other icons surrounding the center button are a cup, a steam icon, a warning sign that flashes and beeps when there is a problem, and the “Illy by FrancisFrancis” logo.
The button to the left of the center coffee button is the power button, which lights up when the machine is on. The button to the right of the center coffee button has a steam cloud icon, and lights up when the steam function is activated. An alarm in the back of the machine sounds if there is an irregular functioning.
Brewing
To brew, make sure the center coffee cup icon is illuminated. Remove the capsule holder from the front of the machine, insert an Illy coffee capsule, and replace the capsule holder. Press the center coffee button to start the flow of coffee, and press it again when you have your desired amount. After brewing, remove the capsule holder from the machine and empty the capsule into a waste basket. Each capsule should be used for only one brew; if you prefer a double shot of espresso, you will need to brew two shots in a row.
Cup Warmer
The cup warmer is located on top of the machine and features a metal ring to prevent cups from sliding off. It is heated by residual heat from the boiler, so you don’t have to remember to turn the warmer on or off – as the boiler heats up, the warmer heats up. It also provides you with a great place to display your cups.
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Features & Benefits: Frothing and Hot Water
Frothing
The frothing wand has a black plastic grip for easy handling, and rotates away from the machine so you have room to hold your frothing pitcher. Press the steam button to begin frothing and steaming – first the steam icon light will illuminate, showing that the machine is warming up. When the steam button is illuminated, the steam icon light turns off, and a beep is emitted, the machine is at steaming temperature. Open the steam knob located on the right side of the machine to release steam, and close the knob to stop the flow of steam. Press the steam button again to exit out of steam mode.
Hot Water
To heat water for tea, an americano, or hot cocoa, FrancisFrancis recommends activating the steam setting as described above, but instead of immersing the steam wand in milk to froth and steam, insert the steam wand into a pitcher of water. The high-pressure steam will quickly heat the water; simply close the steam knob and press the steam button again when the water is heated to your desired temperature.
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Features & Benefits: Care, Maintenance, and Other
Water System
The water reservoir is located on the right side of the machine, and is made of clear blue plastic so it’s easy to monitor the water level. Removable for easy cleaning and refilling with an easy grip handle, it holds almost 40 oz of water. You’ll need to descale about once every 3-4 months, depending on the hardness of your water, and decalcification solution is included. The triangular warning icon will blink on and off with one flash every two seconds when descaling is needed.
Cleaning: Drip Tray and Cover, Machine Body
The metal drip tray cover is removable, so you can rinse and clean it in the sink. A red drip tray level indicator rises and becomes visible when the drip tray is filled, so you know it’s time to empty and clean it. When necessary, wipe down the body of the machine with a damp cloth, then wipe dry.
Accessories
The FrancisFrancis! X7 comes with decalcification solution, a detailed instruction manual, and a 1 year warranty. Illy iperEspresso capsules in medium roast, dark roast, or decaf can be ordered through Illy’s website, www.illyusa.com.
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