Last Updated on September 8, 2021 by YourBestCoffeeMachine
Francis Francis illy x7 1
Summary
The retro styling of the illy X 7 1 makes this machine stand out. It does score fairly poorly for ease of cleaning although some users say that is not an issue. The biggest downside is that it only takes illy capsules.
The Francis Francis illy X7 1 is actually a 2011 update of the original X7 where illy advertises having decreased initial heating time as well as the time it takes the system to return to brewing temperature from steaming temperature. The X7 was illy’s introduction of their IperEspresso capsule brewing system. It still sells pretty well despite the passing of a whole decade of other machines which tells us that illy has done something right with this coffee maker.
Perhaps it’s the unique styling; perhaps it’s the ease of operation or maybe it’s the illy patented two stage process creating an intensely aromatic full bodied espresso with rich crema – whatever it is this striking statement piece remains popular. Read on for our updated thoughts on this Italian designed machine or hit the button below to go check the price now!
What are the iperEspresso capsules?
The iperEspresso capsules come exclusively from illy and can currently be found in 8 different blends (illy’s 4 standard roasts as well as their current featured ones). If you have never before tasted illy coffee you are missing out but it is important to note that this machine is ONLY compatible with the iperEspresso capsules and they are not refillable. This means you will have a consistent size and length to your espresso shots. See this video for more about how this compact machine makes cafe quality espresso for novices and coffee connoisseurs alike!
More advanced coffee brewers may not like the lack of crafting required for this machine but the iperEspresso system takes all of the effort out of getting your morning cup. The ease with which I can now make a quality cup of espresso with a really nice crema at home has saved me something like 100 trips to get an overpriced cappuccinos and for that I am quite grateful.
Is the Francis Francis illy X7 1 any good?
The operation of the machine uses the revolutionary illy capsule system and Panarello style frothing wand, but despite that it is quite simple. It takes just a short while to rise to required heat and the display features a 20° incremental temperature indicator to let you know how close it is to where it needs to be. Once it has reached brewing temperature, it takes no more than a simple reloading of the capsule container and a button press. You have a lovely cup of espresso in less than 60 seconds.
Admittedly, I am no connoisseur but to my simple tastes, every single shot out of this thing has been wonderful. It even does a good job of making espresso drinks as well. It also seems to effortlessly provide a long lasting crema, rich in flavor and surely the envy of any trained barista.
The Pannarello style frothing wand is a nice feature for those that love milk froth
On the illy X7 1 there is a Pannarello style frothing wand with an auto-aerator included that really makes cappuccinos easy. This is just a fancy word for a steam wand that froths milk – great for a creamy cappucino and latte. The machine switches from espresso to steam with the press of one button and consistently takes under two minutes to get there. Once it has reached proper heat, all you do is hold your milk jug (or wedge it in there nicely) up to the machine so that the end of the wand is submerged and press the button. Once the level has risen to the top end of the steamer the aerator activates and the level rises no more but the device will continue to heat the milk to your desired temperature.
On this model they improved the cool down time for switching back to espresso and you can further speed the process by covering the steam wand’s end and depressing the button for 3 seconds. This cools the boiler by flushing out some of the excess water and pulling in more from the reservoir to replace it. So not only does this machine make a wonderful quick cup of espresso, but it also does a decent job of making espresso drinks back to back.
One of the greatest aspects about the X7 1 is the overall design – it will surely make a statement in any kitchen. It takes up little room and looks great on my countertop ! Must be the Italian design influence of Luca Trazzi. I chose the black one because it matches my kitchen best but you might prefer the vibrant red option. The black part is actually plastic but all the other details are lovely stainless steel and it even has a space atop it to warm your cups.
Aesthetics aside, the display is simple yet very helpful. No squinting necessary. Every action only takes one touch and the loading and removal of the illy capsules really takes one of the most frustrating and messy parts out of the whole espresso ordeal. In fact, there is virtually no clean up because the grinds themselves never actually come in contact with the machine. The only maintenance necessary is routine decalcification (descale) and the system even provides an indicator for that.
Some downsides about the illy X7 1
My complaints are relatively minor but worth mentioning I suppose. The first one is that the water reservoir is pretty small and there is no easy way to get it out. My best advice is to use your fingernails and take your time. It seems like this is one of the things they could have redone when they upgraded to the X7 1. Literally, I’d be happy with a built-in handle!
Additionally, limiting users to purchasing new capsules at nearly USD1/per capsule is a pretty cheap trick but some clever monkey has now introduced a stainless steel refillable pod which is compatible with Illy machines, reusable and much more eco friendly than using disposable capsules.
The design could be tweaked for reloading or at the very least, so that I could recycle and compost my own capsules without having to purchase a kit from illy (selling for around $15) and sending it back to them (each kit will ship a maximum of 80 capsules).
Should you buy the Francis Francis illy X7 1?
For me, this was a terrific buy. The greatest perk of the whole system is the price tag for sure, but illy didn’t skimp on value. The Francis Francis illy X7 1 is fast, efficient, and mine has seen plenty of use without slowing down.
It is unbelievable how great a shot of espresso this sleek little machine makes and Illy does really market some high quality coffee so using their blends exclusively is really not much of a complaint for a novice like me. Given that the illy IperEspresso Y1.1 is often not available, I would recommend this product to any casual coffee drinker who can’t be bothered to labor over their brew but insists that their morning start off on the right foot.
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This machine is a breeze to have on your platform. It looks adorable. The pannarelo steam wand is an addon feature that switches on its own. The only thing that lacks is the exclusive use of iperespresso capsules which makes the cup of coffee costly.
IS anyone experiencing the frustration I am when it comes to steaming the milk.. It is not , like the old model, creamy, The milk is too foamy and them of the foam itself is too cold. Hopefully I am just making a mistake. But if anyone has solution. let me know. Thank you Nancy S
Hi Nancy,
It could be caused by the short frother as suggested by other users.
The short frother makes too much steam so instead of expanding the milk, it just ends up too foamy. Try using a smaller jug (less than 500ml) and see.
I suggest getting a thermometer as well so that you can monitor the temperature every time.
Hope this helps
Visitor Rating: 5 Stars
2018.05.28: I have been using my x7.1 for about a month. After Nespresso, the Illy iperEspresso is a delightful improvement. The machine’s build quality, however, is definitely downscale from what Nespresso offers in the same price range. The drip tray is a thin piece of steel that scratches easily. The water tank is, as mentioned earlier, difficult to remove. The Pannarello steam wand is pathetic which is weird since the device was perfected by Gaggia thirty years ago. It captures a lot of milk inside the tube. The tube does not rest over the drip tray so, when you remove your pitcher, that captured milk just dribbles all over your countertop. INexcusable. As noted earlier, the foam is coarse and, because there is no way to move the tip up to the top of the milk in the pitcher, the foam is actually COLD. Inexcusable.
I’d say the machine is a disaster of needlessly user-aggressive design errors. But, oh, the coffee! It’s not QUITE bar-quality Illy espresso but it is delicious.
If you explore Illy’s USA site, you. Will see an attractive subscription offer: you get a free machine if you agree to buy 36 cans of Illy capsules over 18 months. There is a selection of three free machines and one that costs $100. Choose carefully by reading all the reviews and viewing several of the video clips available on youtube.