PxlDan

9 years ago my wife surprised me with a shiny, orange Francis! Francis! for my birthday. Coffee connoisseurs panned the model for it's substandard pump, aluminum boiler and non standard collar. But I loved-loved my Italian built Francis! Francis! I prefer jump starting my day quickly by using e.s.e pods rather than grinding whole beans. Again, coffee geeks have turned their collective noses up on espresso coffee pods but - whatever. Francis! Francis! is a beautifully designed and simple to use machine at a time when the only commercially available alternative was the black plastic Krups models from Bed, Bath and Beyond. Every morning I was greeted by the "Francis" (Designer Luca Trazzi's Daughter) sticking her tongue out at me as I enjoyed the surprisingly satisfying toggle switching experience. Last year the temperature gauge went out so I would just wait till I heard the boiler turn off before I pulled the shot. However, this week the pump died mid pull. - sniff.

So now I have a decision to make. Buy another Francis! Francis! X1 or shop around. The new X1's have upgraded the pump pressure and added a brass collar.  However, I don't like the new 'icons' under the toggles and the price is $900 (We don't have the disposable income we had in out twenties - I blame bush). I'm eyeing the BMW designed, 15-bar Starbucks Sirena machine which for $399 is an affordable alternative - but lacks the inspirational design of the Francis. However, I am really leaning towards the Ascaso "Dream". This machine is built in Spain, has a 16 bar Pump, nice lines and sells for $749. Not a huge savings over the Francis but perhaps enough for me to justify the purchase?

There are 1 Comments for Obit for Francis! RIP

Add A Comment

Name:

Email:

URL:

Message:

Performing Spam Check