Not for the novice espresso drinker or for the Starbucks-style café latte fan, this professional espresso machine is the workhorse type found in small cafes throughout Europe. Think single-shots of thick espresso and small cups of cappuccino, as anything else is beyond the realm of this machine. Briel is Europe's largest manufacturer of pump-driven espresso machines, and its Multi-Pro series is designed to be used with fresh ground coffee or ESE coffee pods, which are small portions of ground coffee pressed between two pieces of food-compatible paper. Coffee pods are packed with the right weight, roast, and grind, so even the inexperienced barista can consistently make great espresso.
This machine features Auto Espresso Flow, an adjustable electric timing control that lets you select serving size in advance. One of two filter holders brews two cups of espresso at a time. Other bright spots include the Turbo Jet frother, equipped with a steam control knob and removable cappuccino nozzle; a self-priming pump fed by filtered suction and water return tubes; a cup warmer; a removable drip tray and grid; and a coffee tamper. The removable 2.5-liter water tank also has a water level indicator viewable from the front of the machine. One downside is that the brew head fits so tightly into the filter holder that it strictly limits the amount of coffee that can be loaded into it, which complicates the brewing process when using fresh ground coffee. --Matthew Evans
Editor's note: This item may arrive with water inside from the manufacturer's pressure test. This is a normal occurrence and doesn't point to a problem with the machine.
