First of all, the Iperespresso by Illy is a category of coffee on its own. It is NOT characterized by the superior (under certain conditions) quality and taste of freshly ground espresso from a professional grinder and made from a professional machine, but it is also NOT characterized by the inferior quality and taste of any other capsule or pod espresso.
- GENERAL -
It only accepts Iperespresso capsules and under certain conditions (purchase of a special "empty" capsule), it also accepts ground coffee.
- POSITIVES -
+ It is clearly better (in terms of construction and features) compared to the Iperespresso Y3.3 (which of course costs half the price).
+ It has a steam nozzle with sufficient (but not "professional") steam output.
+ It has both automatic and manual coffee quantity selection functions.
- NEGATIVES -
- The presence of the portafilter is a result of design and not substance. It would be much better if it didn't exist, due to the following reason.
- The machine, although quite sturdy, does not have sufficient weight, resulting in the need to hold it firmly when rotating or tightening the portafilter, otherwise the entire machine rotates.
- The water tank is connected to the body of the machine through silicone gaskets, which are not suitable for "hard" daily and long-term use.
- CONCLUSION -
For those who do not have the financial ability to buy a "semi-professional" or "professional" machine + "semi-professional" or "professional" grinder + all the other necessary accessories or do not have the time to properly and fully utilize them, then choosing this specific Iperespresso machine is the "ONLY WAY" to enjoy satisfactory espresso.
Given the cost of the machine and the result of the capsule coffee, it deserves 5 stars.
- CLARIFICATIONS -
1. Each capsule or pod (regardless of brand) is not sufficient to make a double shot of coffee! This also applies to Iperespresso capsules. Those who drink a double espresso with one capsule or pod simply do not drink coffee.
2. Given the above, spending three times the amount to buy the Iperespresso X1, which has the option of single or double dose coffee (initially), is obviously an unnecessary expense. Especially when, even manually (by pressing the button twice), a double dose can be achieved with this machine.
3. Iperespresso capsules only offer coffee (10 varieties of espresso, 1 variety of decaf espresso, and 1 variety of "French" coffee). There are no capsules for other beverages and flavors (at least not yet).
4. Iperespresso capsules do not seal airtight (by design). Therefore, it is preferable for each capsule to be kept in its own packaging (bag) to prevent the coffee from being altered in terms of taste and aroma. This applies to both single capsules and packs of 100 capsules. However, it does not apply to packs of 18 capsules, which has negative implications.
5. A decent double espresso costs an average of €1.70 and a decent freddo espresso costs an average of €2.00. By using Iperespresso capsules (€0.54 per capsule), it is clearly more cost-effective compared to ordering coffee. As for the cost of the capsule, it is true in this case that "you get what you pay for."
