In a Nutshell:
The Illy X7.1 iperEspresso Machine features a stunning retro design and operates as a capsule espresso machine. Its unique style and Pannarello wand make it pricier than most single-serve models, but it’s reliable, innovative, and worth the cost if you prioritize aesthetic appeal.
Brew Quality
Customization options
Ease of Use
Durability
Overall Rating
4.6/5
Benefits
Drawbacks
Recommended For: Retro lovers. Pricier than most single-serve models, but it’s reliable, innovative, and worth the cost if you prioritize aesthetic appeal.
Want to enjoy a full-bodied coffee at home but don’t want to put in the manual work to brew it?
Single-serve machines make it possible to insert a capsule, push a button, and relax as that rich nectar streams into your waiting cup.
But the challenge is deciding on a model that’s reliable and looks good on your countertop.
We might have what you’re looking for in our X7.1 iperEspresso machine review. Let’s go!
Illy X7.1 iperEspresso Machine Design Overview
In today’s review, we’re scrutinizing the Illy X7.1 iperEspresso machine to see how it stacks up in the world of single-serve coffee makers.
Upon first glance, instantly, you’re drawn to its stunning retro design. It’s all curves, embracing the suave Italian style of the 1960s.
But while it’s certainly an aesthetic boost on any kitchen countertop, what really matters is what lies beneath that shiny plastic and metal exterior.
Don’t be fooled by the old-school glam because Illy incorporated their advanced capsule brewing technology into the mix. Not only does this make the X7.1 fast and efficient, but there’s minimal cleanup to worry about.
Of course, capsules aren’t the miracle the coffee world clamors for. While it does save time on measuring, tamping, and pulling a shot, preground coffee will never offer the same aromas and flavors as freshly ground beans.
As well, capsules get a bad rap for adding to plastic pollution. As more consumers become conscious of their carbon footprint, this may not be an espresso machine for everyone.
Still, it’s a quality choice for brewing coffee, espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos, thanks to the Pannerello wand. And Illy’s 2-stage preinfusion process ensures an above-average extraction of flavors and aromas.
At 11.4 x 10.2 x 12.6 inches and 14.8 pounds, the X7.1 doesn’t take up too much counter space. The price is mid-range for a capsule machine at around $300, but you’re paying for the style more than anything, in our opinion.
Illy X71 iperEspresso Machine Features
A single-serve espresso machine needs to do 3 things: brew coffee fast, brew coffee that’s not watered down, and be easy to clean.
Does the X7 iperEspresso capsule machine check these boxes? You’ll find out as we break down the features!
40-oz Water Tank
As you can tell by the design, the Illy X71 iperespresso machine is slim and simple, so don’t expect this to be the powerhouse you need for an office setting.
It all starts with the water tank, and 40 oz is not considered large. Although, it is probably suitable for households.
That’s because refills get tedious, and users report that the water tank on the X7.1 is already difficult to detach without a handle.
You also need to make sure it’s reattached properly, or else you could be facing a leaky reservoir.
Bear in mind that there is no filtration system on the X7.1, so stick to filtered drinking water instead of tap water if you want to keep mineral build-up and descaling to a minimum!
Milk Frothing System
It’s always nice to see a single-serve machine that comes with a built-in steam wand, and the X7.1 certainly delivers with a Pannarello wand that makes it possible to whip up your favorite lattes and cappuccinos without having to spend your hard-earned cash at the cafe.
It is a manual wand, so if you’re new to frothing milk, mentally prep yourself to go through a few practice runs before you tame the beast.
One of the details we like about this system is that the time between brewing and steaming isn’t too long—we’d say it takes under two minutes after pushing the button to steam.
Now, there have been some x7.1 iperEspresso reviews that say the X7.1 steam wand is a bit flimsy. It’s made of plastic, so you might have to replace it quicker than you’d expect due to the plastic falling apart from the heat.
You also have to be mindful about milk residue collecting around the wand, but we recommend shooting a few bursts of steam through the wand immediately after each use to clear leftover milk into a glass cup.
Cup Warming Tray
Rejoice coffee lovers because you can warm your cups before collecting that fresh brew!
If you’re new to the coffee snob club, you might be scratching your head at this seemingly minor detail. But you’ll soon learn that a warm cup makes a big difference.
When espresso is dispensed into a cold cup, heat loss is immediate. This affects the overall quality of the drink and how it is enjoyed.
A warm cup retains the heat, enhancing the overall flavor and texture experience.
Brewing Capabilities
The Illy iperEspresso x7 brews coffee, espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos like a champ, thanks to 15 bars of pressure and an internal steel boiler.
It takes only 90 seconds for the machine to warm up and less than 60 seconds to brew espresso.
The speed and efficiency of single-serve technology are certainly appreciated. But what about the quality of the coffee?
The X7.1 is only compatible with iperEspresso capsules, which is limiting, but you do get to enjoy the patented 2-stage preinfusion.
It ensures that every trace of aromas and flavors are extracted from each pod to deliver a full-bodied cuppa with a rich crema plopped on top. This is one crucial way that the X7.1 stands out from other single-serve machines.
We mentioned that the time it takes to switch between brewing and steaming is short, thanks to improvements made to the design for rapid cool down.
You can even speed up the process by covering the steam wand and holding the steam button to flush cool water from the reservoir through the boiler.
This is an essential trick when you need to make multiple drinks back-to-back!
While single-serve brew systems offer all of the convenience in the world, the trade-off is the lack of customization. You can’t adjust the temperatures, pressure, or speed of the coffee and milk froth.
If you’re a diehard espresso drinker, you may want to consider a semi-automatic or superautomatic for more manual freedom, but if that doesn’t matter to you, then keep on reading!
Illy iperEspresso X7 Machine Setup & Operation
Setting up the Illy x7 1 iperEspresso is straightforward, as is customary of most single-serve espresso machines.
Here’s a quick summary of how to get the X7.1 up and running.
1. Out of the Package
Start by taking the empty capsule holder, attaching it to the unit, and twisting it right to lock it into place. Make sure it is empty! You need to flush the system of any debris before adding an espresso capsule.
2. Fill the Water Tank
Remove the water tank and fill it to the MAX line with fresh filtered drinking water. Remember that filtered water cuts down on calcium deposits and improves the taste and quality of your coffee.
3. Flush the System
Power on the machine and wait around 90 seconds for the boiler to warm up. The brew button symbol will flash when it’s ready to go.
Place a cup underneath the dispensing spout and hit the brew button to flush water throughout the system a couple of times.
After this has been done, you can place a capsule in the capsule holder and start brewing coffee, following the same steps outlined above.
Illy iperEspresso X7 Cleaning Process
If you don’t believe that strenuous maintenance should be part of the coffee experience, then you might love the Illy x7 iperEspresso machine. The process is relatively painless.
It’s recommended to clean the unit and its removable parts once a week to keep it in perfect working order for years to come.
Thankfully, many of the parts detach, including the water tank, drip tray, cup grille, capsule holder, and steam wand.
These components can be washed using warm water. Let them air dry, then attach them back to the unit.
Descaling needs to be done to remove mineral build-up from hard water, but the X7.1 makes it easy compared to other espresso machines.
It will alert you with a flashing light when it’s time to descale. The process consists of two phases that take a total of 17 minutes to complete.
An automatic descale program takes care of the hard work, but you will have to invest in extra supplies, such as a descaling solution, to set up the operation.
Illy X7 1. iperEspresso Pros vs. Cons
PROS
CONS
The Illy X7.1 iperEspresso machine entices users with style and convenience, fusing a retro 1960s design with the modern efficiency of capsulated coffee.
For the price, it is expensive compared to other single-serve models on the market that are less aesthetic and more functional.
But if you want your kitchen decor to match, then the X7.1 not only looks good but operates with precision. It’s easy to use. Pop in a capsule and hit a button—then you’re off to the races.
Better yet, the Panneralo steam wand lets users froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes, which might take some practice to learn at first.
We like the patented 2-stage preinfusion process that improves the extraction of aromas and flavors.
It is rare to find with many single-serve espresso machines, and it’s crucial for not getting stuck drinking watered-down coffee.
Rest assured that the materials are top quality. The casing is made of metal and plastic, and the boiler is steel for improved heating. Only the steam wand feels a bit flimsy to us, as it’s made of plastic.
All in all, this is a beautiful espresso machine that delivers above-average coffee via capsules. It’s also rare to find a machine that can brew both coffee and espresso, so you’re getting a pretty good variety here despite the lack of customization options.
We Recommend the Illy X71 iperEspresso Machine for…
Illy Francis Francis Model X7.1 iperEspresso Machine Warranty
Illy offers a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. You can read the fine print in the user manual.
Comparable Products
If you’ve made it this far in our X7.1 review and are wondering what else is out there, we’ve listed some single-serve models with similar feature sets and prices. See how the X7.1 compares!
Recommended For: Coffee lovers who are fine with minimal customization options.
The X1 iperEspresso machine is another Illy Franci Francis model with a similar retro design as the X7.1 but has a few minor differences. While both brew with capsules, the X1 elevates the retro look with classic levers instead of soft buttons like the X7.1. It’s also made entirely of stainless steel, which might be why it’s pricier than the X1.7.
Recommended For: Nespresso capsules fans who want the full coffee experience. It comes with an Aeroccino milk frother for your milk-based drinks!
If you’re more about functional and less into aesthetics, the Nespresso VertuoPlus can also brew coffee and espresso, with an included Aeroccino 3 for milk froth. We like this one because the capsules are recyclable, making it a good option for those who want an ethical product.
Recommended For: Small households. It has a large water tank and brews four single-serve cup sizes.
It is similar to the VertuoPlus, except more budget-friendly. We love that there are more customization options due to the capsule recognition and code reading technology. It adjusts the coffee size, temperature, pressure, and brew time according to the capsule type.
X7.1 iperEspresso Machine Review Conclusion
The X7.1 is a well-designed espresso machine with sleek vintage charm and user-friendly capsule technology to make brewing and cleaning a breeze. It features a Panarello wand to steam milk for lattes and cappuccinos, boosting the variety of what this model can offer.
To conclude this X7.1 iperEspresso machine review, we do feel that you’re paying more for the retro look than functionality, but rest assured that this is a quality machine that can produce delicious espresso, thanks to the innovative 2-stage preinfusion process. It’s perfect for households and coffee drinkers who value convenience.
References & Resources:
- Illy, Official Brand Website
- Francis Francis X7.1 iperEspresso User Manual
- Coffee and Health, Taylor & Francis.
- Why Does Coffee Make Me Tired?, Medical News Today.
- Coffee: Emerging Health Effects and Disease Prevention, Wiley.