Briel Versatile Due

I bought this machine approx 10 years ago having read Which's positive review. In that time I have not had a moment's problem and it continues to make excellent coffee. I use filtered water (8.5p per litre) to avoid scaling.

I have had my Versatile duo for years now with out a problem - excelent machine, worried i can not buy another if it ever breaks if it has been discontinued!!!!

Well worth the money.

Can not comment on serivce/support as i have not used them. However Harrods mail order provided a very good service on this product.

Had mine for over 3 years, never had a problem with it. Makes excellent coffee with fine crema, and the milk frother does a great job once you get the technique right. Can't rate service & support because it's never needed any. The only minor hassle is keeping it clean and descaling regularly - but all these machines need that.

A little perspective. Actually it really is one of the best out there!!

Markham Aldridge's review of the November 7, 2010 12:40:90pm

Ok, I have now had this machine for 3 1/2 years. So think i am probably qualified to write a meaningful review. To address some of the comments made on other reviews. Ok yes it is true that Fairfax are no longer uk agents for Briel. And there is as far as i am aware no one else in the U.K. That being said, with any of the problems i have had i have dealt direct with Briel in Portugal (Talking Skype out on the telephone with them at less than 1p a minute). They have been brilliant and sorted out things promptly and without any fuss. sending spare seals and metal frother replacement by return post. Also given good advise on de scaling periodically and how and and how often to do it. I live in a hard water area and any pump action espresso machine is very prone to calcification over time and it is vital on any machine to use de-calcified water. ( I use water from a Britta Maxtra water filter (the one that de calcifies the water). And also to have a regime where you clean and de scale the machine using vinegar solution once every 6 months or so. This is required on all machines including the ones they use in Starbucks and Costa. So to summarise I make on average 3 to 4 cups of coffee a day for the last 3 1/2 years and it still works like new and makes perfect coffee every time, So please people reading this be aware before buying any expresso machine. You will need to do a bit of work for about 45 minutes once every 6 months. If you don''t it will cease to function.

I had three of these machines in quick succession over 3 years ago. If you know nothing about real espresso machines you can forgive yourself for buying such tat! I would suggest that the only machines worth buying are the Italian branded items.

I bought a Gaggia Classic, it is over three years old and has been very reliable over all that time. if it brakes you just get parts and repair it! You wouldn't bother repairing a Briel machine.

It can be brought for £250 or less on the Net. This is the least you should pay for a decent machine, I've experienced this machine and it is complete rubbish.

My boy-friend gave me this coffee-machine as a present a year ago. I drink espresso almostevery day - two or even moor cups. And do love it! It makes very good espresso with strong dark-brown crema. I used to work in a cafe as a waitress and I had a possability to become a barista, but didn't want to get involved in all this snobbish barista-business. I thougt, it was too complicated - but now I have my Versatile Due at home and have no p;roblems with preparing very good coffee! I feel so, as if I were a real barista!

First machine never really worked properly. Was replaced without any argument. Second machine arrived in pieces!! Third machine worked beautifully and made fantastic coffee but after 2 years it has given up the ghost. Was used to make one cup per day and was regularly descaled.

Would never buy another!

always been rubbish it sort of used to work then packed up never be tempted to buy one

I love my coffee machine this is my second. It makes fantastic foamy coffee.

I would have no other coffee machine.

i just got my Briel Versatile C9 from ebay for 600. the price was right. now that i have had it for a week here are my comments. first of all, it will not replace going to a coffee shop and sitting outside and enjoying a nice latte while people watching. So there is no money to be saved if you think you are going to stay home and get the same quality coffee, not to mention the experience of going out. the coffee it makes is not great. first of all it is lukewarm. even on its hottest setting, i need to put the cappuccino in the microwave. this seems ridiculous. based on what i have read and lack of quality in its construction, i dont expect it to last a very long time..and thus i wouldnt recommend getting one. my advise is ..when home...drink a nice cup of coffee made in a french press. when you want a latte...get off your ass and go out and make an event out of it.