Comments about Briel Briel Sintra Auto Espresso Machine:

Although new, so we can't comment on durability, the Briel appears to be a stylish, useful machine. The instruction booklet needs much clearer writing; since the terms "espresso" and "coffee" are used interchangeably, it took a phone call to clear up some questions.

Comments about Briel Briel Sintra Auto Espresso Machine:

I absolutely love this coffee/espresso machine. I've been wanting an espresso machine for a while, but don't want any more clutter on my countertops. So we went with this combination unit. It has a very small footprint and is fairly short. The coffee it brews is just perfect, and the espresso is great as well - I've used it everymorning since I received it.

I'm new to making my own espresso, so I don't have much to compare this unit to, but once I figured it out, I found that my double tall skinny vanilla lattes tasted just like the ones I (used to) get at the coffee shop every morning!

The instructions were clearly written in a foreign language and translated awkwardly in English, so my best advice is to read them several times and then add a bit of your own common sense. For example, you have to wait for the green light to go on once when you brew the espresso and *again* when you want to steam the milk.

Two annoyances I've found are that it makes an inconsistent amount of coffee, and that I can't get the milk to heat up to hot, so I have to preheat it in the microwave first, then steam it. I am sure that these things have more to do with user error than anything else, and I have not given up get. Clearer instructions would have probably avoided this.

All in all, I'm extremely happy with this machine, and I've recommended it to freinds already.

Comments about Briel Briel Sintra Auto Espresso Machine:

This is the best performance for a machine which must do two things: brew regular coffee and brew espresso. It does both without any stellar qualities: just consistently average performance.
The features it should have (for the price): an auto shut off; a non-drip carafe, preferably thermos- style; a better-designed water storage for the coffee side; a permanent filter and a sealed switch system.
The espresso side performs well for either one cup or two. The steamer works fine (so far - haven't used it much). (A grinder which makes a fine grind is a necessity, though, for getting a tasty cup of espresso.) I'm not sure about the cup warmer feature; the metal plate was detached when I unpacked the machine, and it appears that all the outside metal is simply glued in place.
But hey, I didn't spend the bucks, so no real complaints. This unit should be more than adequate for my needs.

Comments about Briel Briel Sintra Auto Espresso Machine:

I've looked and looked for a combination coffee and espresso machine - this is it. Excellent taste vs. other espresso machines I've bought and returned, very convenient water level indicator, and the built-in espresso tamper is great! No separate tamper to mess with and find a drawer to keep in - the tamper is located right in front, and is sturdy. Overall the machine is pretty substantial too. Two different espresso cup dispensing modes (1 cup or 2) is easy to use and both it and the basket holder (used when dumping grinds) are much easier to use than those found on other makers. This unit is not as tall as other units which I like since it fits easily under the cabinet.[$]

Comments about Briel Briel Sintra Auto Espresso Machine:

I wanted an espresso machine that was affordable but also had the capability of making a full pot of coffee, too. This one sure fits the bill-- in fact, I loved it so much I bought one for my second home. I am a Realtor and bought one for one of my customers as a house warming gift. It's so easy to use and makes a great cup of coffee! Also, if you don't want to use small coffee cups, you can remove the tray underneath and a full-size cup will fit under the espresso drip. I did have a difficult time with one of the options, but when I called customer service [...] my problem was solved.

Comments about Briel Briel Sintra Auto Espresso Machine:

The Briel Sintra appealed to us because my husband could continue to have brewed coffee, while I could satisfy my preference for espresso and cappuccino. Once I got the knack of frothing the milk, I've had cup after cup of tasty cappuccino. It's as simple to use as any non-automatic espresso machine, and the clever storage of the extra crema filter and the coffee scoop is a plus. I like the ability to see the water level from the front of the machine as well. The only mechanical difficulty we've have has to do with the "door" to the area into which you pour the water for drip coffee....the "innards" occasionally detach as we lift the "door", but they are easily reassembled.