illy X1 Espresso and Coffee maker – steeped in rich history

illy X1 Espresso Machine, 13 x 9.8 x 10.60, Stainless
  • illy x1 anniversary Espresso and coffee capsule machine in Stainless steel
  • Easy capsule operation for Espresso or brewed Coffee. Compatible with illy iperEspresso capsules only
  • Automated Coffee shut off for controlled volume
  • Steam wand froths milk for cappuccino and lattes and heats water for tea and hot chocolate

To own an Illy espresso machine is to own a piece of coffee history.

first-illy-cafe-by-Franceso-illy-1933

Francesco Illy, who founded the company in the early 1930’s, developed what he called the “illeta” in 1935. This was the early blueprint for what we know today as the modern espresso machine, and it earned the patent for the first espresso machine to use an automatic water dosing with high pressure.

Francesco-Illy-invented-the-first-espresso-machine-in-1935

Flash to the future, and the iconic original X1 machine was designed in 1996 by Luca Trazzi. It is this design that has been updated as of 2016 as the Illy X1 Anniversary Espresso & Coffee machine.

illy-X1-espresso-machine-steeped-in-heritage-and-tradition

As such, the Illy X1 Anniversary Espresso & Coffee Machine is steeped in heritage and tradition from every aspect of its design to the taste of its iperEspresso pod espresso shots – heralded as the best tasting pod espresso on the market.

The Illy X1 stands out against the competition as having the most authentic espresso experience from an automatic machine. Why? Because of its patented extraction process – creates beautiful genuine crema atop a rich and flavorful shot of espresso.

Ironically, the machine is great for beginners, but might be best appreciated by coffee aficionados who understand what a great espresso drink tastes like. If you’re an espresso expert with a busy lifestyle, this might be an automatic espresso machine you’d consider. Obtain simplicity, but don’t compromise on authenticity – Live happilly!

illy-live-happily-tagline

What we love about the Illy X1 Espresso Machine:

  • Unique Retro-future Design that Stands out in any Kitchen.
  • All-Metal Sturdy Construction, Sleek Stainless-Steel Design.
  • Professional 15-bar Pressure.
  • Best Quality Espresso Shot from an Automatic Machine.
  • Authentic Crema from Extraction Process, not Machine-Generated.
  • Ability to Pull Drip-style Coffee with iper Coffee Pods.
  • Pull Ristretto, Espresso, or Lungo shots.
  • Convenient Removable Stand to Avoid Splatter into Small Cups.
  • Steam Wand that can Froth or Retrieve Hot Water.
illy-X1-espresso-machine-pulls-ristretto-espresso-lungo-shots

 Note : illy has an easy and guilt-free recycle program for iper pods.

Retro-Futuristic Design of illy X1:

This iperEspresso machine rounds out the original design of its 1996 predecessor to create a first on the market machine to take on a retro-future aesthetic, which is experiencing a surge in popularity in recent years.

Striking a balance between familiar nostalgic design and an out-of-this-world futuristic look, makes any guest turn their head when they see the Illy X1 sitting on your counter.

This is especially true of the stainless-steel model, but the machine also comes in red, as well as a black cast iron.

illy X1 Espresso & Coffee Machine Red
illy X1 Espresso & Coffee Machine Stainless-steel
illy X1 Espresso & Coffee Machine Black
illy X1 Espresso Machine, 13 x 9.8 x 10.60, Red
illy X1 Espresso Machine, 13 x 9.8 x 10.60, Stainless
illy X1 Espresso Machine, 13 x 9.8 x 10.60, Black
$548.81
$499.93
Price not available
illy X1 Espresso & Coffee Machine Red
illy X1 Espresso Machine, 13 x 9.8 x 10.60, Red
$548.81
illy X1 Espresso & Coffee Machine Stainless-steel
illy X1 Espresso Machine, 13 x 9.8 x 10.60, Stainless
$499.93
illy X1 Espresso & Coffee Machine Black
illy X1 Espresso Machine, 13 x 9.8 x 10.60, Black
Price not available

The Illy X1 iperEspresso Anniversary Espresso & Coffee machine is a sturdy 20 pounds – boasting an all-metal body with quality stainless steel finishes.

Though, you’ll want to make sure you have space for it on your counter or coffee bar. Its dimensions are 10.6 (w) x 9.8 (d) x 13 (h).

The Illy X1 machine has a sidelong oval shape at the top with its controls and a retro dial that rises as the machine heats up.

Rather than standard buttons, Illy’s designers opted for switches akin to what you might see in an airplane or spaceship.

The machine’s body tapers down into a square platform with a bottom drawer to remove any drip.

Illy-X1-espresso-coffee-machine-all-metal-construction

On the roof of the machine is a circular stainless-steel railing.

It keeps cups from falling off the edge, should you choose to store them on top to heat up for that perfect cup of joe.

illy-X1-espresso-machine-roof-is-a-circular-stainless-steel-railing

For espresso, the machine comes with a little stand to bring your espresso cup closer to the top to avoid splatter.

The distance between the bottom and the top allows for a decent size mug (4.5-inch-tall Illy mugs fit great with another inch to spare), should you choose to use a single serve coffee pod.

illy-X1-espresso-machine-includes-a-stand-to-avoid-splatter

Features & Performance of the illy X1:

Take the Hassle out of Making Great Coffee Beverages at Home

Even having used a manual machine for many years, it still takes me a good 8-10 minutes from prep to completion on any drink that requires an espresso and steamed milk.

With the Illy X1, that time is cut to just 2-3 minutes at most.

Turn on the machine, pop in your pod, and wait about 15 seconds for it to heat up, and you can pull a shot in about 20 seconds.

Steam your milk while it’s brewing, and you have a delightful drink in just a few minutes.

illy-X1-espresso-machine-pulls-shots-in-20-seconds

On top of the espresso or coffee making process, the machine automates even more.

You can quickly retrieve hot water for tea, oatmeal, hot cocoa, or to add to espresso shots to make an Americano.

The machine switches to an energy-saving mode after 10 minutes of inactivity at your convenience.

illy-X1-espresso-machine-energy-saving-mode-after-10-minutes-inactivity

And, perhaps the best time saver is its automatic descaling cycle, making maintenance far simpler than most manual machines.

Look like a Pro (even if you’re not)

You know when you’ve walked into the home of someone who knows nothing about coffee. They’ve got a simple looking machine that maybe only even makes drip coffee. They probably don’t know the difference between a latte and a coffee with creamer.

Well, the Illy X1 Espresso & Coffee machine offers a unique opportunity to those of you who might be confused by all this coffee jargon… An opportunity to look like a pro, even if you’re not!

The machine, by all appearances, looks like a difficult to use manual machine exclusive to coffee connoisseurs.

However, as has already been made apparent, all you do is pop in a pod and press go. Then you have a fine, authentic cup of Italian espresso or drip coffee.

Let me tell you – it would fool even the espresso authorities of the world into thinking you made it manually.

There is not another machine on the market with such an advantage.

illy-X1-espresso-machine-is-designed-to-impress-even-coffee-connoisseurs

Multi-function Steam Wand

Coming off the side of the machine is a steam wand that can produce either steam to froth milk for a cappuccino or latte.

Or, hot water for an Americano, tea, or hot chocolate with the flip of the switch next to it. You can even use it for some cup of ramen or oatmeal!

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Single Serve Espresso Pods with Authentic Crema

Use the iperEspresso pods to easily create a single serving of espresso with a beautiful authentic layer of crema.

 Did you know : iperEspresso capsules is a proprietary technology by illy. Each capsule contains approximately 7 grams of perfectly roasted ground illy coffee. The ground coffee never come in contact with the machine itself during the brewing process.

iperEspresso is known to produce café-quality, rich and smooth espresso and coffee in every cup.

iper-espresso-capsules-proprietary-brewing-technology

Many of you may also be considering the automatic espresso leader “Nespresso,” but the Illy X1 offers something Nespresso machines have failed to: genuine crema. This is unique to its design and due to its manual-like extraction process. Nespresso has a faux machine-generated crema that just doesn’t measure up in a taste comparison.

Single Serve Drip Coffee Pods

The ability to get drip coffee with an espresso machine is uncommon, but much welcomed!

Considering how much room the X1 will take up on your counter, you might think better of keeping a separate coffee machine.

You don’t have to, with the iperCoffee pods. Though, compared to a dedicated coffee machine, the iperCoffee pods are noticeably watered down. They are more comparable to what you might expect from a budget Keurig machine.

illy-X1-iperEspresso-automatic-machine-makes-espresso-and-coffee-using-iper-capsules

Maintenance

Maintenance is a breeze with the Illy X1 iperEspresso Anniversary Espresso & Coffee machine!

As mentioned, the maintenance process for this machine is automatic. Gone are the days of manually scaling for 30-45 minutes every few months.

Our Illy X1 descaling light comes on about every two months. At this time, simply fill the 1-liter water tank and add the descaling powder, place a cup under the machine, and hit the button – It will begin the process for you.

The machine even comes with some declassifying powder for your first descale.

Things to Think About

The first point to mention is the cost. The stainless-steel model of the X1 Anniversary machine is over $500. That’s expensive, but a solid coffee machine is an investment and saves you money in the long run when you can make quality drinks from home.

But the X1 doesn’t stop being pricier than other machines there. Each cup of coffee breaks down to around 90 cents, considering you can only use the iper pods.

A manual machine might only be a few cents per cup considering you can grind beans yourself.

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So, is it worth for you to pay under $1 for a cup of espresso with genuine crema? If your answer is No, then this illy is not meant for you.

Finally, some might say it’s an odd choice to include a manual steamer rather than an automatic milk frother, considering its an automatic machine. Yes, an automatic milk frother might save some time on clean up, but I just pull the pieces off the steam wand and throw them in a bowl of soapy water to soak while I’m off to work for the day, and it’s not too much of a hassle for my morning routine.

Setup Process of the illy X1:

The setup process for the X1 iperEspresso Anniversary Espresso & Coffee Machine is quick and easy!

  • Step 0: Make sure the machine is on a part of your counter not near the sink. Keep it unplugged for the time being and ensure the power switch is set to “0”.
  • Step 1: Remove the water tank and fill with fresh drinking water. Reattach.
  • Step 2: Plug in the machine and switch power to “I”.
  • Step 3: Wait for the beep to let you know it’s ready for use.
  • Step 4: Remove the coffee puck and insert your pod. Reattach.
  • Step 5: Choose coffee or espresso and you’re ready to go!
illy-X1-iperEspresso-anniversary-espresso-coffee-machine-iconic-design-beautiful-on-countertop

Comparable Models: illy X1 Espresso Machine vs. Smeg ECF01RDUS Espresso Maker vs. Nespresso Creatista Plus:

illy X1 Espresso & Coffee Machine
Smeg ECF01RDUS Espresso Maker
Nespresso Creatista Plus
illy X1 Espresso Machine, 13 x 9.8 x 10.60, Stainless
Smeg ECF01RDUS 50s Retro Style Espresso Machine - Pink, Large
Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus BNE800BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
10. 6" W x 9. 8" D x 13" H
5.87" W x 12.99" D x 11.93" H
6.7" W x 15.4" D x 12" H
20.3 pounds
9.26 pounds
11.4 pounds
34 oz. water tank
34 oz. water tank
50.7 oz. water tank
15 bar pump
15 bar pump
19 bar pump
iper espresso and iper coffee Pods
Ground Coffee or Pods
Nespresso capsules
$499.93
$529.95
$649.00
illy X1 Espresso & Coffee Machine
illy X1 Espresso Machine, 13 x 9.8 x 10.60, Stainless
10. 6" W x 9. 8" D x 13" H
20.3 pounds
34 oz. water tank
15 bar pump
iper espresso and iper coffee Pods
$499.93
Smeg ECF01RDUS Espresso Maker
Smeg ECF01RDUS 50s Retro Style Espresso Machine - Pink, Large
5.87" W x 12.99" D x 11.93" H
9.26 pounds
34 oz. water tank
15 bar pump
Ground Coffee or Pods
$529.95
Nespresso Creatista Plus
Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus BNE800BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
6.7" W x 15.4" D x 12" H
11.4 pounds
50.7 oz. water tank
19 bar pump
Nespresso capsules
$649.00

Design Comparison

Of course, the X1’s design, considering its history, is museum worthy.

It has a retro-future aesthetic rarely seen in appliances.

It stands out.

Of the same token, the Smeg machine also stands out quite a lot in a more 1950s retro with a modern twist kind of way.

illy-X1-espresso-machine-deep-in-heritage-tradition

Both illy and Smeg have rounded edges, and something unique about them. It depends what kind of retro you prefer.

On the other hand, the Nespesso Creatista is an exclusively modern-futurist aesthetic.

It has the all over chrome looks that stands out, but with none of the history.

Function Comparison

If we’re looking at features alone, the Nespresso Creatista by Breville comes out on top, offering the fastest heat up time of just 3 seconds. And, the most bars of pressure at 19, the largest water tank at a whopping 50.7 oz, and the most programable cup sizes and settings.

Even so, the Nespresso ranks last in quality of espresso produced. It’s a much-debated question when it comes to all Nespresso machines.

Does it make a good espresso? That depends on who you ask. We think it makes a fine beverage, especially considering the lightning speed at which it does so, and the unique flavors put into the luxury capsules, which make for a tasty experience.

Nespresso-creatista-plus-espresso-machine-by-Breville

However, many have said they can just feel that its artificial when they have a Nespresso drink. That could not be said about the Smeg or Illy X1 – both produce a deliciously genuine espresso shot.

The Smeg is the least comparable in features, as it’s not automatic. The Illy X1 gives you a good selection of automatic features and great tasting espresso.

Which model should you get?

If you’re looking for a cute retro machine and you know and have time for what goes into making manual espresso, get the Smeg.

If you don’t care too much about the retro look and you’re seeking a super-fast experience (and you’re pretty new to the espresso game), get the Nespresso Creatista by Breville.

Finally, if you can’t help but be drawn in by the allure of owning a piece of the espresso-making legacy and you’re in the market for a fast, automatic machine, the Illy X1 Anniversary Espresso & Coffee machine is for you.

retro-style-pink-espresso-machine

Final Thoughts:

The Illy X1 iperEspresso Anniversary Espresso & Coffee machine (view on Amazon) is a beautiful futuristic refresh on a vintage art piece.

Illy-X1-iperEspresso-anniversary-espresso-coffee-machine

It is equal parts functional for the everyday coffee lover as it is pride-of-ownership for an art collector and coffee connoisseur.

The history behind this machine is enough to drive a true espresso aficionado to purchase this collector’s piece.

Who wouldn’t want to own an anniversary rendition of the first ever espresso machine? Of the same token, a beginner in coffee with a shine for design might be just as happy to own it.

Anyone who enjoys espresso and coffee beverages would be impressed by the caliber of the taste it produces. In our humble opinion,

its legacy and quality make it more than worth the price.

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