Briel’s Sintra espresso machine with drip coffeemaker is backed by the company’s 30-plus years in the coffee business, and it shows–this model’s designed to present café-quality drip coffee, espresso, and cappuccino to the home user. To get this high quality, the Sintra has a number of extraordinary features. To start with, it gives you the ability to match most coffee preferences in one machine, due to its dual nature: drip coffeemaker and espresso maker. On the drip side, it has a 10-cup-capacity glass carafe and a nice “stop-and-serve” feature that allows you to remove the carafe during the middle of the brewing cycle.
The Sintra also has some nice functionality on the espresso/cappuccino side, starting with its Auto Espresso Flow system. This system lets you set the coffee strength according to taste, from a stronger, Italian-style short cup to a larger, less robust brew. The espresso is brewed at the required 190 degrees F, and the machine has 15 bars of pump pressure. And it’s speedy, brewing two cups in about 35 seconds. It also makes good cappuccino, because of its steam nozzle, which lets you froth the milk. Some other nice features include its patented Cremaker filter, which provides a richer crema on each espresso, an exterior water-level indicator, and a cup warmer. In shining stainless steel and sturdy black plastic, this machine won’t shame any counter. It has 2,010 watts of power and measures 14 by 11-1/2 by 10 inches (length by height by depth). –A.J. Rathbun
Editor’s note: This item may arrive with water inside from the manufacturer’s pressure test. This is a normal occurrence and doesn’t point to a problem with the machine.
Coffee in the morning, espresso at noon, and acappuccino after dinner. Is it possible to have too much? Not if you have the Briel Sintra! A combination 10-cup drip coffee maker and pump espresso machine, Sintra adds extra features such as Briels Auto Espresso Flow microchip, a warming plate for pre-heating cups, and the convenient drip stop feature. All in a no-nonsense sleek European exterior: Features: Constant 15 Bar pump pressure (substantially above the minimum requirement of 9 bars necessary for an authentic espresso) produces a savory espresso with perfect crema every time. ESE adapted for use with ground coffee or coffee servings (pods). Filter holder and filter basket for ground coffee/Filter holder for coffee servings (pods). Snap-on Turbo Jet Frother, produces plentiful dry steam for a thick milk froth for a cappuccino or latte. Patented Crema Master filters for ground coffee or pods produce rich genuine crema every time. AquaStop No-Drip System prevents dripping and need to “bleed” machine of remnant water. Two thermostats regulate the coffee cycle and steaming process for the pump, with a third “safety” thermostat located on pump in the event of abnormal or continuous use. Stainless steel boiler. “OK” light signals when machine is ready for brewing or frothing. Push button switches dependable quality. Removable 2 ½ liter water reservoir that fills from the back. Water level visible from the front. Water filter on intake. Removable overflow tray for easy clean up. Built-in coffee tamper and measuring spoon included.
Briel ED132AFB Sintra Espresso Machine with Drip Coffeemaker Features:
- 15 bar pump pressure; brews 2 cups in about 35 seconds
- Jet frother produces robust steam, thick froth
- Large removable water reservoir; automatic shut-off
- Automatic shut-off adds safety
- Measures 14 by 11-1/2 by 10 inches
List Price : $429.99
Low Price : $288.00