The Francis! Francis! X3 Machine (FF!! X3 for the purposes of this review) is a machine squarely targeted at the espresso liker or lover who wants a fashionable, functional, yet small machine for the home, condo, or apartment.

It definitely is a small machine, with a total height, with cups, at 13.5 inches (34cm), and under 7 inches (17cm) at it's widest point. It has a narrow profile with controls located on a sloping side, and it can be operated from the front or the side of the unit, or even on an angle.

Stylistically, the machine is beautiful. We are evaluating the brushed stainless steel model, which has a premium of $50 over the normal model; however, the $349 models are just as beautiful looking as the one we're evaluating.

Functionally, there are some good points and some not so good points that one can observe before even using the machine (note, more good and bad points became evident upon actual use). As far as the good goes,

• Surprisingly large cup warming tray on top that can hold six espresso cups comfortably and even has room left over for a tamper
  
• Switches on the right side of the machine look solid
  
• Weight is okay for a machine of this size
  
• Power plug unattaches from the machine itself, easing packing and movement of the machine
  
• Finish of the machine, including fit, looks great
  
  

For the not so good, again from a strict observation standpoint:

• The wand on the right side is short, kinda "mickey mouse", and has a permanent froth aider
  
• drip tray cover looks cool, but the drip pan underneath is shallow
  
• Big steaming dial seems a bit shaky, flimsy
  
• Indicator lights are almost impossible to see under florescent light; under incandescent light or daylight, you can barely see them
  
• Water reservoir looks a bit shallow
  
  

Again, this is just how the machine looks - we haven't even used it yet at this point, but we're about to get into that. The next section deals with the machine's specifications.

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