FrancisFrancis X1 - How to Identify Your Machine

A guide to identifying your FrancisFrancis X1 using the coffee handles only from CraystoneShop.co.uk.
The design of the X1 has remained constant since the original machine, so when you need to specify spare parts it can be difficult to work out which machine you own. We can do this by focussing on the handles, as they have significant differences, this then allows us to identify your machine.
The video is my original content and I own all rights to it.

[@BenjaminNew]

will the ground coffee Handel fit on the trio machine?

[@FrancisFrancisX1]

Hi - Sorry, you can't use the ground handle in the TRIO machine. On the coffee machine, the TRIO brewhead is a different shape and seals against the coffee pod in a different way to the ground coffee version. The TRIO handle has a plastic insert that houses the ESE pod and the o-ring gasket on the brewhead seals against this. The ground handle wouldn't be able to seal correctly and water would just splash out over the top of the handle.
I hope that helps.
If you need any further assistance or want to ask more
questions, please send me an email to [e-mail]
Thanks
Chris

[@BenjaminNew]

Thank you. That is very helpful. cheers

[@finnstewart214]

Hello there! Just wondering if on the second gen ground portafilter does the tamper piece have to be left on or can you use the ground portafilter without it?

[@FrancisFrancisX1]

Hi - Yes and No :)
It will physically fit but results will be poor, with potential water escapes over the top of the handle.
The second generation machine was designed to utilise the base from the two-part tamper piece when using ground coffee (and the ground coffee handle - rather than the ESE pod handle).
The tamper base has a groove that seals against the o-ring gasket that is attached to the machine's brewhead. The two mate together and this creates the correct seal and the pressure required to make espresso.
www.craystoneshop.co.uk/x1-x3-tamper-for-2nd-gen-ground-handle-c2x17781025
I hope that helps.
If you need any further assistance or want to ask more
questions, please send me an email to [e-mail]
Thanks
Chris

[@pteppig]

can all the handles be used with every x1 version ?
Is it possiible to use the ese and capsule pod on the ground version ?

[@FrancisFrancisX1]

Hello,
Short answer - no :)
Longer answer - still no :)
This video highlights the differences between the various generations and current models.
The (current) third generation machines are Ground, ESE pod and Capsule. The portafilter handles for each machine cannot be used on the others, there is no cross compatibilty, so ESE will not work with Ground or Capsule, Capsule will not work with ESE or Ground, Ground will not work with ESE or Capsule.
The second generation machines had dual compatibility with Ground and ESE, however using different portafilter handles - ground and ESE pod.
The first generation machines had dual compatibility with Ground and ESE, however using different portafilter handles - ground and ESE pod. These handles are smaller than the second generation and as a result cannot be used in the second generation machines.
I hope that helps.
If you need any further assistance or want to ask more
questions, please send me an email to [e-mail]

[@BenjaminNew]

do you have a video or advice on how to clean the steam wand? do I need to disassemble it?

[@FrancisFrancisX1]

Hello again
We don’t have a guide but it’s simple to clean the steam wand.
The end frothing section unscrews from the wand, sometimes these can be stuck due to build up of milk and scale over the years. It’s best to attempt to unscrew by hand, but if this is not possible, use a pair of grips/pliers (VERY IMPORTANT) protect the metal by wrapping a cloth around the section (three-four times) as the pliers can scratch the surface of the end piece.
Once removed the end piece is easy to clean out. Straighten a paperclip out into a length of wire and use this to clean out the centre hole and the frothing hole on the side of the end section.
You can also use the (paperclip) wire to clean out the inside of the pipe.The wand pipe can be removed from the machine, however depending on which generation of machine you have this is either straight forward or more complicated.
If you are unable to unscrew the end section then you can still use the wire to attempt to clean the wand, it's unlikely to do the best job however it will still be reasonably effective.
First and second generation machines the nut that holds the steam wand in place can be accessed from the outside of the top cover, the third generation must be accessed from the inside of the machine, so the top cover must be removed before hand. Either way it’s a 14mm spanner for the nut.
Going forward the best way of cleaning the steam wand is this. After you have steamed your milk do the exact same process with a jug of water - steam/froth a jug of water. It only takes 30 seconds. Doing this removes the milk residue straight away, that otherwise will congeal and set hard inside the wand blocking the passage way for steam/water.
I hope that helps.
If you need any further assistance or want to ask more questions, please send me an email to [e-mail]
Thanks
Chris

[@BenjaminNew]

that is very helpful. thank you.