Capsule-espresso models are dominating the market, with Nespresso leading the Clooney-endorsed charge. Now Italian powerhouse illy is stepping up to the plate with its Francis X7 and X8 capsule models. Look familiar? They've been available to commercial clients, like Le Bernardin, Nobu, and the Mandarin Oriental, for some time. The iperEspresso line (that's "hyperEspresso" to the rest of us) has much to recommend it: both illy's lauded beans and an appealingly, uh, normal design. In other words, it's not quite Le Cube. No offense, George, but the Francis just looks more Lake Como-ready.
illy iperEspresso machines, $395-495, illyusa.com

[Luxist]