Just received it today. After the initial cleaning out per the manual, I made my first espresso with this model. I previously owned a cheap Mr. Coffee espresso machine, but it was rated at only 3 bars. I had read that your maker must be rated at least 9 bars for a proper espresso, which this unit more than delivers.
My first serving I made a cappuccino. It tasted great though the froth was not as plentiful when I did the frothing. But that is user error Im sure, I havent quite mastered frothing yet. I think that will improve with more practice. So first impression, Im pleased with this model and its a fair price.
Update, 15 months later: Not a single issue with this model, no failures, no leaking, so far. Important thing to remember is no machine can do everything for you. Research on making the proper expresso puck. I bought a tamper and leveler to make the perfect expresso puck, you will see the difference with the fully body crema on top of your expresso.
I have got better at making froth, but once in awhile still a hit and miss. I decided to buy an auto frother / consistently makes the perfect froth every time. Now I can make both the expresso and froth simultaneously. Overall, I would say the unit still rates five stars 15 months later.
First time use
Just received it today. After the initial cleaning out per the manual, I made my first espresso with this model. I previously owned a cheap Mr. Coffee espresso machine, but it was rated at only 3 bars. I had read that your maker must be rated at least 9 bars for a proper espresso, which this unit more than delivers. My first serving I made a cappuccino. It tasted great though the froth was not as plentiful when I did the frothing. But that is user error Im sure, I havent quite mastered frothing yet. I think that will improve with more practice. So first impression, Im pleased with this model and its a fair price. Update, 15 months later: Not a single issue with this model, no failures, no leaking, so far. Important thing to remember is no machine can do everything for you. Research on making the proper expresso puck. I bought a tamper and leveler to make the perfect expresso puck, you will see the difference with the fully body crema on top of your expresso. I have got better at making froth, but once in awhile still a hit and miss. I decided to buy an auto frother / consistently makes the perfect froth every time. Now I can make both the expresso and froth simultaneously. Overall, I would say the unit still rates five stars 15 months later.