Very easy to use and clean up. I've been happy with the quality in taste and usability. Can't beat the sales price. Shop around for good price. Recommend holiday sale shopping.
Positive Product Points
This machine has lived up to my expectations and beyond after reading other good reviews. Makes high quality espresso every time. Very easy to use and cleanup. Strong and simple design.
Negative Product Points
A bit noisy when warming up. The pre-ground option is nice to have but you can only make up to 2 shots per load. Whole bean use is recommended for best quality and usability.
Detailed Commentary
This machine has lived up to my expectations and beyond after reading other good reviews. It actually was even easier to setup and first use than I had thought it would be. Before fully unwrapping you can watch the provided dvd instructions. Once you turn on the digital screen display walks you through setup. I recommend using whole beans for best quality and reduces the need to continually load grounded coffee. It's nice to have the pre-ground option but I prefer whole bean anyway. Nice strong built design. The cleanup is easy as all parts are simple to remove and put back in place. I can see this machine lasting for years. I have already told family and friends to hurry up and get one if still on sale.
Buying Experience
After reading the previous reviews I decided to purchase from Starbucks. I had been watching and waiting for a smart sales price. While retail price is listed at $1,200, they had marked down for year end clearance to $799, then $699, then $599, and now $449. I didn't want to wait any longer as supplies are almost gone. You can also buy refurbished between $450-$550 (search online). Not sure I would have paid full price but for under $500 you can't beat the quality of this machine.
Three Month Followup
No change from my first review. This machine is working flawlessly. We use daily for an average of 2 drinks. Cleanup continues to be no problem. I am trying different blends of coffee and found the one touch Americano option is my preference. Steaming milk does take a bit of time but you can normally make enough for 2 drinks in the same steaming pitcher. It would be nice to have a more flexible steam wand but works fine in my confined under cabinet space.
One Year Followup
After over a year of daily use this machine has been very reliable and still makes the perfect coffee drink. My only desire would be to allow both regular and decaf beans without needing to empty the single storage bin. My wife is pregnant so decaf is necessary for her. I use a much higher end machine at work but still prefer my DeLonghi at home. Friends and family often comment on how great the coffee tastes using this machine. I would buy another one but I expect years of use with my current model.
