Expensive but definitely a good value as compared to lesser machine with lower output and less reliability
Positive Product Points
The machine is lovely, Italian art. It sits on the credenza in my office and attracts even non-coffee drinkers. It's heavy, solid, well made and produces perfect espresso with very little practice.
Negative Product Points
It's heavy, it gets hot, uses a lot of water (between evaporative losses, flushing, etc.) and has a relatively substantial footprint.
Detailed Commentary
After having a La Pavoni EC-8 at home for some time I wanted to put something in my office that would not only feed my habit but add a little class to the place; I read product reviews on here and other sites for months - starting with the Silvia on the low end and the Wegas on the high end. I wanted a machine that was first and foremost reliable, secondly produced good shots with consistency and third - looked good. The other finalist in this beauty contest was the Anreja Premium.
A few notes summarizing what I've figured out as well as what other commentators have posted - It's an HX machine - meaning to say that altough it can be left on "all day" although if it has sat unattended for a while it has to be flushed (just draw a double blank shot) before next use. Another technique is to NOT fill the reservoir past 3/4 full - add cool water in small increments to keep the overall temp lower. The E-6 group "burps" into the drip tray after each pull which adds to the mess, but I find the drip tray easy to remove and dump, and even doing 15 shots a day (for my staff, visitors and myself) the tray doesn't ever get to overflowing.
The machine is very well contructed, doesn't overtax a 15 amp circuit, and though it gets hot hasn't hurt the wooden credenza it sits on, though I do have a large cloth napkin under it. The cup warmer (eg, top of it) actually warms cups though it takes an hour.
I didn't include the pricing information as I got a package deal (as noted). However, this is the more recent Giotto Premium; more expensive than the Classic, and the Euro continues to move against the dollar - so just call a few vendors. 1st Line offers this machine with a 2-year warranty included. When I did ask them, they cited this as the most reliable machine they carried.
Buying Experience
1st Line took my order over the phone, gave me a package deal for the machine and a MACAP grinder; it was on my doorstep 3 days later in perfect condition. Their staff (Jim & Diane) provide unbiased, frank advice, answer questions promptly (over the phone and through email) and don't deride their competitors. Very professional.
