hate think about how much I'll have to spend to upgrade from here.
Positive Product Points
This is a nice looking, quality built machine that makes a good espresso and cappuccino. It has most of the things that the serious enthusiast would require and want.
Negative Product Points
I think it could have a significant number of mostly cosmetic improvements. I didnt really think about them till I had the machine and used it for about a month. I found a different machine for the same approx price that has some of those improvements. My wife had to listen to me say "i would change this or that" then one day I saw a machine that had most of this and that. whatever, probably not as good of a machine in other ways.
Detailed Commentary
When i first received the machine it was very exciting. it looked great and though i had a learning curve i started making good espresso and cappuccini quickly and improving every day. this thing is awesome and it is everything i expected in terms of quality and power. i will mostly talk about the negatives which are not that bad really but just know that this thing is great.
About a week in i decided that there should be a better way to access the reservoir so i told my wife "you know i think im gonna cut a whole and insert a funnel into the reservoir" "yes dear" then i saw a machine that has a hinged opening for refill purposes. yea, thats better. i have a friend that is doing that for me.
The metal work could be rounded out but thats no big deal.- another similar machine has rounded corners for a more finished look. then, i noticed that the drip tray cover where you set your cup vibrates a little too much. A little silicone or something should do the trick - i'll update after i try something like silicone tape on the edges.
A low water indicator would be nice. again on a competing machine for about the same price.
Buying Experience
WLL was fine. I prefer a different sales style. A little more education and flex expertise would have made me feel more comfortable about dropping so much coin on an espresso machine. Just seemed like order takers rather than sales consultants but whatever, i bought so they must be doing something right. shipping was great and fast. I thought i was having an mechanical issue but not really. customer service was all over me to help even though nothing was wrong.
Three Month Followup
I love it. No problems. I never made any of the changes that i had wanted to make though they still seem like nice improvements. I make 2 drinks every morning. I have it hooked up to a timer so it is fully warmed up when I wake. Just great. Still reccommend it
One Year Followup
I use it every day. It works great. There is nothing changed about my opinion - It's a great machine.
