Temp is rock steady, frother arm is easy to clean, put out lots of dry steam, very solid
Negative Product Points
As mentioned in other reviews, rubber pieces that support cup tray/lid come off when you take the top off, could get lost. Got silicone at carquest to glue them to the body of the machine. Also the drip tray could be deeper/larger in surface area.
Detailed Commentary
Cannot say enough good about this machine. Came from Chris' double boxed, very well packed. Quite easy to set up and get going with. I had previously had a Jura and a Gaggia so when I brewed my first shot with the duetto it was an "oh {expletive of your choice}" moment. I tasted flavors I had never tasted before in the coffee I had been using for a year (red bird espresso). The Alex also froths a lot faster and better than machines I had used before. The colors of the espresso and crema were a lot richer and deeper if that means anything. The only possible negative could be price but if you want REALLY GREAT espresso, guess ya gotta pay. Keep in mind this is a machine for dummies, if you are VERY experienced you might get the same shots doing the water dance with an HX. Every shots a winner with this machine. You don't need to surf/dance/flush to get it right. As someone else said, how many things do you buy that you wake up every morning and can't wait to use?
Buying Experience
The most important thing about buying a machine is who you buy it from. Everyone at Chris' is a joy to deal with. They are there for you throughout the whole process. Love em!! I went to Chris' in May to look at a La Spaziale Vivaldi. Liked it but somehow it wasn't "everything I wanted". Over the next 6 months I spoke to Mary on and off who was never pushy and only gave me info to help me make a decision that would work for me. My budget was a little larger than I had planned (don't ya love it when that happens) so I sprung for the Duetto and it arrived a day before i expected it. Since buying it, I have called service and Mary with little questions/concerns and they have been VERY helpful. They are the only people I would EVER buy a machine from.
Three Month Followup
Could not be happier. Can't think of any other machine I would rather have at any price. I keep the machine on 24/7 so it is always ready. The staff at Chris' coffee has been the best! The level of after care they offer is top notch. I cannot say enough good things about them, or the Duetto, great machine, great espresso, very easy to use. To be honest it is difficult to write a review of the duetto 'cause my set up is so "perfect" compared to other stuff I've owned before, with the mazzer super jolly grinder, I get up, drag myself to the kitchen, grind, tamp, froth, brew, and there it is. Mochas are effortless with this machine. Great every time. To me, it seems crucial to have a double boiler, dual PID set up, makes all the difference in the world. No switching boilers like on an SBDU, no surfing or dancing like on an HX (I know some people enjoy that aggravation), just easy, great espresso!
