I couldn't be happier. It's exactly the machine I was expecting and wanted.
Positive Product Points
Solid commercial build. Attractive in an industrial kind of way. No shortage of hot water or steam. Easy to clean. Well considered design (access for water refil etc).
Negative Product Points
One or two parts could be polished on both (rather than just one) side to improve the aesthetics. The cooling flushes take about 30secs to acheive steady streem flow (a bit long?). Limited freeplay for PF insertion. Water (especially when bubbling in a cooling flush) goes everywhere. The drip tray isn't big enough.
Detailed Commentary
Being new to the game, I don't feel I'm in a position to write a detailed commentary at this point. For now, I'll let the +ve/-ve points above say it all and write more when I return for a 3 month follow-up.
The only things I've found thus far are: it's rather intolerant of updosing, the stock steam tip holes are too big (tip now changed) unless you want to steam a Starbucks sized drum-o-milk and the noise really doesn't bother me at all. :)
The stock PF's are good and I was impressed with the quality of the baskets. Holes uniformly machined.
<<6 month point>>
As mentioned above, the convex tamper has made a huge difference. Athough to really compare apples with apples, I should return to the double portafilter. I buy my beans from a Cafe that roasts on the premises and witht he single PF and convex tamper, I'm actually getting coffee's to their standard (no mean feat).
As an aside, if anyone is in a location where repair would be difficult, I would highly suggest this machine. It's robust, simple and a pleasure to use. From viewing the internals, it also looks quite easy to repair (as long as you know what the problem is in the first place).
Buying Experience
Very competitive pricing, best in region. Great communication and delivered earlier than expected.
Three Month Followup
6 months and counting. I'm certainly no less happy than I was at initial review submission.
If I was happy with HKG water (and wasn't renting), I'd want to retrofit a plumb-in kit. After numerous HX flushes, the drip tray does fill a bit too quick.
I'm finding that the smaller steam tip, whilst perfectly adequate, doesn't seem to have enough grunt to get a really good 'tumble' happening whilst texturing. Thus, I roll and collapse post texture.
Have had a few problems with channelling but I think (I hope?) it's more my technique (or lack thereof) than the machine but only time will tell. <<--Further to this...Upon closer examintation I noticed the shower screen is curved and theorised that PF insertion was resulting in the screen burying into the puck. A change to a convex tamper has had brilliant results.
