Has a very good finish. both the steam and hot water wands swivel so you can use them easily. Heavy commercial quality brew head.  Drip tray is large enough for most home use, may be a little small if you were to use machine for commercial use. lots of steam froths milk easily.

Very large, takes up a lot of counter. will not fit under most cabinets.

I purchased the machine 2 months ago and immediately found out how easy it is to make a good espresso with this machine. The machine produces lots of steam and espresso with no hesitation. It takes 15 to 20 minutes to warm up from a cold start, and you can then make as many drinks as you like. I generally make espressos and lattes, and have not tried to make anything else yet.  

The machine had a faulty steam valve that caused a steady drip from the first day that I got it. I initially thought that it might be just a loose connection but as it turned out it was more serious than that. I wish to thank Reg and the staff at espressotec for their assistance in getting a replacement valve to me quickly. The machine has performed flawlessly since.

Prior to this machine I had small thermo block type machines so I cannot give any sort of comparison review, there is no way to compare the machines. I did not really like espressos that I made with those machines, just the lattes, but since buying the laScala I drink as many espressos as lattes

Excellent. The staff at Espressotec were very knowledgeable and helpful.