For espresso quality, looks, and kitchen-friendliness: buy it!
Positive Product Points
Great espresso. Inexhaustible steam power. Super looks.
Negative Product Points
Volumetric dosing not 100% consistent.
Detailed Commentary
I was considering a variety of HX and entry-level double boiler machines, mostly the all-chrome models. When I showed my wife, she wasn't thrilled about how these machines would look in the kitchen, but really liked the looks of the Mini Vivaldi, so that's what we went with and it has been a great-performing and looking machine. We make lots of milk drinks and love the power. Amazingly good tasting espresso. The form factor turns out the be really good: comparatively wide, but less tall and deep than many machines, which works well on the kitchen counter.
Buying Experience
Chris Coffee has been great. Packaging was extremely robust, an outer box around the inner manufacturer's box. Had to call with a couple questions, they were very helpful.
