Makes amazing espresso, though the layout of the machine could be better. My Faema is easier to work with, but the Simonelli creates the best tasting espresso.
Positive Product Points
- Makes excellent espresso - Beautifull to look at - Build quality is fantastic - Design of insides is well thought out
Negative Product Points
- Location of hot water and steam spouts - Size of drip tray, not much room for 2 or even 1 cup - Spare parts are expensive
Detailed Commentary
This machine makes one great cup! Excellent temperature, mostly easy to use and effortless. However, being a 1-group machine and myself being used to a Faema E87 2-group I really notice that the room to put a cup etc. is very small and low. It's all a bit to compact. As I use it at home this is not really a problem, but my Faema is just easier to use because of this. The biggest drawback I think is the steamwand. It doesn't sit exactly above the driptray. So when you clear it before steaming, it throws water over the worktop instead of in the driptray. This is just bad design. Also the hot water wand is close to the brewhead so it's always in the way of big cups, anoying. The drip tray is not exactly perfect, easily leaks water to the insides of the machine, making it a mess inside. Again, bad design. Parts prices are double that of a Faema, so I would probably recommend a Faema over a Simonelli. But this Simonelli looks so good and makes such amazing coffee, I forgive him.
Buying Experience
Second hand from the internet. It was not working, the seller thought the heating element was broken (therefore the extremely low price) but it was just a loose wire!! Also the buttons didn't work correctly, was a loose wire as well. So an extremely good buy for me although it was a big risk buy. Don't be afraid to buy second hand, parts are easy to come by.
