Works great. Can make shots and steam immediately after without waiting or tweaking the temp. Keeps up with demand for hot water or steam with a powerful 1100 watt heater and a large 1.2 liter boiler. The bucks are inside the machine. The pump is supposed to be the same that is in the Silvia and other top end home machines. Strong & heavy frame. Very thick and heavy chrome plated brass portafilter. Provided with the right grind and fresh roast, it makes tons of crema without a gimmick.
Negative Product Points
Reservoir is a bit small (1.2 liters) but has not been a problem- can do 4 doubles and 2 pitchers of milk without refilling. Descaling would be a job. Must unscrew a drain plug at the bottom of the boiler to remove descaling agent and rinse. Thick thermoplastic exterior is not as nice as SS. There is some SS on front. This is a manual machine that takes practice. The steam knob should only be turned far enough to stop the steam, and about 3/4 turn to start steam. Damage may result if the knob is turned all the way off.
Detailed Commentary
The steam wand has four holes in it and the steam is very dry and plentiful. There is no need to move the pitcher to evenly steam, the power of the steam makes it look like you have an outboard motor on full throttle in the milk. Be careful!
I bought the Rocky grinder at the same time and got a good price on the combo from 1st Line. I also bought three extra double filters so I could preload them and make four capps fast.
