Cool steam wand makes for easy cleaning. High-gloss finish makes keeping the cabinet looking great easy. Easily produces espressos and lattes one right after another
Negative Product Points
The unit tends to be a little tall on my counter so I can't utilize the cup warmer, but most other units are also. Very few instructions for a purchase of this magnitude (You have to read the forums to learn to use it)
Detailed Commentary
This purchase has been one of the best that I have ever made. Just looking at it sitting on my counter makes me smile but nothing beats that look of appreciation that I receive from my wife when I give her her morning double latte (Except maybe when I get the first sip of mine).
My wife and I started rewarding ourselves after a hard day with a latte at Starbucks. After a while, I noticed we were both becoming regular customers and were routinely spending $20-30 per week. I had a low-end espresso machine at home (Krups 888 combination) but just could not get a good latte or cappucino out of it. I wanted a machine that could easily beat the products that I was buying at Starbucks. My Andreja is just that machine.
Upon receiving the unit and unpacking it, I was impressed with the solid construction. We moved the unit around the kitchen trying to decide on the best place to place it. We have a butler's pantry that is located between the kitchen and the dining room and we decided that since we only used it when entertaining, it would make a great location and could be turned into a coffee nook. I'll have to say that when we set up the Andreja, my Rocky Rancilio, a Reg Barber Tamper, and a knock-out box, that room took on a whole new glow. Everything I need, (sugar, splenda, cinnamon, espresso beans, cups and spoons) is within easy reach. Every time I make an espresso for a guest, I feel just like I did the day I drove my first new sports car off the show room floor. There is just something about owning a top-quality peice of equipment! I considered purchasing the Quick Mill Anita since it less expensive and almost the same machine internally. However, I am now glad that I bought the Andreja.
Every shot that I have pulled has beaten Starbucks, however, it took some practice to routinely pull perfect shots. I have been experimenting with home roasting for a year now and have had excellent results with just a stove top popper. My next major purchase will probably be a home roaster. (Probably a Hot Top Roaster)
Buying Experience
Mary at Chris's Coffee did an excellent job of answering all my questions and has since helped me with decisions on different accessories. I hope that Chris and Mary will consider adding a higher capicity home roaster like the Hot Top roaster so that I can buy that from them when I get ready.
Three Month Followup
Great experience so far!
One Year Followup
After one year, my Quick Mill Andreja continues to make me proud. It has performed flawlessly for me and I have been very satisfied with my purchase. The only problem that I have had was a pressure blow-off that appeared to happen out of the blue. I contacted Chris's Coffee and they sent me a part. I held on to the part until I installed a direct connect kit and performed both the repair and upgrade at the same time. Both were easy fixes. I would whole heartedly recommend this espresso machine.
