Great build quality, excellent espresso and frothing output, relatively easy to maintain and adjust, looks very nice on the counter.

Cannot conveniently be placed under a counter unless plumbed, low water alarm is a bit too loud.

So I did the detailed (OK, obsessive) internet search and review when I had the combination of the inclination and the capital to upgrade from Sylvia. I wanted to be able to produce multiple drinks and froth milk in a relatively short time, so HX or double boiler machines were on the list. I settled on the Andreja Premium as the best fit for me, but I had some questions about package deals with grinders, so I asked a question through Chris Coffee Service's website about that on a Sunday. Within an hour, I got a reply by email from Chris himself responding to my inquiry. When people in the reviews and forums marvel about the customer service from Chris, believe them. I live in Arizona, so it takes longer to receive shipment from Chris than other merchants, but I have been so impressed with Chris and his company that I wouldn't think of ordering from a different merchant something I could get from Chris. 'Nuff said.

Andreja arrived very well packaged and protected. One factor that steered me to the Andreja was that while it is hefty (46 lbs), it is not quite as massive as the Vivaldi II (62 lbs), the Domobar Super (70 lbs) or the Alex II (72 lbs). It was a struggle to lift it out of the box by myself, but doable. The instructions were helpful to get it set up/ fill the boiler. I was up and running quickly.

I called Chris's to get some help adjusting the OPV, as the brew pressure gauge was reading 10.5 during brewing and backflushing, which was higher than I wanted. I was courteously directed to resources on the website, and with a few simple tools I was inside Andreja and able to tweak the OPV to get peak brew pressure readings of 9.5. While I was there, I adjusted the pressurestat to 1.10 from 1.20 to slightly slow the frothing. Both were easy to perform.

I warm up Andreja for 45 minutes to an hour, flush and pull two double shots, frothing mild for two cappas simultaneous with the second double shot for myself and the better half, and usually pull another double for an americano after enjoying the cappa. It is a joy to operate, easy to clean, and makes awesome espresso. I paired it with a Vario grinder, and they play together very well.

Among the factors that drew me to the Andreja, one was the large drip tray, so I don't have to empty it more than once a day, another is the fact it is plumbable. I can't say for sure I will plumb it in in the future, but it's nice to have that option available. I add water to the tank every morning, so I rarely get low enough to trigger the warning beeps, but they are LOUD.

Chris Coffee Service has provided excellent service all the way, as detailed above. I recommend them with enthusiasm.