A beast of a machine - it does it all - it does quick and easy and it does very well. It is not cheap but for me well worth the cost.
Positive Product Points
Only one in its class, that I found, that had a metal frame(sides and back) Very easy to use and highly tweakable program. Does it all, and produces a good cup of espresso and a great cappuccino (maybe with some more tweaking I can get a great cup of expresso) Easily removable heavy duty plastic brweing unit, clean up and maintainance a snap,easy frothing
Negative Product Points
Cup warming plate takes a while to heat up and never gets hot enough to really do a good job of heating the cups. Solution use hot water or steam. I Would have prefered to pay more and get an all metal exterior.
Detailed Commentary
After 20 plus years of using a lever pull machine: my first an Olympia Creamina (of Blessed Memory) and my second a Pavoni Carina Grande,I got tired of the constant need to cleanup and the time it took from start to finish (a great espresso requires work and time). Many times I wnated a cup and said to myself, "too much trouble just now". I was willing to give up some quality for ease and comfort. I can now have IT quick and easy with the push of a button. Clean up a breeze, maintainance equally simple. If you want ease and good quality coffee this machine is for you, especially if more than one of you wants more than one cup, two or three times a day. Great for entertaining as well. Fast output allows one to serve a sizable group in the time it takes to brew a pot of drip coffee. This machine is overkill for the occasional user. I got what i think was a bargain at First Line - $950 no shipping charges or tax and several bonus gifts.
