Solidly built, plumbable, E-61 group head, pressure gauges, quiet (rotary pump), consistent, trouble-free. What more could someone want? Bought from Chris' Coffee Service. Great place to satisfy your coffee obsessions.
Negative Product Points
Maybe it's because I haven't had this machine long enough but as of now, I simply can't think of any negative points.
Detailed Commentary
I plumbed the supply for this machine, connecting it to a water filtration system. I didn't plum the drain. I don't see why one would do that. You still have to clean out the drain pan out from time to time. Disconnecting the drain hose would just make that job harder.
When I learned about bottomless portafilters, I modified mine to be bottomless. Don't try this unless you have a lathe or milling machine. I don't think a bottomless portafilter improves the coffee, but it just seems that the two spouts are unnecessary, especially since I always draw a single double-shot. The espresso consolidates into a single stream in a few seconds without the spouts so why have them.
I intend to add a timer so the machine is warmed up by the time I want to use it.
I wanted a machine that was simple (no internal automatic coffee grinder, etc.) and, aesthetically, I liked seeing the brew group exposed. This machine filled the bill. It's a big step up from my previous machine. To bad we don't I didn't buy this one first.
The only reason I'm not rating this machine as a 10 is because, as a non-barista, there may be something I'm not aware of that a machine could do. I just don't know what that might be.
Buying Experience
I ordered the machine on sale. It arrived quickly. Shortly after I got it, Chris's Coffee Service checked to find out how I was doing with my new machine. They are happy to help with any after-the-sale needs. I'm glad they're there.
