Run Away! You get what you pay for on this machine. Nada.
Positive Product Points
Looks great. Steam wand heats up quickly. First shot of the day usually is quite nice.
Negative Product Points
After pulling the first shot, the machine starts to spew steam everywhere. DO NOT try to pull a shot after running the steam wand, it will burn every shot! you must wait an hour for it to cool down.
Detailed Commentary
Looks great. Steam wand heats up quickly. First shot of the day usually is quite nice. After pulling the first shot, the machine starts to spew steam everywhere. DO NOT try to pull a shot after running the steam wand, it will burn every shot! you must wait an hour for it to cool down. This machine leaks so much water/steam after using it that we keep a large measuring cup at hand to put under the head. If we did not, the ample overflow tray would flood.
I DO NOT recommend this machine to anyone. It won't make more than one good shot per hour. It will leak and spew steam everywhere. this makes maintenance annoying, and when you have friends or family over, you cannot serve them coffee, because the machine melts down before you can make enough coffee for the group. I am extremely disappointed with this machine.
Buying Experience
I have had excellent experience with 1st line in the past. But I am disappointed with them on how they have handled this poor quality machine. It is featured at the top of their home page, and I trusted them. After ordering the machine, I called to report the problems that I was having, and was told by John (a partner), that this was "normal" and he suggested that maybe "i did not have much experience with normal espresso machine functionality". I used to own an espresso shop. I know espresso machines very well. I prefer a machine that does not burn the second shot, thank you.
Three Month Followup
I still cannot recommend this machine. It is not a quality machine. It burns most cups. It leaks every time we use it. It cannot make ore than two passable cups of espresso. It is still easy to steam milk, but what is the point of good milk over burnt coffee?
One Year Followup
I still cannot recommend this machine. It is not a quality machine. I have a Elektra now. The Ascaso is sitting at my office collecting dust. Anyone want to buy a no longer used espresso machine?