- Good price point when bought with discount/coupon - Makes a great cup in a timely fashion - Small footprint for those with limited space - Big water container (67oz) - Integrated grinder is better than anticipated - Dual wall cup option good for folks not wanting to get frustrated out of the gate - Cleaning is not a big ordeal
Negative Product Points
- Bean hopper could use a little more slope - Frother is either on or off, no adjustment - It would be nice to add water towards the front of machine to avoid pulling from under counter
Detailed Commentary
The 860 is a good machine for those non-Barista types such as myself or those with limited counter space. This machine was simply a great product to get us started on home espresso. After roughly 300 drinks made, the machine has paid for itself including the coffee.
Plan on experimenting with a bag or two of beans before you get the single wall preparation controlled. I actually found this process fun. Getting the correct grind amount, texture, and tamping was a learning curve but not frustrating at all. As you change bean types, this can also alter the need for grind and tamp adjustments - could be frustrating for the impatient. The instruction manual simply cannot explain 'feel' needed to hone so many variables. Again, take your time, have fun, and experiment.
Overall, this is a great machine to get into home espresso before embarking on more 'boutique' and expensive equipment. We've been shopping some higher priced products (hence my reason for signing up here) but this 860 has, and continues to, serve us so well. If we do move into a boutique, we'll definitely 'gift' the 860 to a family member to get them started.
Beware of older 860's as they seem to have some issues (so I've read).
Lastly, do not pay $600 for this product. Plenty of deals on ePay or BBB (20% off coupon). Great machine but at $600+tax you are starting to get into boutique territory.
