Ease of Use. No boiler difficulties between pouring a shot and steaming milk. Quality of parts, with possible exception of filter basket. Froths milk easily. Makes good crema and a hearty espresso if you use a very fine grind.
Negative Product Points
single shot filter basket will clog after extended use. I use imported Italian ground expresso that is very fine. Height of frothing wand limits the size of frothing cups. Coffee continues to flow out of filter after turn off. I.e. if you leave your cup underneath the filter basket after shutting off the machine enough coffee will flow out to dilute the strength of your espresso shot.
Detailed Commentary
This is the third machine I have owned and definitely the best in quality and ease of use. My only complaint is the filter basket will clog up after awhile, so you must be sure to run water through it everyday, at least. (even though the instructions say otherwise.) I travel to Italy frequently and bring back packaged coffee I use in the machine. The quality of the espresso and capuccino made with the cafe roma rivals what I get in an Italian bar. The quality of the expresso brew and the machine quality are superior. Both the Briel and Saeco parts gave out quickly with average use.
