Lovely little entry-level machine. Lasted me ten years+!
Positive Product Points
Price, ease of use, reliability, durability
Negative Product Points
Frothing wand drips a bit when pulling a shot
Detailed Commentary
I've owned my Briel Lido now for a little over ten years, and I've replaced only the frothing wand twice (once because it was chewed up in my garbage disposal after it fell in; another time because the plastic tip was lost) and the drip tray once (because it melted in a malfunctioning dishwasher). Had a satisfactory experience getting replacement parts by calling the Briel customer service number that appears in the user's manual.
I have to say, this has been a lovely little machine to own over the years. It was highly recommended for its class by several coffee geeks who frequented the pre-web user group, alt.coffee (if memory serves me correctly). I've used it consistently, making an average of one latte a day or so (more on weekend days). It amazes folks when I tell them how long I've owned it!
Of course, by now, it's a little beat-up looking, but the pump still works great. Just the other day, though, one of the tiny washers on the frothing wand (the part that's attached to the machine itself) broke, so now it steams at about 50% power, which is a bummer. So, this is my excuse to upgrade, and I'm seriously considering buying another Briel product, based on my own experience with them.
For an entry-level machine (and one that will be used by perhaps a single person or a couple - who don't do a ton of entertaining), I highly recommend this machine (as long as Briel has not lowered its standards since I bought mine ten years ago).
Buying Experience
I don't remember the name of the distributor or even how I found out that they carried this machine, but I had a satisfactory experience with them. Went directly to their premises and purchased the machine at about a $10 or $20 discount, I think. It was a closeout.
