Great crema, so-so froth, make this a good, inexpensive starter machine.
Positive Product Points
Inexpensive and a great starter espresso machine, it consistently puts out very good espresso with very good crema.
Negative Product Points
The frother must be soaked and cleaned often or it simple stops frothing well. And after a year of use, it began to fall apart.
Detailed Commentary
I originally spent only around $100 or so for the Lido at Zabar‘s and it‘s made good espresso and frothed milk. My only complaints -- the frother is leaking water after only a year, it‘s noisy, and you‘ve got to soak and clean the frother a couple times a week or you won‘t get good froth. The steamer has also pooped out on me when I was trying to make five or six cups one night. But I‘m always pleased with the quality of the espresso. The machine is not at all finicky.
