prevent buyers remorse,spend more money for quality espresso!
Positive Product Points
Low cost pump operated machine,okay crema.
Negative Product Points
small portafilter for double shots,no room below portafilter above screen for shot glasses.
Detailed Commentary
This machine is okay if your not very picky about the strength and quality of your espresso shots,I am so spoiled by the array of espresso stands in my area that after exhausting effort with grinds and types of beans and tamping I have determined that this machine is just not making the grade in comparison with the quality I have bought at stands. This is my first pump operated machine,I seen that more expensive machines had 15 bars of pressure and thought that pressure was just pressure and would have the same results,well live and learn I guess,you really get what you pay for. I want the most out of the expensive beans I buy and this machine just is'nt pulling strong enough shots to make a decent 16 oz. double shot latte to satisfy even the most indescriminating of people in my crowd. This machines double shot filter is too small to fit a two 7 gram servings,13 grams will fit with the right grind to a 22 sec brew time. The portafilter makes puddles and gets grinds in the shots sometimes. The frother is too low and emits water at first before steam.
Buying Experience
Kitchen universe was great customer service and emails and very prompt shipping.
Three Month Followup
I sold the Briel lido and now own the Rancillio Sylvia and Rancillio Rocky grinder,you don't need to upgrade as much as I did the lowest grade of Gaggia stomps all over the weak Briel lido.
