Dependable, reliable, home espresso machine ... I like it!
Positive Product Points
Compact, small countertop "footprint"; easy to use; heats quickly; makes good espresso, good latte & good cappuccino. Large water reservoir is readily removeable for cleaning, and easily accessible to fill in place.
Negative Product Points
** Instructions aren't the easiest to understand, but once understood, it's a great little machine. ** used grounds storage turns to moldy mess rather quickly ** has required maintenance once in three years ** I wish the reservoir had a "maximum fill" line that was easily visible to prevent me from overflowing the container.
Detailed Commentary
This is my first "real" espresso machine, having graduated from countertop miniature machines like Salton. I did some research, then found the machine on eBay for much less than the retail purchase price in stores.
After using the machine for about six months, (two or three cups daily) the machine developed a leak from the pump. Returned it to Capresso, they fixed that problem and returned it. Unfortunately, they returned it with a different problem ... the power light doesn't stay illuminated. I didn't consider that to be a serious enough problem to return the machine for.
I've read other reviews here that say the machine is poorly designed ... I disagree completely. I've also read that the machine doesn't produce a decent crema ... again I disagree. Another point of contention is the reviewer who states that he can't steam or froth milk ... all I can say is that he probably isn't doing it right, because I've had no problem in that regard at all! I do recommend running some steam into an empty cup to clear the residual water from the frothing arm before trying to heat or froth milk.
I've been quite pleased with the machine overall, and I highly recommend it. I wish it came in a pretty brass finish, but I've come to like the black plastic ... besides, brass would cost eleventy-seven times as much!
Buying Experience
not much to say here ... I bought from an individual on eBay ...
Three Month Followup
It's been three months since I wrote my initial review, and my opinions are unchanged ... it's a great little machine. It has required no maintenance during the three months beyond normal user cleaning, and it's still, in my opinion, the perfect home espresso machine. I've used it successfully for a few coffees a day spaced over hours, and I've made half a dozen cups in short order to service dinner parties. I'm still happy!
One Year Followup
A year has gone by since I wrote my review, and my Capresso and I are still getting along fine ... no maintenance required in that time, no changes in use pattern, it just keep chugging along! Good machine, good value, good addition to my home!
