Put in the effort, and you will be pulling simply the best shots.
Positive Product Points
Looks gorgeous, so you would expect it to be all beauty and no substance. And this may be true until you get the hang of it, and then, its the closest thing to perfection in a cup.
Negative Product Points
Steeper learning curve, water gets too hot after a few shots (you have to carefully manage this), PF doesn't lock in securely sometimes - if it slips during a pull, the pressure turns your PF into a missile, breaking all ceramic and glassware below. Build quality is generally solid, but there is some corner-cutting that is rather frustrating.
Detailed Commentary
It takes a while to get used to, and is finicky with the grind and tamp, but when it all goes well, oh boy, what a cup! And the machine itself just looks so beautiful. However, it's also probably the ugliest-looking shot you would ever pull, the downward pointing spouts on the PF creates Pollock-style designs on the side of your cup from the splash. I also find that the crema doesn't last long - if you so much as expose it to a slight draft, it's gone. The shot comes out a murky brown colour, BUT, what a taste - almost chocolatey in texture, and beautiful to roll around on your tongue before you send it to the back of your throat and follow through with an almost involuntary "ahhhhhhhh...."
I do, however, have some issues with the build quality. While the machine itself is sturdy, its the small things that are a letdown. For example - the glass cover used for the gauge is flimsy. A slight knock was enough to cause a full-length crack. And the hidden bolt that holds the portafilter to the wooden handle is made of regular steel. Inevitably it started to rust , and eventually caused the wooden handle to crack from the expansion. The "copper" bits on the bottom plate also look good initially, but that's because the looks are enhanced with a just a thin layer of copper foil that is glossed over by lacquer. Once you scratch that, the lacquer/copper foil layer starts to peel away and mars the finish completely.
The best way is to describe the construction quality as "Italian ." If you've ever owned an Alfa Romeo, you can relate. However, when it all works, the taste of it makes you forget all these shortcomings, and you are simply enjoying an exceptional cup. Once again, if you've ever owned an Alfa Romeo, you can relate.
Buying Experience
No problems. But spare parts were not available from this online retailer.
