Very good combination machine with nice asthetics. A real conversation piece that makes great espresso.
Positive Product Points
Built-in Grinder saves some counter space. Pretty looking unit (Wife likes it better than the "Espresso Gaggia" it replaced) Powerful pump produces mounds of crema. Metal housing gives a feeling of quality.
Negative Product Points
Doser is based on time rather than volume or weight. It is basically worthless. The grinder is intended to dispense directly into the portafilter. Unfortunately it "oversprays" making for a bigger cleanup job. No matter, I just grind into a small glass bowl and use a measuring scoop to dose
Detailed Commentary
I paid $475 for my Paros (New) from Whole Latte Love. Gary knocked off 25 bucks because it is in an unusual color (Turquoise). This is my first machine with a solenoid valve and, boy, is it an improvement!. It operates much more cleanly than my old "Espresso Gaggia". I make myself a ristretto and my wife gets a latte every morning. It takes about 5 minutes to get to operating temp from a cold start. pulling a shot takes 15 seconds where on the old machine it took nearly twice that. Cleanup is a snap. I use the "crema disc" thingy as an alternative to a blind filter for backflushing. Most of the grounds on the group head get washed into the portafilter. I turn off the pump and some water then flows through the solenoid valve., down the tube to the tray below. Loosening the portafilter, I turn on the pump again to let some water flow over the edge and clean the gasket. Empty and rinse the tray. Done!
