Solid Machine, Excellent Performance, Great Experience
Positive Product Points
All stainless (no rust, ever), solid contruction, top-notch components, pressure guages for both the boiler and the pump, large drip tray, 2 portafilters.
Negative Product Points
Can't think of any.
Detailed Commentary
Makes a perfect shot of pure crema expresso. The entire group head and portafilter are maintained at just the right temperature. With the pressure guage on the pump line, it was easy to get the grind and tamp for the 20-second shot. The steamer works great and will steam indefinitely. No problem making microfoam. With Chris' new tip, it is impossible to not make microfoam.
Overall, all of my coffee-acheiving friends now come to my house for espresso, caps or lattes. And this says a lot considering there is good coffee to be had on almost every block in town.
Buying Experience
Pure quality and integrety at Chris' Coffee. My machine got damaged during shipping, dealt with instantly. Mentioned a problem with the stock portafilter handles, replacements came in the mail free of charge. Got the water line hook-up. Excellently thought out, works great and very fairly priced. Even got the new micro-foam tip, free. If you are thinking of getting a machine, go to Chris and get what ever he recommends. Not only will he give you ever last detail and make a solid recommendation, he will back back up his product.
Three Month Followup
still solid
One Year Followup
March 2011 Update: Machine is solid and still going strong. Had to replace a part or two and ChrisCoffee has great support. Added the direct water-connect upgrade, love it! Some of ChrisCoffee's Quickmill machines have nice updates, but not sure how much these help in the results. Have a single head commercial machine at work and would trade it for my Tea in a second. That speaks volumes. The Tea is easier to control, it pulls more consistent shots, and steams just as well. Have made 15 caps in a row and never had a temperature stability issue. Love it after all these years.
