Great value in an all in one package that makes great espressos and lattes.
Positive Product Points
Sturdy stainless construction Heavy grouphead/portafilter Fast warmup Easy to get microfoam Easy to pull a shot with nice crema Excellent adjustable grinder Low cost
Negative Product Points
My boiler light sometimes comes on before the shot completes I wish the boiler generated more steam and hot water before reheating Grinder cleanup is harder in combi machine
Detailed Commentary
I am not sure the other comments about the temperature not being high enough are accurate. I get a water temperature of about 160 if I measure water poured into a shot glass from the grouphead. But, water cools fast. When I use the grouphead temperature test with a styrofoam cup that I found on this site, I got a temperature in excess of 200 degrees. Chunk the foaming attachment. It is very easy to get microfoam without it. I just use very cold milk, stick the wand in the milk, quickly lift it to just at the surface, then I stretch the milk for about an extra 1/3, then I lower the wand into the milk to texture the milk until I can't hold it. Perfecto. I am roasting green Sweet Maria beans to Vienna in my i-Roast. They produce plenty of crema and a nice espresso to drink, put in lattes, or to make a fine Americano.
Buying Experience
There were a few dents that the ebay seller didn't mention, but what the heck, it was a great deal.
Three Month Followup
Good machine, though I mostly use it as a grinder these days. I am off the espresso and latte kick and on to french pressed coffee. I do wish the steamer was more powerful, but I think that is pretty common on lower end machines.
