Look to one of the other "beginner" models recommended on this site if you plan on daily use.
Positive Product Points
Inexpensive introduction to home espresso making. Got me interested in the details and art of espresso. Makes a decent cup, once in a while. Pretty easy to use.
Negative Product Points
Very inconsistent performance. Noisy. Steamer failed after about 3 months.
Detailed Commentary
Bought this machine as a complete novice to see if I would enjoy making espresso at home. Have used it daily for nearly a year. Soon wound up on coffeegeek and found I have a LOT to learn. This machine can make a decent shot but even though I try hard to get the dose/tamp right it frequently breaks through and gives me a stream of weak, bitter liquid. I think the pressure varies a lot. The steamer quit working after 4 months. The construction quality is on par with a $80 machine; not good. I will be upgrading to one of the many machines reviewed on this site that fall in the $250-300 range which, given what I have learned, is probably the minimum one needs to spend. After all, you are asking for consistent performance from a machine that has to deal with a lot of heat and pressure. The best thing I got from this machine is a new fascination with all things espresso.
Buying Experience
No complaints about amazon.com.
Three Month Followup
Okay, it was cheap, but it lasted a year and now I have a great super-auto Magnifica. It blew a seal two days before the Magnifica arrived but it was, in all, a good purchase.
