Nice and affordable, but you get what you pay for. Machine was returned to Walmart who credited my account. Walmart has no replacement for this machine. I contacted Mr. Coffee for tips on repair but never got a response.
Positive Product Points
Very affordable, has everything you need in an espresso machine, good styling, makes good espresso and steamed milk.
Negative Product Points
Design is cheap, frother attachment cannot be swiveled towards pitcher, machine broke after about six weeks of use.
Detailed Commentary
After my Krups Espresso Nuovo broke for the second time I stumbled across this incredible offer from Walmart.com: A complete espresso/cappucino machine for under $50. Ordering through Walmart's web site was straight forward and about a week later I had the machine. It makes decent espresso, and the steamer is very efficient - even though the frothing wand cannot be swivelled, like with other machines. I enjoyed this machine for about 6 weeks before it started leaking from the water reservoir. Some cheap plastic part on the bottom of the tank compartment broke, now no matter how I insert the tank, I get water all over the place. The machine is made in China.
Buying Experience
Ordering through Walmart's web site was straight forward, I got a confirmation of my order right away and was able to get updates on the shipping progress. About a week later I had the machine.
Three Month Followup
The second machine I got from Target.com works OK, so far (this is 4 months after purchasing this replacement machine). The main operating button is very hard to turn.
One Year Followup
The machine from Target had to be fixed due to a bad thermostat. The dealer told me that he also unsuccessfully tried to obtain a new head gasket from Mr. Coffee. Unavailability of spare parts is a very bad sign. I got two refurbished machines on ebay for about $40/piece that ran OK, until one of them developed a leak. At this price you get what you pay for.
