I definately recommend the smaller machines (Essenza C90 or D90) that are now available since the frothing wand isn't worth the additional money.
Positive Product Points
Consistantly very good espresso. Very easy to maintain / clean. Can make several cups of espresso without waiting between shots. Excellent customer service. The machine comes with a package of two of the complete assortment of 12 espresso pod varieties. Limited time offerings of special espresso blends. Automatic club membership with your first espresso pod order.
Negative Product Points
The steaming wand doesn't work very well. The machine only works with Nespresso brand pods. The smaller newer Nespresso machines (Essenza C90 or D90 without the steaming wand) are half the price, work just as well and take up much less room.
Detailed Commentary
I have been very happy with this machines performance. In fact it has been my experience that it pulls a better shot than I can get at most restaurants in NYC. I also own an Olympia Express Cremina. Although it has performed very well over the 25 years I've owned it, I find the Nespresso makes a much better and more consistant shot. I live in NYC so rather than order the pods online which I did for the first year I owned the machine, I can go to the showroom in midtown to purchase the coffee pods. When you visit the showroom you are invited to sample any of the espresso varieties and special limited offer blends as well as preview any prototype acessories that are in development.
Buying Experience
I went to the showroom in midtown Manhattan and tested the various models available. I was also encouraged to sample the many varieties of coffee pods. There was no preasure to buy then. In fact I used a gift certificate to purchase the machine at Macy's. The welcome package that I recieved with the machine was very impressive. A beautifully packaged brochure and a boxed sampling of two pods of each of the 12 espresso blends available. Within a month I started to recieve their coffee lifestyle magazine and notices of limited-time specialty blends. Because the experience at the show room was so pleasant I now purchase the coffee pods directly from them. They have my credit card on file so there is no cash transaction necessary. The savings on s&h pay for an additional 10 pods.
