I would buy it again, and again ... if it was still around, afterall the service guys keep telling me to sell it as they have multiple buyers.
Positive Product Points
First of all... Classic old school styling. 2) Professional Unit that makes small amounts i.e. Hairdresser, Art Gallery etc etc 3) Coffee - Every time... perfect 4) Cleaning - I have trained monkeys to complete harder tasks 5) Directly connected to water pipes with filtration (and in garage a Culligans water softener)
Negative Product Points
As much as I love this machine, and after all, most peoples claim to fame is that they bought the first.... well I bought the last one marked for arrival outside of Italy. Regardless.... because this is not a Williams Sonoma soccer wife "wanna be impressive machine"..... It requires truly professional experts (you know the ones that fix them in coffee shops), to repair it.
Detailed Commentary
OK.. this is old school style, so for those of you that like plastic, rubber ... look at the new S1.
Bottom line... 6 years later (and thanks to this web site for doing the initial research), I STILL AM IN LOVE WITH IT AND THE CREMA IT PRODUCES every time!!!!!!
Detailed Negative: Indeed, here is the problem... this does cost a little more and also because it runs at extremely high temps and pressure, the on/off switch has fried its self at least once a year (it costs about 8 to 10 dollars) Of course, some company repairmen know more than others and some ... should just stick to cleaning them (the past monkey comment). Which ultimately means that you need to fit into their busy schedules - thus no coffee for 2 days.
Possible other negative - only because I need to find one more... is the drip tray needs cleaning depending on the number of cups and also if you have a slight leak in your pressure outlet, again really not a deal breaker.
Final aesthetics... truly artfully cups on top make a big difference (see illys yearly range)
Buying Experience
Speaking Italian helps when dealing directly and when you desire the last one available. Everything was good
