If you are looking for a basic machine, that produces really good expresso at a reasonable price, then this is the machine to buy.
Positive Product Points
The unit produces a great tasting expresso, the price was very affordable, lots of steam, and it is very simple to use. I found the instructions very easy to follow considering I have never used an expresso machine in my life before buying this unit.
Negative Product Points
I found the steam wand to be a bit too short, but have found through trial and error the best position to place wand for producing lots of steam.
Detailed Commentary
I bought the unit from Whole Latte Love, ordered it over the internet, the transaction was seamless, received email within minutes confirming order, ship date etc. The price was $215 USD. shipping was free within US, and it came with coffee pods, 2 cups, coffee book, and video. I would recommend this machine without hesitation, I was making very good tasting expresso drinks within the first couple tries. I had never used an expresso machine so I had to learn how much milk to add, how to get lots of foam and just the basic steps to follow. I am using an expresso blend called Valos which is sold in Borders bookstores in their coffee shop, the expresso I make tastes as good as the expresso their commercial machine makes using the same coffee. My only concern was that I found the steam wand to be a bit short, I wish it extend outward more from the unit with a longer wand, but even with this shortcoming the machine produces tons of steam which has given me more than enough steam.
