Good overall value, lasting less time than expected, some QC issues.
Positive Product Points
Consistently good results Compact size Value for the money
Negative Product Points
Some QC issues Pressure mechanism in porta-filter Taped drip-tray becomes ugly
Detailed Commentary
While overall I made a lot of good lattes with the machine, there were a few QC problems early on:
Steam spout is dripping even when valve is closed.
Steam pressure is not constant = low point has under-par pressure, not useful for frothing. Perhaps because low temperature of thermostat is too low.
It seems you need to 'prime' the machine with water too frequently, especially after frothing, perhaps because of steam spout dripping.
Difficult to clean the porta-filter, such that it will not drip brown drops.
Porta-filter diameter slightly smaller than the standard
After much usage, the tape on top of the drip tray, which expands when the machine is use, becomes ugly. After ~3 years of ownership, the machine seems to start breaking down. The porta-filter has an internal mechanism, which generates pressure build-up and then releases the liquid down. However, it seems it never could keep constant pressure and it is starting to fail to release, making the pump labor in-vain. Perhaps it is the pump that lost some of it's oomph.
