The bin for the beans is almost flat, so the beans won't flow properly. After every several cups, you have to lift the lid and push the beans over the hole to the grinder. What were they thinking?
Detailed Commentary
I've been using this machine for espresso, cappucino and cafe crema primarily, and it makes them all beautifully. My other half is totally NOT mechanically inclined, and loves the machine too. You can always see the water level, so you just have to dump the grounds occasionally and check the beans frequently. Then just push a button for a great cup of coffee. I'm not crazy about the frothing gizmo, it seems to just make big bubbles fast, like the kids at S*bucks. Maybe I just need more practice. But the cappucino is still closer to what I've had in Italy than any I can buy around here.
I keep a Brita filter pitcher filled next to it, so I can easily refill the water supply. You don't want to have to lift that thing off and carry it back and forth to the sink, even if it's only inches away.
Buying Experience
See 1 year follow-up.
Three Month Followup
I still like the machine and it is still working well, but the almost flat bin for beans is absolutely maddening. It might as well hold enough for just a few shots, because I constantly have to lift the lid off and push the beans over the grinder.
One Year Followup
Stopped working, the grinder spins but coffee won't feed. Makes the same sound as when it is out of coffee. Tried to get service from 1st-Line where I bought it, but they said "It will take a very long time", with no definition of what that meant. Then they said I MUST email to schedule appt to bring it in for service, they won't discuss on the phone. They have ignored my email for weeks. So don't buy from 1st-Line if you may ever want to use them for service, it's non-existant!
