Great Machine for the novice and intermeadiate expresso baristas, Strong, durable, and makes consistant expresso every time
Positive Product Points
Easy to use Easy to clean Makes Great Expresso Great Frother
Negative Product Points
Sometimes the pump takes to long to prime
Detailed Commentary
I had a few different Expresso machines, that were never satisfing. I purchased the Barista after having used the one in my office. The expresso machine is very easy to use. It makes a great Shot of expresso every time, with beautiful Crema. The Frother works great. It brings the milk up to temp quickly, and developes a very nice Froth. I bought this machine 3 years ago, and use it almost daily, with no problems. The performance is as it was when I first bought it. I have no problem recommending this to some one who is fairly new to making Expresso. One quick note.. If you are grinding your own beans, I would recommend getting a burr grinder, tring to get a consistant grind with a blade grinder is difficult at best. Too course.. the expresso is weak, and no crema. Too and it clogs up. The Expresso drips out slowly, and taste burnt...The Pressure can build up tremendously with a very fine grind, and can make a nice mess when you try to remove the coffee chamber. Although if I were to get another machine.. I most likely would get one that is better. Not say I don't love this one. I just think I am ready to move up.........
Buying Experience
Bought from a local Starbucks. The store employee was very helpful, and seemed knowledgeable with how the machine worked. He even told me when to come back to purchase it because at the time they were not on sale and was due to go on sale the following week.
