- Delivers a satisfying espresso shot without much trouble. - Large water reservoir - Powerful frother for the price - Fine aesthetics - Simple operation
Negative Product Points
- Pressurized portafilter - Boiler takes time to be ready for steaming after brewing
Detailed Commentary
This machine fulfilled my expectations quite well. It's perfect for the beginner-intermediate who is not particularly worried about his/her barista skills, but just wants a machine that will reliably deliver a good shot of espresso. I say this mostly because of the pressurized portafilter, which eliminates the need for real tamping. It can be a blessing since once you find the correct setting for your grinder, you can very consistently deliver good shots, but you can go along without any need to even buy a tamper. Operation is very straightforward once you understand basics such as priming and releasing steam pressure after frothing before pouring a shot. I'm not really a huge fan of drinks with milk, and prefer just straight espresso, but I tested the frother just for kicks and found it satisfying. I like the large water reservoir and the accessory drawer below the drip tray, though the latter feels cheap.
Overall, I feel satisfied with it and hope it'll last me for a few years before I feel the need to upgrade.
