Buy it as a first machine or one you just want to use occasionaly.
Positive Product Points
Easy to use and gives a great shot for the price.
Negative Product Points
The filter clogs on occasion backing up the espresso. I believe this is caused by too fine of a grind. I wouldn't buy it again only because when it finally does give up I will take a step up to a better machine.
Detailed Commentary
8 years and it still produces an above average espresso for me in the morning. I rarely use the steamer but when I do it gives a good, not a great foam. When I bought this machine it was what I could afford and I don't regret it one bit. I would recommend this machine to anyone thinking of buying a machine for the first time. I see many machines on people's counter top and they either don't use it or don't know how to. By buying this machine if it is not used it can always be resold with little loss.
Buying Experience
Bought it on sale at a Starbucks, I knew it was a Saeco and they had a good reputation for this machine.
