For the price I paid ($10.00 at a thrift shop) I could not have for a better machine. It makes steam for days and pumps out 2 shots in no time flat!
Negative Product Points
None that I have run into. I have read that the thermo-block clogs if you use hard water, so I only use water that has been run through a Pur filter.
Detailed Commentary
I was able to obtain a PDF of the user manual which contains instructions for descaling and I have done this procedure twice with good results. As long as you wait the 45 seconds for the temp light to go off, this machine makes lots of steam. Given the reputation of the aluminum block, I'm careful not to let it stay hot too long.
Basically, for the $10 I paid for this, it seems that I've gotten one teriffic machine. I have just started using this machine on a daily basis so time will tell how well it holds up.
Buying Experience
I bought this at "Anchor Avenue Thrift Store" in Ocean Shores, WA when they were clearing out as much inventory as they could.
Three Month Followup
Ok, this is actually a 10 month follow up. After continuous use, this machine is running great. I make between 2-4 double shot lattes a day, so this machine gets a lot of use. Everything I wrote in my January '07 review still holds true.
