Clear class leader in the thermoblock segment. A good barista will make great espresso with this machine.
Positive Product Points
Unbelievable value for a machine that can pull great espresso. Despite being a 1.0 product with a few bugs the customer service is great from a company that really cares about this segment and 'geek' customers.
Negative Product Points
First generation product from Sunbeam. Niggling problems with head gaskets, software and other areas.
Detailed Commentary
I sold my Wega Lyra for one of these machines. I was tired of having to flush HX machines before I could pull shots and this machine seemed to be the next evolution of Thermoblock domestic machines. For the price (it's less than 1/3 the price of the Wega) it's a great machine. On a good day it will produce expresso better than the Wega.
The machine has a few quirks. The filter baskets are huge. The double is more like a triple and the single more like a double. However, Sunbeam have recently changed these baskets to be more like industry standard volumes.
The steaming power is a bit weak, certainly weaker than the Wega. it takes a bit longer but is acceptable for a couple of milk-based coffees. I wouldn't want to be doing milk for more than 2 people though.
Many machines in the first 6 months of production have had niggling problems. These have ranged from blown head gaskets to software issues. Sunbeam have generally replaced these machines.
The upgraded model is now only weeks away, and this upgrade should make what has been a revelation in Thermoblock machines even better.
Buying Experience
Myer has been great. I bought mine from the CBD store and the service was attentive and faultless.
