I'm very happy with this machine and with the espresso I get routinely from the grounds it producess in my Gaggia semi-auto.
Positive Product Points
Grinds grounds fine enough for my Gaggia semi-auto and with consistency. Easy to use.
Negative Product Points
Lack of fine control on timer for short times and the difficulty in estimating small volumes of beans makes it hard to grind beans for one pull only by relying on the machine. If you're fuzzy, you'll have to either measure your beans or deal with excess going to waste if you're pulling for one or adding more and grinding again when you undershoot.
Detailed Commentary
My Solis machine says "Strada" and not "Barrista" on it, but I have read that it is the same machine. I bought it refurbished, so I can't speak to quality control and the liability of getting a lemon, only what a factory re-certified machine is able to do. It does the job. I can only compare it to grinding my own with a Greek/Turkish mill, which was a chore, a low-end Capresso, which didn't grind finely enough, and grinding at the machines grocery stores have beside the bins of bulk coffee, which do a similar job if they're in tune, but grind unevenly and unpredictably when they're not. Grinding on the spot makes for such nicer espresso. The machine is loud--about equally so and for equally long as pulling a shot.
Buying Experience
I bought mine super-cheap and without hassle on Ebay as a factory "refurb." I was so pleased I bought a second one as a gift.
