It's a great "starter" value for those looking for a pro-sumer machine with a double-boiler.
Positive Product Points
Enjoyed the consistency and quality of espresso. Made a least a couple lattes per day for over 6 years.
The first Double-Boiler unit for home!
Negative Product Points
The steam production for my Expobar 1 is very poor. It takes about a minute to steam 6-8 ounces of milk. Sounds like a minute is not much, but compared to the production of other units that steam in a 1/3 of the time, one minute can add up if you're stacking up lattes.
Detailed Commentary
I've elected to move on to a unit with better power, rotary pump, PID, and plumb-in.
I had to replace a stat a year or so ago. The boiler over pressurized and started blowing steam all over the cabinets.
The interior boilers' insulation are wrapped and held with nylon wire-ties which bust over time from all the heat.
I added two stainless handles onto the warming tray. Why they didn't do this from the start is beyond me since there were already to holes drilled; ready for a pair of handles.
The knobs are NOT short turn valves, but are about 1 1/2 turns to open.
The Drip tray is about the biggest you could ask for...a real benefit. The fit is cheesy, however.
The casing isn't aligned perfectly and took me some effort to fight with the warp in order to get the bolts to line up with their holes.
Buying Experience
WholeLatteLove are great; I have no objections to their staff, help, and general experience.
