Extracts deep rich red-toned crema every time. Heats up and comes to pressure very quicky. Excellent steam - very dry and powerful.
Negative Product Points
Hard to think of any! It does get VERY hot - watch out. Water reservoir can get warm if left on for a long time. I love chrome but chrome hates fingerprints - keep a polishing cloth handy. The power indicator light flickers like a candle. Maybe its supposed to?
Detailed Commentary
Point #1: buy this machine, now! Point #2: buy this machine from Chris' Coffee in Albany. Both rock!
My espresso adventure began as many do, with a small Krups as a birthday present. Then came the Starbucks Barista and a year later an ECM Giotto.
The Giotto produced amazing espresso, so I was spoiled. Thanks to Coffee Geek and the recommendation of a friend I found the Isomac Millenium. I had considered the Tea for the extra gauge, but the look of the Millenium was just too cool!
The first few days of owning the machine were a bit frustrating as it took a while to match the right grind and tamp. Don't get me wrong, even the first shot was great. Within 3 days, I was pulling shots of gold. I love this machine!
The whole thing is solid as a rock. The Millenium is quiet and tight. It is stainless steel inside and out with meticulously machined parts and invisible welds. Craftsmanship at its best.
The proof is in the pudding (or shot) and you get what you pay for. The quality of the shots is amazing. Milk texturing is wonderful for a machine of this category. The steam is very dry and consistent. I always get nice dense microbubbles.
Buying Experience
Chris' Coffee had so many rave reviews on Coffee Geek that I decided to go with them. I had called three local or nearby dealers, but none could tell me anything other than they assumed it to be a Giotto clone. Two of them were actually quite rude.
Chris answered every question and was the king of patience. Their service is great. They know how to ship to Canada and make it a smooth and easy process. They paid the customs brokerage fee which is great as it speeds up delivery. UPS made a mistake and demanded the brokerage fee upon delivery (I paid it of course), but Chris' Coffee offered an immediate credit to my credit card to correct it.
It was a pleasure to do business with Chris' Coffee. And Chris is a great guy you'll enjoy talking to. He knows customer service and it shows!
Three Month Followup
No regrets! The consistency has been bang-on every time. I have NEVER been anything but amazed at what comes out of this machine. I am especially pleased with the powerful dry steam. I'm getting milk texture that is like velvet. The longer I've had it, the more I love it.
