Simply a perfect home espressomachine, and not as hard to learn to use as you think!
Positive Product Points
Makes some of the sweetest and best espresso I ever had, and much, much better than anything I have ever made myself before. Quite easy to learn to use, which surprised me. The steamer makes a perfect fine foam. I love the simple and solid way this machine is build, it is really made to last a lifetime, and it is so simple to clean and descale.
Negative Product Points
This is not the machine to use when you have the house full of guests. It takes time to make coffee on the Cremina, and I rinse and flush a lot, so I can only make 3-4 espressos before I have to let it cool off so that I can fill the boiler up again. A brand new Cremina is expensive - but I will have the Cremina 2002 the day I can make them jet-shoes work!
Detailed Commentary
As you can see I paid quite a price on Ebay for the old Cremina 67 and it even needed new seals all over. I ordered the seals directly at Olympia Express in Switzerland (expensive, but fast delivery!) and rebuilded the machine, which was easy with the help of Orphan Espresso.com (and I am absolutely not a handyman - you can take the words of my wife for that!) It only took me a few weeks to learn to play the Cremina, and I have never owned a lever-machine before. It is not as hard as you think! And there is some great help out there on Youtube. I work at home and I really enjoy the little Cremina-ritual 2-3 times during the day.
Buying Experience
Ebay. The Cremina was in better condition than I have feared. When you buy a used one, just be sure that everything is there, spare parts are very expensive!
Three Month Followup
Still loves this machine. Makes great coffee and no problems. However with some very fresh beans the proces can be difficult to control.
