I bought this machine for my husband a year ago. We returned to the US after many years in Europe and the thought of bad coffee was almost a deal breaker. While a bit disconcerting at first (for me), I found that making a good espresso and capuccio was, in reality, quite easy. Solidly built, attractive (as one would expect from an Italian machine), and easy to drive.
Negative Product Points
Occasionally makes loud noises waking up the wee ones in the early hours of a cold winter morning. In summer, heats up an already hot kitchen.
Detailed Commentary
As neophytes, this espresso machine has been terrific. We have generally worked backward from what we know and like to what we can deliver at home. Although it was a bit daunting at first, we have produced some excellent results in a very short time. Depending on the crowd, we make high quality short and long coffees. We can do multiple hot beverages in rapid succession - espresso, cappuccino, hot chocolate, tea, hot toddies- the pressure and heat are fantastic. We are still experimenting with the right beans, but have had some very, very good coffee. We are still using the carafe, but expect to plumb the maching when we re-hab the kitchen. I think the Andreja is an excellent investment.
Buying Experience
I bought this machine from Chris' Coffee. It came within 3 days. The packing was robust and the machine was delivered in flawless order. At the same time I bought a Mini Mazer, which also arrived in perfect condition (and yes, it tosses grinds to the left as reviewed & predicted). I did not have an occasion to follow up with Chris' Coffee, as everything was in great order. They have followed up with me a couple of times and I suspect if something had gone wrong that they would have been accomodating and worked hard to resolve the issues.
