1) A well made machine. 2) For the do it yourself type this machine seems to be easy to work on. 3) Makes excellent espresso. 4) Makes loads of steam. 5) Can be plumbed into your water supply. 6) This is a cool looking machine.
If you don't mind the noise of the vibratory pump or the cooling flush to keep the brew group at the proper temp. this machine is a very good choice for the home. The machine is easy to use and makes better espresso than I can buy anywhere in town. For milk based drinks this machine has enough steam power to do anything that I want to do. The machine is well built and is also a great conversation piece for visitors in the home. In my opinion the only way to get a better machine is to move up to the next class and get a dual boiler machine.
Buying Experience
I bought my machine from Chris' Coffee Service because of their service reputation. If my machine ever breaks I don't want a pile of junk I want to be able to fix it. Chris, Mary, and their associates took the time to answer my questions. My order was processed and shipped as agreed upon. The machine came double boxed with no damage.
Three Month Followup
1) Minor seal leak on brew group lever. Called Chris' Coffee replacemant seals arrived promptly. I can replace them easily. 2) One of the floats just went bad in the fill tank. It filled with water. I expect this problem taken care of in the same way by Chris as the above seal leak: covered by warranty. 3) I wanted a machine that I could work on and not send back across the country every time there was a problem. This is a mechanical device and one can expect a problem from time to time. The service department at Chris' is top notch. Granted I am mechanically inclined but if one is not I'm sure that the service department at Chris' can talk them through a minor repair. Who would want to be without the excellent coffee the Andreja makes while waiting for their machine to come back after a minor repair??? 4) Bottom line this machine meets all of my coffee wants and needs. It has only seen six months of service, however, I expect a long service life out of her. 5) If I ever do "upgrade", and I may after several years, I will buy my next machine through Chis.
One Year Followup
Actually owned for two years now. Great machine with no problems. Continues to belt out three doubles a day. Day after day. Can honestly say that I would not have bought any other machine in this price range. Now after two years my barista skills have improved and I may some day get the upgrade fever. A La Cimbali Junior DT1? A Elektra Sixties Model A3? However this in no way affects my opinion of this machine. This is a great machine!
