Sturdy machine with great design that is a step down in sophistication compared to a dual boiler but doesn't require plumbing.
Positive Product Points
no plumbing (main reason bought as new place doesn't allow plumbing prior dual boiler) gorgeous design gages allow monitoring large drip tray outstanding customer service different flavor profiles possible due to heat exchanger
Negative Product Points
heat exchanger wastes a lot of water (flushing, water ejection after shot) no temperature adjustment other than flushing ("surfing") and counting seconds wet puck after shot low maximal flow compared to rotary pump (problem for "cafe creme" or "lungos") due to membrane pump loud compared to rotary pump
Detailed Commentary
I bought this machine because I was unable to plumb my Reneka Techno in the current apartment. This machine is beautiful and takes a sturdy, albeit mechanistic approach to espresso making. I have not owned a heat exchanger before and am surprised how it can be surfed to the proper temperature (= proper taste) with little experience. Flavor profiles are different from my prior machine perhaps because initial high heat is possible that diminishes with the shot versus the plane or asymptotically increasing temperature in dual boiler extraction. It also makes it less repeatable. I do not mind too much the need to refill the large tank every other day but thought I would.
Buying Experience
received defective machine first that would not built up pressure but was shipped back at no costs and replaced within few days when a replacement part could not be installed by myself credit card charged only after shipment - nice
