Great machine, good value, robust and nicely built.
Positive Product Points
Excellent contemporary clean design, good pressure, solid and well made, stable temperature, well crafted filter, easy to clean, large water tank, low water cut out.
Negative Product Points
Electrical smell (reduced with time), short milk wand, poor steam difuser, limited space for mugs or taller cups
Detailed Commentary
Bought this from Peter Maturi in Leeds a couple of weeks ago after our Kenwood Café Retro packed in.
Had been hunting for a good machine for some time – had my heart set on a Rancilio but very limited in the UK and was a bit unsure about getting on online due to potential problems with returns / maintenance etc.
The Steel Uno was offered at a reduced price as it had been a display item. Look like it had had very little use and was a bargain £250 – they were on the web for £400.
First thing you notice is it seem very robust. The body is 100% stainless and the filter is really nicely made – much nicer than the cheap looking filters from the Gaggia Baby and Classic.
The Uno heats up quickly but is producing a rather unpleasant ‘electrical’ smell which seems to be subsiding. Still very much a novice and finding it hard to get the ideal grind and tamp. Get the odd shot which comes out ok and most are drinkable but still a long way off before getting consistent results. Problem seems like sit with my grinder - Starbuck's Barista just doesn't produce a fine enough grind. I am replacing this with an Iberital and will update this review with the results.
Another issue is that the puck comes out with one or two crators which I suspect is a result of the steam difuser not doing it's job properly. Again I will address this once I have sorted out the grind.
Milk frother producing amazing micro foam but the wand is too short for small quantities of milk. Also has a limited clearance for the cups which, I suspect is a problem shared with most espresso machines as they are designed for expresso / capuccino cups.
Over all very pleased with the Uno.
Buying Experience
Bought from Peter Maturi. Staff very helpful. Have promised to take it back / have it fixed if anything goes wrong.
Three Month Followup
Great machine still performing well. Dialed in the new grinder and producing fantastic extractions with thick crema. Electrical smell almost completely gone. Pucks come out pitted from the steam difuser - living with it. Very happy with it.
