1) Good Value for the money. 2) Has very pleasing look. 3) Makes good coffee
Negative Product Points
1) Pressurized portafilter prevents making of espresso with real crema. Pressurization is done via filter basket.
Detailed Commentary
I bought this machine to be used in my office. For the past three month, I typically pull 2-3 shots a day. It has pressurized proafilter. Hence, what you get is not truly espresso. However, with good grind and beans, you can get good shot of coffee with complex aroma/flavor; not bitter or sour. It certainly can accomplish better shot than any of cafe-want-a-be chain you can name.
I believe the pressurized filter basket is 49mm. I Don't know whether pre-millennium P68 filter basket will fit this model or not.
I typically allow 10~15 minutes of heating and run hot water through before starting. Group head seems to keep portafilter reasonably warm; comparing to other low end machines that I know. Resulting puck is wet with grind bath in the liquid. However, the puck stay intact and packed in the filter basket; not soupy like some other pressurized machine I used before. With the right grind and beans, I can pull shots that are not bitter or sour and has reasonable depth of flavor. The foamy stuff that looks like crema, does carry some aroma and flavor substance. It's as close to real espresso as I can get so far without leaving my office.
For less than $150 dollar and no access to kitchen, it makes great flavorful aromatic 2oz caffeinated beverage twice a day reliably thus far.
Buying Experience
Typical wonderful purchasing experience with Amazon. I found it, I clicked it, it shows up couple days later.
