All in all, quite a good first espresso machine for the price.
Positive Product Points
Great Aesthetics Stainless Steel Finish Easy to use and clean Quick warm up time Great steam wand
Negative Product Points
Inconsistent results Pressurized filter basket
Detailed Commentary
I've been drinking plunger coffee for years but am fairly new to home espresso. The stainless steel finish looks great anywhere in the kitchen, and everything 'feels' well made. Great steam wand when used on its own (the supplied "Steam Enhancer" just foams way too much too quickly). Unfortunately the pump seems inconsistent, sometimes working immediately, other times it subdues to a quiet hum for up to a minute before deciding to pump coffee through. This seems to be the same for all different combinations of grind size and tamping pressure. However the shot of espresso is quite drinkable. The crema from the pressurized filter basket is weak, although I haven't tried a non-pressurized filter yet.
All in all, not a terrible machine, looks and feels good and coffee is decent enough.
Buying Experience
I received this machine as a present
Three Month Followup
Machine still working great, bought and after buying a Breville ESP4/51 (non-pressurized) filter, the machine has really come to life. The shots are now significantly fuller bodied, more aromatic and taste amazing compared with the pressurized basket. Best of all it only cost $9 AUD.
