well packaged, good intro machine, pods definitely less messy pretty consistant
Negative Product Points
quality, not for the purist, it takes very long vacations
Detailed Commentary
I would like too give more details about how the machine performed, but it's hard to remember. I bought it in nov02 by the new year it started to leak( I thought this was normal as a previous reviewer noted). By mar03 it was not working. Took it in for repair mar17th. They told me once they had assessed the problem that it would take 2 to 3 weeks to get parts if needed. I called a week later (mar 24th) and was told that it needed parts so it would be 2 to 3 weeks. I waited 3 weeks (apr14) to called and was told that the parts depot for delonghi was moving and it has been closed from mar 24th would be closed til apr 21st. Now I guess at the time of my last phone call they had not know this. I asked if this parts depot was in toronto or italy, he could not tell me. It's now may 15th and I phoned again to see how my machine was "vacationing". He told me that delonghi should start to shipping parts soon and it would be 2 to 3 weeks after that it would be ready. My repair stub says "not responsible for good left after 30 days" I guess since it has been 8 weeks, so that lets them off the hook.
I really don't know if it's the importer or delonghi who is suppling the parts but to not have access to parts for over a month is laughable. What century are they living in?
As for the machine what I do remember was that it was pretty consistent it's performance. I could not wait for it's return, so I bought a silvia. Maybe once I get the delonghi back I can use it when I travel. Pack it in my suitcase and not worry about it's loss. I do know it enjoys vacations. I will update you as soon as I get it back and tell you how it compares to the silvia and how long it takes to get repaired.
Buying Experience
Bought at a Large retailer as I had a gift certificate. So no real experts on esspresso machines were available. But the staff were very pleasant.
Three Month Followup
My espresso maker has been in for repair for over 5, yes FIVE MONTHS.
AVOID the name Delonghi in Canada like the PLAGUE.
They still dont when it will be fixed. As noted above it's the getting the parts which is the problem.I have emailed and phoned leaving messages with delonghi canada. No response. A month ago I was told it would be 1 or 2 weeks and I could commune with my espresso maker. But either the repair place ordered the wrong parts or delonghi canada sent the wrong ones. So now the completion date is in limbo again. It's pretty obvious to me that they dont care about after sales service. So my advice is to find some other brand name to purchase
