A good value, mid-level entry point to good espresso
Positive Product Points
Good looking, sturdy and versatile machine which gives good pump pressure, holds a lot of water, and gets up to temperature fast.
Negative Product Points
The screen through which the hot water passes to the ground coffee gets clogged and has to be cleaned pretty regularly or you‘ll get leaking from the handle onto your counter, plus poor crema. Also, steam is weak and needs an enhancer.
Detailed Commentary
This was probably a $350 purchase at Starbucks over ten years ago, and has been my primary espresso machine since. It has been fairly reliable in making consistently hot, crema-filled espresso. I would say that the average $30 stove top steamer makes better milk froth, however; that‘s true even with one of those rubber-tipped enhancers added. Can‘t say I‘ve been displeased, although I am now looking to move up.
