If a machine like this which generally costs 200 dollars can produce a shot as good or better than Starbucks or other espresso bars, I can't imagine why anyone would want a really expensive machine.
Positive Product Points
very sturdy all metal construction
Negative Product Points
frothing wand is very short.
Detailed Commentary
This frighteningly cheap machine works perfectly every time. It produces very thick crema. (It might have one of those crema enhancer things, but oh well.) It's also very easy to clean & service. It has a very large reservoir (1.5 ltr.). Water heats up instantly and pulls a double shot in a few seconds. Steam is acceptable even though the wand is too short. Appearance wise, it looks expensive. The two LED lights are simple and easy to understand. The Lello Cressimo seems to be marketed under various names. Amazon has them for $199. I'm a novice at this and I must say the whole experience has been very plug and play.
Buying Experience
ebay. Came brand new in the box.
Three Month Followup
No problems. Still chugging along quite well.
One Year Followup
A great first espresso machine. Pulls are a solid 20+ seconds. Like all espressos, there is a learning curve and a few idiosyncrasies . The brew basket clogs occasionally, (I hold it over an open flame to clean). The steam wand is too short. And, as Matt Anderson pointed out in his extensive review: "Find the Sunbeam EM4800C manual from Australia (same machine, much better information)" <This is available as a PDF from Sunbeam Australia . Way better info. I would buy this machine again.
