Great for the beginner but not for the serious espresso hound.
Positive Product Points
The Barista is everypersons first time serious espresso machine. It is a good machine to own before getting really serious.
Negative Product Points
An inlaw owns this unit and it is on from 7AM in the morning til 9PM at night. He is on his 4th unit under warranty!
Detailed Commentary
The Starbucks barista could well be the most common pump driven espresso machine in America and Canada. It ranks high in the looks department but there are several issues, for me, that make me give it a general failing grade. Let's talk temperature: I used it for an hour, doing my best to get the accoutrements up to temperature, that is, the portafilter and various components that would come in contact with the espresso coffee. To no avail! The espresso was not lukewarm, but not hot either. The steaming power seems woefully inadequate for serious work so one ends up with a Luke Latte or Cool Cappuccino.
