Makes A Great Latte

Author's Rating:

Pros: Makes a wonderful latte.

Cons: A bit noisy and vibrates when pump is in use.

The Bottom Line: 
I would recommend this machine if you are not a pro at making espresso and you want a quality tasting espresso or latte.

Author's Review
I received this machine for Christmas from my Dad. I was quite impressed with it from the beginning. I have never owned an espresso machine of my own, even though I am a huge coffee lover. I have two coffee makers in my kitchen to keep up with me and my family. This machine is a little intimidating at first, the instructions are long and confusing, but the machine is very easy to use. I was very happy it had two filter holders. You can use your own ground coffee or use pods. I decided to buy the pods and make mine the easy way since this is my first espresso machine. You can take out the water tank out to refill it, but its easier just to use a pitcher to fill it. I don't store mine under a cabinet though as keeping coffeepots under any cabinet tends to ruin the finish on the cabinet above it. I filled up the machine with water, turned it on to preheat, (instructions say at least 30 minutes, but it heats up a lot faster), and added the pods from Starbucks. When I turned the knob to brew the espresso the machine was kinda loud and vibrates quite a bit. This was the only bad thing about this machine. It is a little noisy. Steaming the milk was fairly easy also. You do have to watch out for the hot steam and the metal on the frothing arm does get very hot. I use a very thick rag and wipe down the arm as soon as I am done steaming the milk and I put the frothing bit in warm water. Five seconds to clean and that is it. My first homemade latte was huge success. The latte tasted just like Starbucks. I have had a latte from a steam driven machine and they are nowhere near as good. This machine looks a lot like the other Retro Pump Machine Bar 41. I am neutral on the looks, as long it is black and sturdy it is good enough for me.