Perfect Solution for Tight Spaces and/or Tight Budgets

Author's Rating:

Pros: Long life if kept clean, makes great quality espresso, fits on the counter top.

Cons: Fragile espresso carafe, must clean the frother frequently to avoid clogging.

The Bottom Line: 
This machine is perfect to keep on the countertop (not much bigger than a coffee maker alone) and great for the budget.

Author's Review
I received this machine four years ago as a gift from my husband (back then, boyfriend). I told him that all I wanted was an espresso machine that would fit in my small apartment. He didn't think I'd ever use it, boy was he WRONG!

I made Lattes and Mochas twice a day for about a year, then started making coffee more often and espresso drinks a couple times a week. The secret is to grind the espresso very fine (20 seconds in the grinder) and pack it into the machine tightly. I have never been able to use the rubber attachment that is supposed to ease frothing, but my froth comes out light and fluffy everytime just by using the metal part attached to the side of the machine. To get the steamed milk hot I steam it for a few seconds, then froth the top, once that is done I steam it for the rest of the time that the espresso is brewing, it comes out perfect. I purchase my Torani syrup and espresso beans at Cost Plus, they are very inexpensive there. Be sure to let out some steam at the end to clean the frothing nozzle and wipe it immediately, otherwise it will clog up.

I have broken the espresso carafe twice. The first time I replaced it, but now I just use an 8oz glass measuring cup, because the carafes are just too delicate and hard to locate.

The coffee comes out great, I use one of the #4 filters that is not disposable. If you do not clean it frequently, the machine will spill out coffee instead of pouring it into the carafe. Disposable filters do not get this problem.

I have left this machine on all day by accident a few times and my house did not burn down (like my husband predicted). I have not had any melting problems in the four years that I've used this machine, all parts work pretty good still. As long as you keep it clean, it'll work for a long time. Remember if the frothing thing stops working it is probably jammed, just stick a pin into it and it should work again (I have had it happen a few times, the first time, I panicked, now I just be sure to clean it after every use with a bit of steam and a wet cloth).

Overall, I love my machine, it has served my family well for four years. I know that it is not the quality of an expensive espresso machine, but I just do not have room for a $300-$500 machine plus a coffee maker, it's just not practical.