Good machine for espresso, not so much on Lattes

Author's Rating:

Pros: High pump pressure, reliability, uhhhhh I like my drinks I make.....

Cons: 

See the main body of the review with Bold Face CONS

The Bottom Line: 
I wouldn't buy it again.  I need more of a Latte option (2 heaters). Once you figure it out....not too bad..

Author's Review
I've had mine for a year now. The initial learning curve was pretty steep. It took me a month to really get good, which I hear, isn't bad. I suspect, as with all machines, the bean type (oils) and the grind, etc REALLY make a difference on the shot pull times. I've boiled it down to using an almost turkish grind, and a bit more than recommended, and firm press to get a 20-25 second pull. Otherwise, it shoots right through. I have an old Bodum grinder that I took apart and did the modifications I found online to make the grind finer.
It pulls a beautiful shot now. Every bean is a new learning curve, but having a good, consistent grinder to experiment with is key. I tried having the coffee shop grind it, and it turns out that their grinders are radically different from store to store.
CONS Without having something else to compare it with.....
The stainless MUST be dried totally when you wipe it. I have what look like rust spots now from wiping it off with a damp sponge and leaving it.
The heater fades out when trying to make a "grande" latte. Not enough to make a 18oz drink up to 180 degrees.
Have to do milk first, then cool the heater down, to pull shot's by turning on the pump for the espresso until it changes from steam to water, before you pull a shot.
Lot's of cleanup.