I usually like a regular cup of coffee in the morning, and an espresso drink later in the day or for entertaining. I didn't want my counter cluttered with two coffee machines and a grinder, so this seemed like a good fit, and I haven't been disappointed. I make an Americano in the morning (espresso shot diluted with hot water from the steam/water dispenser) and it's better than my old drip coffee with less waste because you make only as much as you need. The touch screen is intuitive and easy to use, you'll be making great espresso with loads of crema right away. On the not quite perfect side is the fact that the milk island doesn't get the milk really hot before it's done frothing. It works fine for me because I like mine on the cooler side, but I've had to pre-warm the milk for others or just use the steam wand instead to get it hot enough for them. Also, it senses that it's low on water while there is still quite a bit left, and if you're not careful this will happen mid brew....at which point you have to throw the coffee away and start over because it doesn't remember where it's at when you re-fill. These are very minor complaints to me, and I could just as easily give it a 5 star rating, because I love the machine!"..." Read more
- Daren in Marin County, CA