I have been a barista for almost four years now, and I have never had an at home coffee machine in my life. So when I went shopping for one, (for my boyfriend), I really didn't know what to look into due to the fact that I use really fancy/high-tech machines at work, not little machines at home. So I looked into a decent price range and I found this machine. It comes with all the pieces you could ever want, it makes lattes, americanos, it steams milk, the list really does go on. The manual tells you exactly how to put it together and use it, (just make sure to read the instructions and do as it says). I remember reading a lot of mixed reviews on this product where some thought it was amazing and others thought it sucked. I have to agree with a reviewer that said that those who thought this sucked didn't really read the manual. I swear to you, this machine is a dream. Compared to the coffee/espresso machine my boyfriend previously had, where you had to add water EVERY TIME you made espresso and it took forever to warm, this is a cinch. My boyfriend doesn't really know how to make coffee, and through reading the instructional manual, and a couple tips from me, he's learned how to do a lot on his own. This product is worth the money and if you are concerned, get the warranty.

I just received my - much anticipated - new Cuisinart Espresso Maker (refurb.) It arrived as if it was brand new (*I must admit - I was a little worried that I would be receiving some one else's used coffee maker). Everything was packaged in original factory box - shiny - bright and brand new. (All the "extras" u see in the pic.s were there). I unpacked everything and was initially worried to even turn it on after reading reviews of leaky gaskets and exploding coffee. But again, no worries... Just take a few extra minutes to Read & RE-Read the instructions (I think understanding how the machine functions is probably the most important part - just my opinion!) The instruction book tells you everything - from your initial first use of running plain water thru - right up to making your first espresso/latte etc. A few tips: There is no "gauge" that will shut off (like the cheaper models) so - you need to do a few "test runs" of making one cup at a time... (get decaf - this way you can taste each one as u go along and will still be able to sleep at night :) Once you are confident with knowing how much liquid/espresso should be in your cup all u need to do is shut off the machine (it really is that simple). Making the "foam" is the same; I tested a few times ---- and was able to see how quickly the milk doubled and tripled. When I was comfortable with all the knobs, water & coffee levels - I worked on my "tamping pressure". TEST - TEST - TEST: Test the "Tamping" - meaning - put a scoop of coffee in the supplied tin - holding the lever in one hand - press the coffee down firmly with the supplied tool (flat end) repeating approx. 3 times (FYI: The directions call for "30 pounds of pressure" (What???-- That was questionably to me - who would possibly know how hard 30 pounds of pressure is ???) By testing - I was able to tamp it down firmly - then lightly touch the top of the coffee - if it still feels loose - tamp again - u should end up with a fairly hard surface--- Once you have the technique (and confidence down ) it starts to seem very easy & self explanatory. After - all of the above (which took me about a half hour to learn the knobs/noises/feel of everything), I made my first "real" cup of cappuccino ---- IT WAS FABULOUS!!! It was worth the wait and I am sure my pocketbook will starting feeling the rewards as well... I hope u enjoy your new espresso machine as much as I am sure we will !!! Good Luck & Enjoy!!!!

Purchased for the wife. Based on previous reviews, she was advised to follow the instructions carefully. There have been no problems and the unit functions as advertised. The wife enjoys it. Many other units available at much higher prices. This unit does well for small household. Not being Starbucks, we don't use it all day long, every day.

I have had the Cuisinart espresso maker for about 2 weeks now and I love it so far. It took some practice but once I got the technique right, it makes lovely espresso. I've been enjoying coffee shop quality lattes every morning.

I would like to take this opportunity to provide my experience. I purchased a refurbished EM-100FR espresso maker. It made great espresso, but it leaked (from the bottom slowly at night), so I returned it. There was no issue with making espresso. Overstock accepted it back with no questions asked and I got my refund. I since have purchased the exact same model new elsewhere because I decided not to go with another refurbished model again, no other reason. Otherwise I think this is a good espresso machine for the price. Re: the reviews citing defective espresso cups....I thought they were defective....but they are NOT defective. Espresso as I have learned is brewed under high pressure but a reduced temperature compared to drip coffee. This is responsible for the taste of espresso. The single small brew hole that you think is defective is actually the way it is supposed to be. The espresso machine pumps the hot water to high pressure and forces it through that little hole. You don't think that it can but it does! If you use too fine coffee grinds, then the espresso cup will become clogged and it will not work. Soaking it overnight in soapy water will solve it. This is not a problem with the espresso cup design. Several top end models of espresso machines use the exact same cup this one does. I also have not had any issues with the steaming wand being too short. It works quite fine for me.