DeLonghi EC270 15-bar-pump Espresso Machine

We've only used this three times, but it worked perfectly. I think it would be easier to simply heat a cup in the micro, rather than use the cup heating feature. I have not used the frother. It is simple to use a hand one and then add the espresso. I use ESE pods-no mess, no fuss. Coffee maker is very attractive and sturdy.

• How did the color on site compare with the actual product? Chrome
• Please tell us about the quality of the product. Sturdy parts and assesories
• How accurate was the on site description of the product? Accurate

After seeing all kinds of espresso machines in the $350+ range, and the only ones cheaper being either steam machines or the silly packet-based things, I was happy to find this 15-bar pump for the very low price. I've had it now one month and, fingers crossed, it's working very well. Fingers crossed, because there are a couple of worrying little things: If I make cappuccino and then go back to make a second drink, the Ready lights can freak out a little. The coffee light works fine when I'm just making espresso; the steam light works fine right after, to make foam. If I then want to make another drink, though, and have both buttons up to heat some more water, the coffee light will blink faintly and sometimes never show itself to be ready. Also had an issue once where we turned the machine on without noticing there wasn't water in it. The Ready light never came on, but even after we filled the tank, we couldn't get the machine to heat up. We left the machine off for a few minutes, and then it worked fine. So I take it this was some kind of safety switch being tripped. In short, I'm not confident yet this works well for making, say, cappuccinos all round for half a dozen dinner guests, but I've had great espressos every morning.

• How did the color on site compare with the actual product? dandy
• Please tell us about the quality of the product. Good for the price.
• How accurate was the on site description of the product? Very accurate.

For the price, this is a great little machine. I'm just learning to make espresso, but each time my shots pull a bit better. Still working out the milk frothing. The frothing wand is short, so it's tricky to get the end of the wand into the milk for a proper end result. But I'm figuring it out. Nothing fancy, but it's nice to have a latte without leaving home.

• How did the color on site compare with the actual product? It's a match
• Please tell us about the quality of the product. Good overall quality for entry-level machine

This machine gets used every day and we love it! We've had it about a month now and really enjoying.

• How did the color on site compare with the actual product? correct
• Please tell us about the quality of the product. very good quality
• How accurate was the on site description of the product? accurate