We love it! Had been thinking about getting one for over a year, but the steep price had put us off. Watched a "Good Eats" episode on the Food Network, on Espresso...and decided we should go ahead and get it.
Before we bought the Espresso machine....probably spent at least twenty dollars, for a family of four at Starbucks each trip. Now we make our own Americano's, Latte's, Cappacino's and Macchiatos at the touch of a button. The machine is very easy to use....although it was supposed to come with a water filter cartridge, and did not. We use filtered water in the chamber, so we didn't really need it....although when you are spending over six hundred dollars on a fancy espresso machine, it should come with everything it's supposed to. The machine grinds the beans, in just a few seconds, immediately brews the espresso.....wonderful aroma of coffee fills the air, and there is a beautiful layer of caramel colored creme' on top, as it finishes. We are so spoiled now....will never be able to go back to a regular coffee maker! It is a lot of money.....but we figure it will basically pay for itself within six months, since we no longer make frequent trips to the local Starbucks. This machine is sensational!