I bought this Breville Espresso Maker for my husband for Christmas. I researched Espresso makers for a week before I decided on the Breville Infuser Espresso maker. The machine is beautiful, well built with Stainless Steel. The instructions were clear and fairly easy to follow for a first time espresso maker like me. It heats up Fast and is ready to use almost as soon as you put it on. The Milk Frothier works perfectly and doesn't spray the milk all over like other frothiers I've used. My husband says it taste better than the coffee shop and saves him money and time. It only takes a few minutes to make it for him. I use the instant hot water for my tea. Well worth the price and makes my kitchen look even more beautiful.

After searching high and low, for a 'Mid range espresso machine', I finally pulled out the stops, on what I wanted to pay, and ordered this machine. I also purchased the Breville Perfect Grind Grinder, (For the same price, as the 'all in one', machine). I purchased both because, I didn't want to take the chance, of having one item on the machine break, rendering either part, unusable for any period of time, or having me pay extra for yet another item, that would need to be replaced. I quickly found out that, FRESH espresso beans, must be ground at the very moment of use....there must also be a certain fineness, to the grind. That being said, getting the precise grind, is the trick, but, it's well worth the patience when, you do find that sweet spot,,, it does pay off. And, it pays off BIG TIME! Just unpacking these machines, tell you that you bought from a company that has substance and quality in their eyesight. The portafilter alone, screams QUALITY! From the water filter that comes with the machine, (yes you must purchase more at some point, as well as cleaning tablets), but it also comes with a set of cleaning tools, a Tamper, a milk pitcher, a quick start guide (as well as a full on book of, how to's, to get the machine, up and running, the way you need it to). It has a huge holding tank, for water. And, Even though it uses a filter, I also use filtered water from my fridge, to fill the tank. *My ONLY 'complaint' was that the machine was purging water, at the start up and at the finish of pulling a shot. This was slightly annoying because, the holding tank at the bottom of the machine, would fill up faster, than I had hoped for (on a side note, when it gets filled too much, up pops a warning for you to "Empty Me" a GREAT idea, because I certainly know that I would forget to check it!). However, step in Brevill's top notch customer service, and they assured me that, the purging was normal ,(the book stated that only certain machines did this purge after a pull of a shot, and that mine was only supposed to purge after using the hot water dispenser - yes that is right - if you want espresso and the spouse wants tea, you can have both in a moments time! Anyway, they told me that after much looking into the problem in question, the Infuser indeeds purges because they want to make sure that you get clean fresh water, for each and every shot. No water stays in any of the tubing, and the machine will purge to make sure of this. If this means that I must empty the holder a bit more often, for better cleaner water for my morning Latte,,,then so be it. Onto the coffee! - This is the very first machine that I have used that actually tastes EXACTLY like a Starbucks made confection! Both Hot and Cold Lattes are just like the $6.00 cups that you find at the better stores. I now use the single wall, double shot basket, and steam about 12-14 oz of milk for my morning Latte. What I REALLY love is that, if I want to make another espresso exactly right after I just pulled a shot for my morning latte, to make one for the hubby, all I have to do is tap out the grinds,,,,place the portafilter into the grinder, tamp it down, and lock it into the machine,,,with a singe push of the button, I have now pulled two double shots in just a short moment,,,other machines, that I have tried this with, have purged hot steam onto my hands! This was VERY dangerous and scary,,,,the Breville machine, doesn't blink an eye, at the fact that you are asking it to do what you want it to! I have no fear if I ever have guests over for after dinner coffees now! It is expensive,,,,it is. Especially if you purchase the grinder,,,,but is is worth it? I say YES,,,each and EVERY morning or afternoon that I use this machine,,,the product that comes out really is that yummy!. I also found a very tasty whole espresso bean, at XX XXXXXX, (it's in a 2.2lb. Blue Bag, I am out right now so I cannot think of the name. But, I do think that, it is better than XXXXXXXX,,,,if I can no longer find these beans, I will go back to the XXXXXXXXXX beans,,,I would not suggest using a pre-ground (although they say that his is fine as well as the PODS of espresso), or a low quality bean in this machine. As I have found out with the machines themselves, (from XXXXXXXXX to, XX XXXXXXX , to another higher end brand from XXXXXX years ago, as well as four different types of Moka pots), they just don't build up the pressure needed, for a great Latte,,,and the Breville fits this bill,,,so why shouldn't your espresso beans, also fit that bill? If you are looking for not only a BEAUTIFUL Machine, but one that actually tastes the way a coffee house coffee does, then this is what you want!