I was so nervous! I've been going back and forth between getting an easy, convenient Nespresso machine, or an actually espresso maker. I like the compact size of a Nespresso machine, as I don't have the space for a huge espresso maker. When I saw this tiny espresso maker, I was intrigued. There's nothing like a fresh capaccino or espresso. But that is so much work! But again, reading the posting for this espresso maker, I was intruiged! I decided to jump in and give it a try. What's the worst that could happen? I hate it and have to return it? But let me tell you, I LOVE THIS MACHINE! I was worried about the learning curve, the mess, the clutter. And if you're worried about those things, too, let me help ease your mind. First, the espresso maker arrived really fast. It comes nicely packaged, and I'm planning on keeping the box so that I can travel with my tiny espresso maker. Yes, I'm bringing it with me, because as you can see in my photos, it's only a little bit bigger than my single cup keurig. My daughter has a huge, very expensive espresso maker, and I never wanted something that complicated or huge. But the compact design of this machine is what really caught my eye. The first thing I did upon its arrival was unpack it, take off all the tape, remove the plug, and I looked over it and got familiar with all the parts. Then I read the instructions. Twice. Next day, I read the instructions again. And then I followed initial set up instructions word for word. I ran n it through a couple of times with just water, and then ran the frother/steamer. After that 10 minutes process, I was ready to make espresso! I weighed my beans, I ground them to the texture of sea salt, I filled the basket, I tamped with the provided tamper, and I made my first brew. IT WAS DELICIOUS! And so incredibly easy! From my first cup onward, because I followed the directions to the T, I got the correct pressure, and the perfect crema. I cannot believe how impressed I am with this little machine. I am so glad I got this instead of a Nespresso. It really is easy, and other than grinding your beans, it doesn't take any time at all to get a delicious espresso. You really don't need many extra accesssories to get started. I just used a small cup to dispense the espresso from the machine, because I don't have the cute little espresso shot classes yet. And I used a larger mug for steaming my milk, because I don't have one of those stainless steel frothing pitchers. What I do need, is a knock box like they have at the coffee shops, for banging the used coffee "puck" into. I have to dig the grounds out with a spoon because after brewing, it becomes pretty solid and I have nothing to knock it into. So, I suggess getting a knock box. In terms of functionality, this machine functions great! Heat up is quick, steaming is quick, and this is much quieter than I expected! It's very, very quiet. Yes, this machine is expensive. Until I've had it for over a year, I won't know if it's overpriced. If it lasts a long time, I think the price is comparable to the quality. I am very pleased and pleasantly surpised at how easy it is to learn to use, and how much I missed having fresh espresso at home. I recommend it!
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