I'm no stranger to drinking or making espresso, so bearing that in mind, I can say that this machine can pull some nice shots, IF you're willing to control all the variables to allow it to do so. Firstly, I'd recommend removing those god awful plastic sleeves from the steaming attachment. They'll just gunk up with hot milk. It takes me about 30-90 seconds to properly steam my milk with the steamer attachment, but it's not good for anything bigger than a 12oz pitcher, since it's not long enough. Additionally, the warming plate on top doesn't get QUITE hot enough to properly warm the mug or cup I want to use, hence the 4 star review. Now for this portafilter, there's a one shot and two shot basket. Do yourself a favor and throw away the one shot basket. Seriously, if you're anything like me and opt for milk drinks, otherwise a straight double, then you'll never use the single shot basket. The double shot can hold between 14-16g of coffee depending on the coffee you choose, but for consistency I typically always use 15g. Granted, I roast my own coffee and grind it as well just before brewing. Packaged coffee may be a different grind and likely not a good idea if it's the wrong grind size. Tamp the snot out of it, since that flimsy excuse of a tamp isn't good for generating much pressure. It flexes way too easily, otherwise, buy a proper tamp. They're like $10-$20, so it's worth it. When it's time to brew, I've found that pre-infusing manually is practically necessary with this machine. Just flick the wheel to the brew setting for about a second or two (but not so long that it starts to drip), then wait 20-30 seconds. After that, brew the shot as normal and you'll get a much better extracted shot. Otherwise, it'll brew too quickly to really get a good shot. All in all, for a starter machine, I recommend this machine. Just bear in mind there's a learning curve for the best results.

After reading a few reviews I decided to give this espresso machine a try. Espresso machines can be very expensive and although I love lattes, that did not mean I would love making them, so a less expensive machine made sense to me. It comes with a one and two shot filter. I never use the one shot, unnecessary in my opinion. It advertises that it comes with a tamper which is "kind of" true. The tamper is on the end of a measuring spoon. It is plastic and thin, not what you would really use to tamp the coffee grounds but it works okay until you want to splurge on an actual tamper. A 49mm tamper will work with this machine. It advertises that is has a warming plate on top, again "kind of". It does get warm but not enough to truly warm your mug. It also comes with a removable sleeve for frothing milk for cappuccino's. The sleeve seems to do a nice job as does the steaming wand without the sleeve. Be prepared to wait a couple of minutes for your milk to steam to the proper temperature, it is definitely slower than a more expensive machine, but for a less expensive home machine it is fine. My machine also rocked back and forth slightly, the machine was not as square as it should be on the bottom, so I attached a tiny felt pad to the leg that was the problem and it no longer rocks. I feel I "got what I paid for." Just an FYI, if you have never made lattes/cappuccinos yourself it does take practice. I learned it is not as easy as it looks. Be prepared to sink a little more money into a small stainless steel pitcher, a thermometer, and small glasses to hold your espresso shots. I bought a 20 oz pitcher, but then bought a 12 oz. with measuring marks on the inside. I use the 12 oz much more than the larger one. Then you will also need to buy syrups. The only company I have found that sells very small sample sizes is Monin. And do not forget you will have to buy finely ground coffee or have a coffee grinder that grinds very fine coffee.

Super easy to use. I make a large mocha every morning before work. The water reservoir holds enough to last through the week. I have not had one cup that has been bitter.

Makes really good espresso. Main switch a bit imprecise...but works reliably. Steamer a little slow. These are minor issues. Overall very happy with this machine.

Nice espresso and capucino maker, easy to clean and maintain. Love it.