Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I bought this espresso maker for my wife as a gift. I chose this product because it seems to offer the most bang for your buck in terms of features. As I was researching espresso machines, I started to notice that a lot of the machines seemed time consuming. I have also heard many stories about families that have dumped big $$$ into an espresso machine, then stopped using it because it was too time consuming to actually make yourself a beverage. (I remember the first home espresso machine I ever saw in person. It took the owner 20+ minutes to make me a drink. I remember thinking that seemed ridiculous. I also remember that espresso machine sitting unused for years after the novelty wore off.) Knowing how busy my family is, I did not want to fall into this same boat. The Mr. Coffee Cafe Barista is great for a busy family. I can turn it on, press a few buttons, then return a few minutes later to a fresh brewed delicious espresso beverage. Not only is it convenient, but the beverage tastes great too. After you have finished brewing the beverage, cleanup is a breeze. Again, push a button, then the machine is cleaned. Also, the milk container easily separates from the machine and can be placed in the fridge to keep your milk fresh. I'm sure other espresso machines are great (and they better be for the price) but this one won out, hands down, in the convenience department. Another feature that was important to me was I DID NOT want a pod based machine. I have a pod based coffee maker, and the truth is we don't use it because the pods are really expensive. Yes it is convenient, but the cost will eat through the average checking account just about as quickly as a daily run to your favorite coffee spot. Also, many of the pod based espresso makers require two pods (coffee and dairy) to make your beverage (see MORE $$$)! It is not a big deal to get coffee beans ground for an espresso machine, then tamp your grounds into the machine. A few other thoughts. The machine comes with a recipe book. I've tried a few, they are delicious (Nutella Latte!). You can brew a single or double shot! The machine feels quality built and very durable. The machine is loud, but I would imagine anything including a milk steamer would be (just imagine how loud they are at Starbucks, now imagine that in your kitchen). If you can't stand noisy appliances, I would avoid this machine. Tamping your own espresso can be messy until you get used to it. Be prepared to spill some grounds and such as you learn. The bottom line is, I believe this machine will put an end to our ritualistic weekend Starbucks runs. I did the math. This machine will pay for itself within a couple months.