Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

One sentence reviews I don't even glance at. And considering there are over 5000, if I want to catch anyone's attention at all, I better put some paragraphs together. I bought this machine in July, 2016. I had never made a cup of espresso or , cappuccino in my life. I researched for over a month before I settled on this machine. Reasons to follow. The key approach was to lower my expectations. When just a middle range consumer machine like a Gaggia Classic or a Breville 870XL costs between $400. to $600. That's why I had to lower my expectations. The first 2 attempts I scored maybe a 5 out 10 points. Then I began to study. How do you make this thing work. This is what I learned. Take what you want and discard the rest. Beans for Cappuccino. LAVAZZA SUPER CREMA HIGH QUALITY 10 OZ METAL FROTHING CUP. BODEM BISTRO BURR GRINDER. SMALL IMMERSIBLE TEMPERATURE THERMOMETER ( I use it every time I"m frothing) Any decent "hand " bean TAMPER. (don't use the one attached) Small 3oz clear cup. (it will easily fit if you remove the drip tray You don't need the metal drip tray) the plastic tray beneath, lifts out. A simple sponge. That's it. NOW I'M READY TO PRACTICE. AND IT TAKES PRACTICE Once a day , every day, And absolutely follow the directions and timing to clean the machine. After buying ALL the accessories . Every single cup for the past 2 & 1/2 years scores between an 8 and 10 on anyone's scale I know this because periodically I demonstrate it for friends. It's an art. Especially the frothing part. (Cappuccino Art) If you practice , . this machine will reward you with as good a cup of coffee as the much more expensive machines. And on a personal note. I don't have room for the Gaggia or the Breville. So I have to carry this machine out of my kitchen. This machine weighs 6 lbs. I carry it with my finger tips. The above machines weigh 20 & 23 lbs respectively This review is a bit long. That's why I say , "take what you want and discard the rest"