Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Purchased on 7/15/15 from Amazon.com. Approximately 9 months later, machine started making a weird electric-like buzzing noise (most likely the solenoid) when brewing and began leaking water below the unit--so much that it would run off the counter onto the floor. One year later (June 2016), right before expiration of factory warranty, had unit replaced by Breville (unfortunately they only replace with refurbished units, not brand new). Company representative asked me if I cleaned and descaled unit according to specifications in manual. I always cleaned with supplied tablets whenever the "clean" light came on, AND I have it marked on my calendar EVERY month to descale with 50% white vinegar/50% water as specified in the manual. The replacement unit worked fine until Dec 2016, when it started having the same problem as the original unit. Now I have go through the hassle of having this 2nd unit replaced under the 3-year extended appliance warranty which I was smart enough to purchase at the same time. I'm assuming that some internal component is not made to withstand the operational hydraulics and is rupturing. My water composition is rather average (moderately hard), but not so much that we have a problems with scale or mineral buildup. Originally when I was preparing to purchase, I researched the available machines, and this was not a highly and widely recommended product, but I decided to gamble because I liked the features of the machine. Unfortunately those other opinions have been borne out, and I wish I hadn't purchased it. I appears to me that this is probably a very-cheaply-manufactured, overpriced product aimed at youthful newlyweds who blindly put it on their registry without knowing any better. My suspicion is that they charge such an initially high price to cover what they know is going to be a high return rate in the first year. Once that initial year is over, the company is off-the-hook, and still made a sizable profit, even after replacing it once. Save your money or purchase something more highly recommended. I saw a lot of good reviews for the Gaggia. I'll probably be more inclined to buy one of those next time. Never again a Breville, however!