Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was excited when I read the many reviews lauding the EC155 as a quality entry level espresso maker. I was especially drawn by the promise of 15 bar pressure. I felt like I did my homework and that the EC155 fit the bill. So I had high hopes when I ordered it from Amazon last year. For the record Amazon's shipping was FREE (a big deal maker as we live in Hawaii) and was well packed. I've never been anything but pleased with Amazon's excellent service. Right out of the box the EC155 seemed rather flimsy. Most of the parts were plastic. The clearance beneath the porta filter was also very "short," so it was necessary to purchase an espresso shot glass, vs. being able to put a regular coffee mug under there. Not a big deal, but worth mentioning. The EC155 also has a very strange built-in plastic tamper that I don't suggesting using. It's clumsy and doesn't allow you the correct leverage for a good tamp. Pucks came out "soupy" no matter how much you changed up the grind or the tamp. Even with a real tamper! Also after numerous tests with a digital thermometer, I noticed that the water never reached proper espresso temp. The temp continually hovered at around 150 F. This meant really tepid shots. So much for the 15 bars. I did not use the frothing wand so I can't speak on how useful it is. Just shy of a year the entire unit stopped working. The light would not turn on. I cleaned and maintained it as suggested. All in all, I really recommend springing for something just a bit more expensive and not wasting your time and money on this one.