Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Update: After a week or so here is a few things: Steamer/froth shoots out more water than I would care for. The portafilter (metal handle with filter) is plastic and water can get trapped inside since it is not solid but two pieces of plastic together. If you make an espresso then use the steamer there is a large amount of pressure stuck inside the portafilter and if you open it without waiting a few minutes coffee goes everywhere; this problem has been getting worse? Also.... After this few days / week it seems as though the main center area where you connect the portafilter (porthead?) leaks steam/water every now and then if left ON. Espresso itself... The espresso isn't that bad once you've used it a few days and figure out what this machine likes. For me it has been a full portafilter with ~15lbs of tamp on the finest ground coffee (burr conical grinder) you can get. This machine can produce a nice amount of crema with the various blends I've tried both freshly roasted with 36 hours of air out and from my local roaster. Worth $200? I'd say maybe $150. I like that this uses a BOILER and not a thermoblock. However... The water dripping and the pressure problem is getting WORSE as time passes, so I am starting to believe the quality control on these units is sub par. Original: I got the machine yesterday and have already put around 30 or so espressos through it. The steamer does produce a little bit of water to begin with, but I haven't seen a machine that doesn't; cloth towel. I have yet to perfect my espresso with the proper tamp or bean, but I hope to within a week or two. I am using the Capresso Infinity 565 burr grinder at the highest fine setting without a problem. Also the terry tamper available through amazon is a few mm too small; just fyi. Looks: Looks GREAT small footprint, very sturdy. Function: The drip tray is GREAT! Please remember this is espresso... you will have drips of coffee no matter what. Cleans up very fast. the ENTIRE bottom comes off with a little lift for easy cleaning as does the drip tray. ALSO: If you have questions feel free to ask, I have selected to receive email updates with comments to my post.