Buy a knock box for easy emptying the filter basket and a 51mm tamper. I also do regular purging before i put in a portafillter as a habit.

The coffee tastes good and forms a nice crema, and the milk wand works well too. The only thing i dislike is the shape of the coffee scoop. Depends on the type of milk you use and how fresh you coffee beans are.

This machine is, without reservation, the best espresso machine we have found. This machine comes with a plastic tamp for your espresso grinds, but i highly recommend buying the stainless steel tamp from this same brand. This is an awesome machine for...  Read More

It is great and sturdy. In addition it is durable. No signs of wear. Any tips are appreciated.

Space saver and makes good espresso and cappuccinos. It can be easily upgraded to improve further. When other machines are hundreds and some a thousand dollars, this is the best machine you can get for the price.

I have to clarify that this does not happen often, in fact this is the second time in my years at amazon that this has happened to me. I hope yours breaks after your manufacturer warranty runs so you can use asurion. I have a friend who owns it has th...  Read More

Next morning, the counter was soaked again. It barely draws espresso, and will stop steaming just a couple years into owning it.