We returned the Krups XP4050 after several attempts to use it. We faithfully followed the directions, priming it three times just using water and we even called the help line. We ended up with hot water spraying everywhere as though the pump wasn't able to force the water up through the machine. It made a lot of noise. When we finally did try it with actual coffee, it was no better. The steamer did not heat the milk, half the water still ended up in the collection space below the carafe, and the steam spewed out all over us. Perhaps we needed lessons but, being that my husband is Italian and a professor of mathematics, we thought we should be able to purchase a product, read the instructions and make it work. We have returned to our little stove top espresso maker used in almost every home in Italy and wonder why we ever thought of spending this kind of money on a yuppie espresso machine in the first place.