I spent some time looking at reviews for combo coffee/espresso machines, and this one got the best reviews. But the negative comments I read were 'spot-on'. There are some basic design flaws that just don't make any sense:- Adding water to the coffee maker is tough because the top only opens to a certain point. You can't use the coffee pot to measure and add water as you would with most coffee makers because you can't pour all of the water out of the pot. Its hard to explain, but a major design flaw.- The area below the express maker is too high for an express cup and too low for a standard express pot. Still haven't found something that fits properly.- The steaming element is very short and it is impossible to remove your espresso without hitting this very hot element.- The espresso is never very hot.This is not my first machine and I'm disappointed. Still looking for a great coffee/espresso combo