This is a really great looking machine that makes really poor espresso. I've seen people say that they are making espresso that is as good as what they are buying. That's great, but most of us in the coffee hobby and trade consider mass market espresso to be swill. A good home machine should be able to make a shot of espresso that is BETTER than you are buying at Starbucks or the like. This machine is underpowered and unable to pull a good shot. Go look for a Rancilio Silvia or Gaggia Classic instead.