I had purchased this item after my first electric espresso maker died on me. It was very hard to find an electric one under $100 and was surprised to find this one. I have to admit, I was hesitant to order this one for I did not understand the whole see through thing, but after using it for some time now, I'm one happy espresso drinker. The only problem I have had is that I did lose (or more like my mother when she was helping cleaning it) the extra piece to make the half a pot. No biggie...I'm not a half a pot type of gal. I do enjoy the electric part since I can just hit the switch and walk off to do other things around the house. When I come back, my coffee is ready for me and I don't have to worry about buring it or the house. The only other electric maker I found was at Williams Sonoma for $99.