****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Well I waited 2 1/2 months to write this review, since I wanted to use the machine for a while. And WOW, I don't know how I ever lived without it.It took me a long time (about 6 months) before I decided to purchase this machine. It was very easy to set up, and I powered it up, heard various bangs and hums (not loud), then a cleaning cycle began with water dripping from the dispensers into the tray, then a bit of steam came out of the steam wand. The touchscreen is beautiful and clearly shows the different options.I decided to try a double espresso, so I put my mug under the dispensers, and pressed the icon on the screen, and once again various bangs and hums occurred, then the coffee began to stream out of the dispensers. It was steaming so I knew the water was hot enough, and the coffee smelled so good as I watched. It all only took a minute or so, then the cycle stopped.I wanted steamed milk, so I filled the metal milk pitcher, and pressed the proper icon, waited for it to get nice and hot, then pressed the icon again for the steam. CAUTION: Make sure before you press the hot milk icon the second time that you have the milk pitcher filled (I only fill it about a quarter to a third of the way), and have it under the steam wand since the steam is pretty forceful and could easy burn skin. When you see the milk frothed to your liking, press the hot milk icon first to turn it off before you remove the pitcher, or again you could easily be burned.Then add your favorite sweeteners, sit down, and enjoy what will probably be the best coffee you've ever had. Over time, I've adjusted the amount of coffee and water on the touchscreen (easy to do, just follow the manual) for the various options to my liking. I find that I use the icon marked coffee most of the time, but occasionally use the espresso option for a stronger cup.One aspect I love is I can have coffee anytime I want it with just the touch of a button. The machine tells you when you need to add more coffee beans and water, and I make sure these are always filled and the machine is ready to use.There is really nothing I don't like about this machine. It's beautiful, fully automatic, easy to use, self cleaning, and most of all, makes great coffee in an instant. If I have to say anything "negative" about the machine, it's the fact that it uses a lot of water quickly owing to all the self-cleaning it does, and you will find yourself emptying the tray at least once a day if not more, and the fact that when steaming the milk it's pretty loud. But for me, these are just minor issues for a machine that makes delicious coffee anytime, consistently.I decided before the machine even arrived to use only distilled water, especially because the tap water here is fairly hard, and any buildup can compromise the machine. But with distilled water there is no buildup, and I likely will never need to descale. The machine tells you when you need to empty coffee grounds, and doing so is easy. The brew group comes out easily, and I use the brush that came in the box to clean.This is one of the best purchases I've every made, and I expect to enjoy great coffee for a long time.
