I've read all the reviews and it would appear that there are a few people who have been victims of poor quality control. That's too bad because this is a great little device.
I'm one of those people who hates to read manuals and just wants to get on with the show. I'm a techie both at work and at home. If you're experienced and generally have no problems with computers and hi-fi equipment, then you should have no problems with this. I can see why the seller stated that it has a slight learning curve because the manual isn't the best or the most straightforward.
I rated 4/5 stars because for it to be perfect, I would have to have the ability to steam milk at the same time as it was brewing my espresso. This is not to say that I don't love the machine, too, though. I bought the machine to replace my routine of going to Tully's in the AM and sometimes in the PM. I'm saving at least $7 in drinks plus the gas required to get it.
Observations:
* it's loud, but if you've ever visited a Tully's or Starbucks, then you'll be used to the sounds an espresso machine makes
* it is indeed made predominantly out of plastic, but what isn't these days? for the price, I was expecting to get mostly plastic
* don't touch the chrome on the steamer! it gets very hot!
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