This machine does all you would want an espresso machine to do. I do not claim to be a barista but I did owna Saeco Via Venetia for many years ... and I see absolutely no difference in the results. The Cuisinart seems tobe well built ... all the buttons and switches have a very solid feel about them ... and the case appears to bebrushed metal not plastic but I really can't tell ... and to my eyes at least is very attractive ... all my friendswho saw it thought it cost a real lot more then I paid ... Its not very noisy and the frothing wand works well also... and it does use pods for those so inclined ... at this price point (~150CDN)its a very nice buy!A thoughtful touch from Cuisinart was including a metal frothing cup which saves the end user a fair bit of money. The enclosedtamping tool works but some people might want to get a better one as made out of plastic and is a bit clumsy to hold...but it was included and it does work ... The machine has a three year guarantee which is really very nice so if youare in the market for a highly functional espresso machine I suggest that you take a look at the Cuisinart. Not a bigname in the espresso game but big time results ...Recent Update:Concerning the water temp for making espresso ... I made the mistake of making espresso with the steam/hot water button set on the hot water setting ... since there are only two icons I presumed that was the correct one .... the steam/hot water knob actually has THREE positions ... the middle UNMARKED setting is used for espresso ... but for some reason there is no marker to show that position. If u keep the knob at the hot water setting it will produce approximately 80ish degree Celsius water (not hot enough) while making espresso ... if u set the knob in the center (espresso) position while making espresso the water temp will be correct at approximately 90ish Celsius. (Experimental error prevents perfectly accurate water temp measurement because we cant measure it inside the filter basket.)So do check to make sure u have set the steam/hot water button to the right place to make espresso ... believe me i read the instructions many times ... but i certainly missed that small detail. OMG

We purchased this machine for a second time - our first one lasted five years and suddenly stopped working - after some v basic troubleshooting- we determined we needed a new one - at this price point - this machine is extremely good value - we like it better than the fancier expensive machines

Works great until it doesn’t. Haven’t had the same noise issues with the two I’ve had that others complain of, but the steam wand breaks. Once is chance, twice is bad design. Contacted cuisinart to ask about repair/where to get parts, no help at all, just an offer of 20% off if I buy another one from them directly. Don’t waste your money. I can’t afford a high end machine so if the less that $1000 per unit machines are going to be made disposable from factory, buy the cheapest one that works and who knows, it might last longer than this does.

Makes great Espresso but it is noisy. I usually put my hand on the water reservoir lid to dampen in. Other than that, it works well and is simple to use. This is the 2nd one I've owned. The steam wand on the 1st one broke inside after 4 years of regular use. Can't complain.Update (22 August 2024): I've now owned the same machine for 6+ years and it's still going strong! Makes a great Cappuccino...lots of frothy foam! I'd buy another one without a second thought. (I use an Espressione grinder set to a Fine+1 grind.)Update 30 Mar 2025: I'm still using the same machine that I purchased in March of 2018 (7 years)! Still making great espresso and the best steamed milk! Happy!🙂

Absolutely fantastic machine. It is very manual, though. There is no automatic anything, it's all up to you, but it is consistent. It works the same every time, and it produces an outrageous crema! I only use the double shot, the deepest dish provided. Very satisfied with this product. it looks great too. It's solidly built. It looks more expensive.