Not For Beginners This is not a machine for beginner coffee makers, unless you?re willing to learn. This machine requires manual work; there is no smart tech to do everything for you. You have to adjust the grind and the amount yourself and a lot of it is trial and error. But, once you settle on a bean, it's smooth sailing from there. If used correctly, it's a great machine to get tasty, coffee shop quality drinks for more than half the price.

Can be daunting This machine can be daunting for folks that aren't ready to experiment. Be prepared to buy a digital scale (~$10) and maybe a palm tamper then set about watching/reading about dialing your espresso shots. I'm trying to use up the beans I have in stock and hit a local roaster because I've learned that's also a component in the equation.