Perfect for those who prefer manual coffee making rather than the full-auto/pod systems – So far so good.

The espresso itself is really good. I only ever use fresh ground beans from a local roasting company, which is a requirement for success as much as any machine, but it seems to meet the challenge.

The milk frothing is a challenge though.

I think it has more to do with it being a different type of nozzle than I am used to combined with full control of steam pressure rather than some design fault or what not.

This nozzle is more functional, re: its angle and position, compared to other brands I have used (Breville and Sunbeam), but it is plastic and wider at the outlet which has a very different effect than the narrow jets that I am used to. Whats really different is that the steam pressure is fully controlled by the knob on top of the machine; you are basically opening the valve directly instead of having a governed amount of steam come at the flick of a switch. How much steam is too much? That's what I'm learning now...

As at this moment (day 2) I am yet to achieve a marshmellowy thick head on the milk like I did with my old Sunbeam, but as I love the technical aspect of using a manual espresso machine I am determined to figure out the difference in nuance and adjust. Like anything that is hands-on it takes practice, patience and attention to detail (and knowing how milk and coffee work/burn.) If you don't want to bother with that, and don't care for quality, buy a nespresso system. Great espresso, functional bits and pieces (plastic tray wont rust etc), and looks great... mine is red! Not for the casual user or espresso beginner. Has all the mess and fiddlyness of a full manual system