Review

This is a great machine. After a few months of using it now, I'm still impressed by it every day. It's a machine with commercial temperature stability and steam power packed within a home machine footprint on the counter. At first I was not very impressed by the potentiometer style temperature control knob but I now enjoy the ease of use. I've measured the outlet temperature with a fluke and found the targeted temperatures are accurate and flat. If you can taste the differences in 0.5 deg C brew temperature increments, more power to you because I can’t – and that’s what this knob has taught me; that is, not to worry about the half degree temperatures and focus more on what I can actually taste. I haven’t looked back since. I've also adjusted the OPV valve to different pressure gauge readings and found it to be consistent. The steam power is impressive. My previous machine was a HX machine and there's no comparison. It still makes me grin sometimes when I blow out the condensate before frothing. Some are turned off by the black carbon fiber but I actually like the way it looks. I also like it as a more thermally efficient and safe alternative to the classic E61 heads. And lastly, all of this is in the smallest double boiler machine on the market.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

1 - 6 months

What's Best About this Product?

The brew temperature adjustment, temp stability, steam power, compact size, looks, quality of construction (like a tank)

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

You'll want a funnel to fill the reservoir. Additional tie-wraps will probably be needed for the inline filter on the reservoir water line. Also, hit the brew button right after the light goes off above the temperature knob. This gives the best temp accuracy (as measured by a fluke). Also, keep in mind that any machine is just one of the factors in all of this. Use freshly roasted coffee and a commercial quality grinder. Get a bottomless portafilter and make sure your grinder and prep techniques are resulting in good, even extractions.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Lavazza, Illy, Counter Culture, Vivace, Black Cat

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

You can't really dose more than 16 grams because the coffee gets jammed into the screen. Perhaps a deeper after market portafilter and basket will show up soon?

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Pasquini Livia 90

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Macap M4 Stepless

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