From the Editors

Lose yourself in the aroma and bold, invigorating taste of fresh espresso and cappuccino with this pro-quality machine. Exceptionally easy to use, a simple set of control lights show when the machine is ready to brew and steam. One-year warranty. Model 354.
Product Description

Customer Response

Works as Advertised
Purchased as a replacement for a Gran Crema that didn't make it quite three years as it cost about the same for a new similar machine as it would to ship and repair the Gran Crema. Since this basically works as advertised this review is only for some quirks and unexpected behaviors. These are not really negative, just something unusual.

The warming tray is useless - too slow (half hour or more) and doesn't heat high enough.

The steam valve was moved to the center so it is now inconvenient for everyone, not just left-handed v. right-handed.

The ready lights are strangely wired - the light goes off when the programmed temperature is reached, and when the correct temperature is reached for steaming/frothing it is the light on the separate water pump/brew switch that goes out - this is the same switch that is used to report brewing status and operate the pump for drawing espresso.

Others have complained that the drip tray isn't deep enough for a frothing pitcher - I disagree and have found that a 20 ounce frothing pitcher sits nicely. The only thing is that the height between the top of the drop tray and the bottom of the brew group with portafilter installed is a bit low. This machine apparently is intended to be operated close to a sink for easier cleanup and control of spillage.

This machine uses a pickup tube to draw water from the tank and the setup is such that the water tank has to clear the entire height of the machine if removing the tank to fill or clean. My Gran Crema had a superior design in that you only had to lift the tank an inch or so to remove and took suction directly from the actual tank instead through a tube.

Mmmm....espresso.
Just got this today...based off of Alton Brown's unofficial endorsement. I got the newer one (with 2 buttons in front and the power on the side, no flip switches). Made a few cups (ok, three...maybe that was a bit excessive). The instructions do suck...I'll admit that. Combined instructions in multiple languages don't help anyone...separate sections, please!! But the customer service was easy and the folks were nice. There's a container and a piece of wood...I was very confused, but they told me that's for dislodging the puck when it's done...slam the portafilter on the wood, used grounds come out. They told me to send steam through the wand to clear out the pipes...very useful as the first try with the portafilter didn't produce water. Also, this model has a self tamper...no need to manually tamp, and produced a puck at the end! And only fill 3/4 of the way with grounds (as far as I can tell, that's well below 15g). So far, it's great. Simple, small, and solid. Easy to use & clean. I haven't frothed yet. If anyone else has any issues/observations with the newer model, please let me know.

Great machine, no reservations on recommending
Like everyone else, I did a fair amount of research as I tried to replace my last machine. All-in-all I think the reviews on Amazon are pretty accurate but I wanted to comment on a couple negative aspects that I read which almost stopped me from buying this machine.

1. I read a couple of reviews that said coffee came out of the top/sides and not the bottom holes. This happens only if you fill it with too many grounds. Example: I needed to fill my last espresso maker's 2-shot screen flush to top. On this machine you can only fill it 2/3's up or so with grounds. Very easy to figure out and deal with. Of course your grind is important too but that's obvious and needs to be figured out for every machine.

2. The steaming/frothing wand. Yes it does not lift up so very little clearance to stick milk under it without slopping and the plastic auto-frother creates too much foam before milk is hot. SOLUTION: the plastic auto-frother easily comes off to reveal a simple metal tube with plenty of clearance. I do not believe I read this anywhere and is a very important feature for those like myself who prefer to create foam by hand.

I really doubt you can do better unless you jump to the $600+ level.

Sturdy, easy to use and clean, makes great espresso. Will buy this over Saeco Spidem Villa
This machine is easy to use and clean, and makes great espresso. It does not grind coffee beans so you need a stand-alone grinder or may buy ground coffee (for espresso machines). It has a small footprint and is aesthetically pleasing. At about half the price of the fully automatic Saeco Spidem Villa, this sure is a better buy.

Great coffeemaker!!!
This is the one if you're from Europe and appreciate good coffee at a great price. Espresso is really hot and the foam great!! All in all, this is a buy!!!

Others also Liked

Krups XS5020 20-Ounce Stainless-Steel Milk Frothing Pitcher
Bodum Pavina 2-Ounce Double-Wall Thermo Glasses (Espresso/Shot), Set of 2
Taylor Classic Cappuccino Frothing Dial Thermometer
Capresso 560.01 Infinity Burr Grinder, Black
Vaneli's Solid Stainless Steel Tamper 53mm--2.09 inches (2 1/8")