I love this machine! I had been wanting to get an espresso machine for about a year, but was going to hold out for one of the ones that's approx. $1,200! My sister told me I was nuts to consider spending that kind of money when there were great ones on the market for hundreds less & then she pulled up Kitchen Aid as an example and we looked at videos of it online too. So I decided to treat myself to machine as a Christmas 2023 gift! All I can say is "Oh my goodness, it's awesome!" I will not be spending another cent in Starbucks ever again! You produce a better tasting product with this baby and it's gorgeous on the countertop too. Now to take this to the next level, I'd recommend purchasing a 58mm bottomless portafilter (3 ear prong) & the puck (58mm) vs the KA portafilter. My choice felt it has more holes to properly extract the grinds and for me creates that perfect crema people kept mentioning that I was not able to produce before. You will not regret this add'l purchase, this addition will produce that coffee house quality beverage every single time! Oh and I did also purchase the KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder (again that was my preference) which I found works spectacular and looks divine on my countertop next to the espresso machine. I got this espresso machine on sale during the holidays, so the feeling of realizing you were snagging an amazing product but on sale made this decision a no brainerl My only regret is I wish I had gotten this sooner. I suggest getting the coffee beans and grinding yourself...I tried both in the beginning and found there was no comparison. I purchase the Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend (but did start out with Starbucks Espresso whole beans and liked it too). Plus the smell of after grinding your own beans is simply like nothing else. So no ground coffee...do it the right way! The silver frother mug KA sends...is just too small, it's only 8oz in size. I found a larger size was necessary, so I purchased a 20oz frothing mug and no longer worry about milk spilling out because 5 ozs of milk rises quite a bit at boiling point. Choose well, choose KitchenAid a tried and true brand.

My wife wanted an affordable espresso machine. We did some research and this one came recommended as an affordable choice. We found it to be simple and easy to use and the results were, in her words, "Delicious!"

Love it! Finally have Italian quality espresso.

This was a gift a year ago and the recipient has been very happy with it

Love it! Am enjoying fresh cappuccinos right at home.