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 Not Well ConstructedJul 25, 2010
I am giving this coffee maker two stars because I'm trying to give the company the benefit of the doubt. The price is certainly right, but the quality isn't. To begin with, the set-up instructions were not accurate, as other reviewers have mentioned. We nearly returned it without making a single cup of coffee, but with persistence managed to get the water tank to seal. Once that problem was solved, we were happy with the coffee that the machine made, although it was NOISY (we hesitate to start the machine if anybody is asleep) and it vibrates like crazy. Within a couple of months of daily use, we noticed that the aluminum on the drip-catch tray was beginning to peel off. We've had it now for a year and a half and while it still manages to make coffee, the steamer shoots at least a 1/4 cup of hot water before you get steam, and the drip-catch tray has nearly disintegrated. I haven't been able to find a replacement tray, so I suppose we'll just wait until it corrodes all the way through and then order a new machine. I'll tell you one thing.. it won't be another Ariete.
 Great machine for its priceJul 24, 2010
We bought this espresso machine about 3 or 4 years ago. Price was the same as it is today and the machine still works fine except that the milk steamer quit within the first year. Otherwise this little machine produces perfect espressos every day for me and my wife (at least 4-5 per day) for all these years. Great little machine that can compare with most other machines out there in the $400 price range...
Decent coffee, looks nice, poorly designed and builtJul 23, 2010
I've had this machine for about two years now, so I've had a lot of experience with it. After two years, I wish I had spent a bit more and bought a higher quality machine, from a manufacturer that's easy to get service for.
Some people have complained that the thing you stuff the grounds in to falls off during operation. This does sometimes happen, and could be dangerous. However, I figured out that this seems to happen when you've cleaned the gasket that seals this piece on before making the coffee. The residual moisture seems to make the gasket slippery, and so when the machine turns on the combination of pressure and vibration cause the thing to slowly "unscrew" and the pop off. So, you have to WATCH the machine while you're making an espresso. Don't look away.
Next, the water tank does not sit very securely. It doesn't leak or anything, but it's on there loose enough that it vibrates like crazy. I have a couple friends with other brands of machines that are much quieter because the water tank fits snugly and securely to the machine. This is just poor design.
And then, after about a year of operation, the black plastic handle broke off. I tried gluing it back together, but that only lasted a couple weeks. So we now have to use a rag to screw the grounds cup on. Kind of a pain.
Another issue, is that while the outside seems to be stainless steel, what's lining the inside of the drip tray is not, and unless cleaned every time, the acid in the coffee eats right through the metal.
Finally, the rubber gasket that seals the grinds cup has started to crack, and will obviously soon become useless, rendering the whole machine useless. So far, I've not been able to contact the company about a replacement.
All in all, it's an ok machine for the price, but I would really recommend spending more to get a machine that will last longer, run quieter, and might even make better coffee.
Addendum: we have not "abused" the machine. We've used it gently, though often, and with care. We know how to use espresso machines. This isn't our first. But it will be out last "budget" model. The build quality just isn't up to par.
 I have had this machine for 2 years, and I love it.Jun 23, 2010
It is simple, and therefore has less "stuff" that malfunctions. No malfunctions, actually, to date. It steams well, pulls nice shots, is ready quickly. Clean it well and it'll treat you well.
Love this espresso machineMay 16, 2010
The first one did not work because the pump would not prime but Amazon sent a replacement before we even got the defective one in the mail back to them! It works like a dream, easy to clean, easy to use, makes great coffee
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based on 293 reviews
