This machine cracks the dual-boiler code at half the Italian price, delivering programmable pre-infusion, fast heat-up, and powerful steam in a compact, thoughtfully designed package. The plastic housing masks a real problem: boiler probe seals and internal fittings leak water or steam within 2-4 years, forcing warranty claims or $360 repairs, though newer compression-fitting models may have fixed this. Buy it if you want unmatched features at $800 and can stomach the repair lottery, walk if you need proven long-term reliability or hate dealing with warranty claims.
This is the flow-profiling machine home baristas daydream about, handcrafted with the kind of looks and shot precision that justify the lottery-win price tag, if you have the budget and the skill to use it. The single credible worry: a 2023 ex-employee post claims stainless steel has been swapped for rust-prone materials and customer service now leaves owners troubleshooting alone, though no pattern of owner complaints has surfaced yet. If you're spending five figures on espresso and can afford the gamble, you're buying the dream machine, bet the reputation still matches the reality and enjoy the best shots you'll ever pull at home.