I really like this espresso maker. I received it as a gift about four years ago. The steam function is fantastic. It will easily steam enough milk for a latte. I've even used the steam to clean my teapot spout! The water tank is plenty large enough to make steam and two double shot of espresso twice! Its easy to remove and replace for filling and hasn't leaked, except for the one time I didn't seat it properly. It would be nice if I could fill the tank without removing it, but the angle of the lid and height of the machine means I'd have to pull the whole thing out to the front of the counter and turn it around. It's just easier to pull the tank out. Making the actual espresso can be tricky, but I would assume the problems I've had are common to all machines, and due to human error. If you don't get the coffee to the perfect bring and tamped just right, you could end up with a scalding mess. If the water can't run through the filter, the machine doesn't automatically stop the process and let you know there's a problem, which would be a really nice feature. Getting the filter in place on the machine can be a little tricky for us left handers because it slides in place from the right, and its just a weird angle. I do wish the espresso machine would hold a larger volume of "ready" water. Sometimes the indicator light turns off before the espresso is done, but it still manages to squeeze out one double shot. There isn't enough space under the filter for a coffee mug so you have to pre-warm a smaller container (I use a ramekin) and transfer the shot to you cup. Cleanup isn't terrible, but the machine drips quite a bit after the filter is removed, and sometimes grounds stick to the water output, so you have to empty the drip tray and wipe down the spot where the filter connects before you can make another round. The filter connection is HOT right after brewing, so be careful. All in all, it's a pretty good starter machine for someone on a budget or just learning how to make espresso drinks. Once you figure out the grind and how the coffee needs to be tamped, the machine is very easy to use. Brew Performance Makes smooth, creamy espresso provided the user loads the filter properly. Ease of Cleaning Getting the grounds clinging to the machine off can be a bit messy But the drip tray is very easy to clean. Ease of Use The settings are very self-explanatory and the controls are easy to manipulate. Design The water tank is difficult to fill without removing it, and placing the filter is a little tricky for lefties because of the reach around the machine. This steamer is very easy to use, just don't touch the metal part. HOT! Durability I've made thousands of espressos in the four years I've owned the espresso machine, and it shows no sign of slowing down.

TigerGirlDsm

Des Moines, IA

This product is very easy to use and very reliable. I just started drinking espresso and I love using this machine, so I would recommend this for a first time user. The machine gives you two ways to make your drink, you can use the ESE pods or you own coffee from the store so it's a two for one machine. The machine allows you to know when you are ready for your brevrage with just enough foam for your liking. It also ha two thermostats for your water and steam. The clean up is simple. The machine has a removal tank when allows you to empty the grounds with ease. The machine is not as big as other machine out there so storage is easy also. It looks really nice on our counter and our friend are always interested in using it when they come over. We highly recommend this machine to all drinkers

ryanchase1616

New Baltimore, MI

I was searching for an espresso/cappuccino maker in order to save money and avoid buying coffee every day. I wanted something that made yummy cappuccinos but wasn't too complicated at the same time. The DeLonghi Retro Pump Espresso and Cappuccino machine has impressed me! It took a bit of time to learn how to use, but once I got the hang of it it's been easy and quick. The instruction booklet was pretty helpful. I like that I have the option of using the ESE pods, or ground coffee to make the espresso. The milk steamer works great, it can be a bit loud but it's certainly not a deal breaker. Its easy to do a quick wipe-down after each use to make sure it's clean and ready to use the next time. Pretty much everything I was looking for, so I'm happy!

mamaofdosmonkeys

Molalla, OR

I would like to start by saying I am NOT a coffee drinker, but my husband has recently taken a liking to mochas and I figured an espresso maker would be cheaper than daily Starbucks.  I bought this not knowing a thing about how to use it, but after 4 or 5 misses and some help from our teenagers, we successfully brewed a really good tasting cup of mocha.  Once you figure out the right combination, using this machine is a breeze.  My young son is an avid hot cocoa drinker, too, and it makes one great cup of cocoa using the steamer.  MUCH better than microwave cocoa.  We're amazed at the ease of using this machine and how quickly we are able to create our desired drinks.  Clean-up is easy, as well.  I bought this espresso maker based on previous reviews and happy we did so.  Plus it's a nice-looking machine and looks good sitting on my kitchen counter, so we're all happy with this purchase.

ktgooster

Ariel, WA