I use it twice a day, every day, and it has never given me any problems–unlike the previous 2 machines I had, the first a cheap “starter” steam model and the other a Delonghi base pump model, and both of which only lasted a year apiece.

According to my friends and the guests I entertain, the espresso itself is very good–the machine produces excellent crema–and the espresso drinks I make are on par or surpass Starbucks and the like. I have become quite the pro at frothing milk with the frothing wand, although I don’t use the metal sleeve that comes with the machine and covers the wand; it prevents me from making that silky “microbubble” froth that is the hallmark of barista-level cappuccino or latte.

One thing I don’t like about this machine is that after you brew a shot, the grounds in the filter come out sopping wet due to the design of it, so it’s a bit messy to set up for the next shot, as the grounds do not come out in a convient, hard “puck” like in other machines. Steaming your milk after pulling your shot helps to mitigate the moisture left in the grounds, so that is now my routine.

I cannot stress this enough; TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR MACHINE! That means using filtered water ONLY in your machine; running water through the empty filter and brew head after every use, running hot water for a good 5 seconds through the wand right after you steam your milk; and of course, wiping down everything with a clean damp cloth when you’re done. The extra 2 minutes it takes to do all of these things have made all the difference in giving me years of hassle-free, excellent coffee pleasure.

And if you’re wondering, no, I’m not an employee, relative, or stake holder in Breville. I’m just a coffee geek from Miami whowanted to share my experience with this machine.