I find it hard to make coffee that is not bitter. Yet I bought THE reference in terms of coffee (lilly). I believe that only experience will enable me to reach a perfect result. By cons, beware! If you are French and used to drink espresso served in the bistro with us, choose a model 6 cups! With this model, you will get at most two tiny cafes. I'm going to buy me a new Bialetti coffee maker and persevere ....