What gear ...! !

Everything is "++"! !

- Heavier
- More cumbersome
- More complex
- More cleaning
- More water consumption
- More power consumption
- Noisier
- More quality
- More universal
- More expensive

... Another espresso machine.

Here in summary, makine I had the advantage of testing ...

Detail each point mentioned below:

The weight (***): In any case, this is not too annoying, it is a machine that is not sensible bougée every day ... (though .. see "cleaning") but 10.8 + 1.5 kg (water) that is not negligible ....

The size (***):
Provide double room (in width) than traditional espresso = 24 cm> 50 cm! !). It necessary to have access to a side door and so a deflection of 15 cm min! Keep in mind when buying ...

Complexity (*****):
At first glance, this is "fear" ... No, provided a large number of button but they all have a double function! and upon opening the package, is a guide (80% English but many pictures :))) to conduct a prompt start ... this already promising potential alternative options and makine its complexity ...
BUT this is quickly forgotten, in use, the ergonomics of the machine is good to see very good with regard to all possible options ==> 5 ***** for ergonomics

Cleaning (**):
Why mention the espresso machine cleaning for ...? This should be anecdotal ... is not it? This is not the case and it is no coincidence that the "cleansing" occupies 1/3 of the instructions! ! That is to say ... Some details below:
Indeed, if one uses the cappuccino functionality, this induces the use of the milk carafe and also its daily cleaning ... According to the instructions, after each use, empty the pitcher put water and run the machine as well (hello the water consumption, energy, time !!).
Then you dump the dregs tray, water tray, its filter, drip tray .. every day (according to the note ..).
Distribution group cleaned before refilling the grain tank.
Need each week to do a more thorough cleaning, coffee tray, tray fed, distribution group, etc ... milk carafe and its nozzle (removal of the nozzle, etc ..)
Monthly cleaning with special detergent (one dose provided)

Cleaning the distribution group every 500 cups (no integrated count, get out your calculators!) And lubrication (included)! !
Scaling (one dose provided) Automatic indication by the machine, semi-automatic procedure.
In short this machine requires a careful everyday!

Water consumption (***)
Water consumed is not simply to that used for coffee but we must recognize the many rinse cycles (automatic and systematic).
This consumption is not huge but for a simple café that doubles the water consumption. Edit: It is possible to manually stop rinse cycles ...

Electricity consumption (****)
For information, the cleaning cycles increase consumption but this is not critical. Good point about the automatic shutdown (programmable time please!)

Noise (***)
No effort appears to have been implemented to reduce noise between, rinse cycle, the noisy steam generation when preparing a cappuccino and coffee grinder which starts during the preparation of espresso ... it generates a significant noise ... avoid in the middle of the night ...! :)

Quality (*****)
Presents! despite all the complaints mentioned above, we are close to perfection. Everything is planned and has been done to get there (thankfully!). Between the pre-brewing, the available settings, milling size, water hardness, water temperature, it is ensured of a coffee quality and taste. The cappuccino function is strongly significant (except cleaning it induces ..). It is also possible to do a great chocolate.

Tip: If for a "bowl" of coffee you want a strong coffee, it is possible to make a double coffee at one time.
Similarly for chocolate, if milk is not hot enough, soften the temperature of the milk carafe ...

Universal (*****):
For the many features offered: coffee ground grain, automatic cappuccino, hot water for tea, herbal tea, hot milk chocolate ...

More expensive (***)
Indeed it remains a heavy investment and its quality is not worth 5 stars.

Two regrets: (always given the price ..): No indication of the level of the water tank and no possibility to store preferences for different users ...

If maintenance, congestion, noise and the price does not scare you and you are fond of an uncompromising coffee, please! !
If you are willing to make some concessions (cappuccino, coffee delicacy obtained) machines, half price, will give you satisfaction!