However, the knob on this Bella broke off and when I inspected it up close I saw that the inner part that holds the knob in place is a cheap piece of plastic

A cheap piece of plastic and not well built like the previous models

Also frustrating, was that all the different pieces and parts were extremely difficult to use

A cheap piece of plastic and not well built like the previous models

Take that silly plastic piece off of the wand

This is a cheap piece of junk

Absolutely the worst piece of junk.

This is the second Bella Espresso maker I have purchased... the first one lasted a little more than 4 years before the control knob broke off as I turned it to steam.

and I love i

So great for my morning coffee (my husband doesn't drink any) and I can get it as strong as I like.