Really grind your beans for good water flow over the espresso.

This machine is INCREDIBLE, and make’s the most delicious espresso’s; especially if you purchase the right beans.

the proper fine grind is absolutely essential, filling the portafilter firmly is important, and of course choosing a good roasted bean

I've found grinding beans very fine and very gentle tamping works best.

I did experience momentary buyers remorse after pulling the first few shots with this thing (using beans I ground at New Seasons

Make sure to get excellent beans and press hard on the grind before putting into machine to get crema.

Beyond the obvious of using the best espresso beans available be sure to grind them with a good burr grinder before tamping the results firmly into the basket

Even with freshly ground beans, this machine cannot deliver.

Most of the negative reviews I've read for this machine are from people using pre-ground or improperly ground coffee beans

It makes really decent espresso, as long as you properly grind good fresh beans.

For beans, I bought and ground beans at my local health food store in a small amount until I can pick up some Illy.

No other entry level machine can do this.original review:The right beans- medium roast, blenb of arabica and robusta (need robusta to get a excellent crema), best to buy whole beans and grind yourself (use a mill not a blade grinder, oxo makes an excellent mill for $100 on amazon) and use a fine espresso grind, the best bean I have found is 'Lavazza Gran espresso' sold on amazon.

No other entry level machine can do this.original review:The right beans- medium roast, blenb of arabica and robusta (need robusta to get a excellent crema), best to buy whole beans and grind yourself (use a mill not a blade grinder, oxo makes an excellent mill for $100 on amazon) and use a fine espresso grind, the best bean I have found is 'Lavazza Gran espresso' sold on amazon.

Get good beans, learn how to grind and tamp then use it and enjoy

I've found grinding beans very fine and very gentle tamping works best.

Maybe an espresso grinder with fresh whole beans would produce something "better" but I've never owned a grinder or used whole beans.

If you are buying this machine, don’t forget to buy a carafe or espresso shot glasses, espresso tamper, and a coffee grinder if you are going to grind your own beans

I grind my own beans, as it's cheaper, and the only issue I've come across with that is that if I accidentally grind them too small, the brewing process is very slow (which, for me, is fine usually) and the brew also comes out stronger

It makes really decent espresso, as long as you properly grind good fresh beans.

With an accurate tamp and decent beans you will get a great creama and a wonderful foundation for a variety of drinks

I’ve heard to use freshly ground beans but I’m on a budget and can’t afford a

Buy some good espresso beans and enjoy.

If you home grind your beans, save your money and buy something with non pressurized baskets

A double shot should dispense in about 30 seconds, If it comes out slower than that you have ground your coffee beans too fine.

This may seem complicated but the right beans are

I use freshly ground espresso beans and filtered water

What's not to love about the smell of freshly ground coffee beans and hot, frothy milk

I have depressurized both of my portafilters and have discovered that my beans were not fresh enough to deliver consistent crema

I use lighter not so burnt beans anymore.

I use Lavazza Crema e gusto coffee and its wonderful! Caio ~

I bought the highly recommended Lavazza Crema e Gusto Ground Coffee Blend, Espresso Dark Roast and whoa doggie it is strong

The handle is plastic which is prone to breaking as it is very difficult to lock in the mechanism

After spilling my milk trying to get it under the steam spigot, I now strategically place the machine next to the sink which works well to blow out the water as well as to get my cup under.

It got noisier and the coffee doesn't taste as good as in the previous machine I had (which broke).

After spilling my milk trying to get it under the steam spigot, I now strategically place the machine next to the sink which works well to blow out the water as well as to get my cup under.

Works exactly as I expected and is saving me hundreds of dollars i would be spending at starbucks!

I’ve heard to use freshly ground beans but I’m on a budget and can’t afford a