I learned:-buy a separate tamp, you can get one for around 11 dollars and if you’re using a finer ground of coffee, it’s essential

and so that was the key to getting a good pull, although there are good grinds available in the grocery store

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

I bought a good espresso ground and set the machine up as soon as it arrived

Use good freshly ground coffee, keep the machine clean.

If that gives you a problem then it could be the grind is either too fine or it is tamped too hard which will not let water flow properly

Obviously faster and can get through the packed espresso ground beans better

It will do single or double shots and if the grind is right it comes out golden and foamy like it's supposed to

My grind looks like sand when I'm done.2

It has a pressurized portafilter allowing you to not have a perfect grind but still get a halfway decent cup of coffee

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.

Watch a few tutorials on how to tamper coffee and how to find the right grind, and you're good to go

The only downside I see with this unit is when I am making 3-4 cappuccinos/espressos in a row, as you have to dump the grinds in-

I recommend mixing your grind with a 50% fine espresso grind and other 50% medium\fine grind

Just use a "normal" drip coffee grind (not super-fine espresso grind)

Make sure you use the proper grind and the gaskets are kept clean

This is in spite of using the finest grind coffee available, and making an effort to put some weight behind tamping scoops into the filter.

Just make sure the tank is full and your grind is correct

After reading many reviews, I learned that you need really good espresso fine ground coffee, (which I press just a little bit), so I bought the Lavazza Crema e Gusto and it by far beats Starbucks or Dunkin’ espresso!

I also highly recommend Cafe Bustelo espresso ground coffee for anyone that has a tight budget but wants a coffeehouse quality taste

This thing takes forever to heat, doesn't have enough pressure and was never able to use a proper espresso grind- had to use drip grind- constantly needed part replacement, dripped like crazy and vibrates your cup right off the platform

The pictures speak for this machine why spend 3 of 4 times for a machine when yo can get a great shot for $90.Like anything you need the perfect grind, good tamper pressure so make sure you get them

I have a burr grinder = super consistent grind and perfect for this machine

Watch the basics, do not top the coffee grounds to the very top, pack snuggly, but don't overdo it, and clean off any coffee grind around the rim before inserting the coffee/filter holder

However, the pressure is not as strong as I