I won't waste words here, this is a product where you get what you pay for from the manufacturer. If you want the smoothest espresso from a low maintenance, timeless espresso machine, this is the machine for the job. Its not a convenient breville or cuisinart or any other bed bath and beyond/williams sonoma 'pro-mercial' machine that will burn out after 4 or five years of use. With practice and patience, this will deliver the smoothest espresso pours for years and years. The design has been in production since the 1960's and parts are in abundance online. I would classify this as the AK47 of espresso machines. Even Frankenstein machines with parts salvaged from half a dozen different machines and time periods still seem to work just fine amazingly. You can't go wrong with one of these if you know what your doing. If you just want a random espresso on the weekends and don't want a lot of hassle, I wouldn't get one of these. There is a learning curve with these machines. Watch some youtube videos and learn the methods before purchase.