Saeco Starbucks Sirena Espresso Machine

Pros: Gorgeous design; quick espresso-to-steam transition; commercial portafilter; fail-safes; programmable shots; easily adaptable for higher quality
Cons: Drip tray; wet steam; steam wand grip; temp gauge; superficial manual; reliability still unproven

Espresso is the most elaborate coffee-making method yet devised, barely over a century old. The Sirena (Italian for "mermaid") is the result of a two-year collaboration between Saeco, BMW Designworks USA, and Starbucks, the Sirena's distributor. My ...

Pros: None
Cons: Didn't work. Bad Reviews. Customer Support blows

I was thinking I wanted to replace my 6 year old Starbucks Athena with this machine.  Went to the local Starbucks down the street and the lady tried to talk me out of buying it cause she had 2 returns already.  I asked if it was because the machine didn't work and she said it was because they were looking for a more automated machine.  So I purchased it and tried it out.  It never headed up to brew.  I tried to talk to both Starbuck customer service (who refered me to Saeco customer support) and then Seaco CS who were never around and never called me back.  I took it back to see if I could try out another one - the lady basically talked me out of trying another one cause she was suggesting I go with the more expensive fully automated machines.   End of story - got my money back