DeLonghi BAR 41 Espresso Machine

Pros: It does look great!
Cons: 30 minutes to warm up! Leaks when left on pilot! Dilutes espresso if not careful!

Well, I bought this to match my delonghi retro toaster (which I love) but it is a real let down. I tried leaving it on boiler mode over night so I could quickly have an espresso on my way out the door. It leaks and the filter basket was full of coffee...

Pros: fast brewing, great steamer, and nice design.
Cons: Very poor reliability, deplorable customer support

UPDATE JUNE 30, 2003 - Since the last update I was forced to once again return my Delonghi espresso machine. This time they had me return the whole unit instead of sending me two little parts! Go figure. It makes sense to me know after all I have been...

Pros: Heats up quick  (couple minutes)
Good creme
Very long lasting (about 5 years and going strong)
Cons: ESE pods not as good tasting as fresh ground espresso
Water drips out of milk steamer

I received this Delonghi espresso maker as a gift about 5 years ago and it's still going strong.  I definitely take care of it and make sure to decalcify it about every year and a half and it's treated me well.  I use it about once or twice a ...

Pros: ease of use, ease of cleanup, esthetics
Cons: Inconsistent shots, limitted instructions.

Received it as a gift to cut down on my trips to Charbucks and Second Cup. At a department store it wasnt what you'd call cheap either. It is very simple to use, although I'm a confessed newbie. A couple things I noticed: Shots seem inconsistent, often bitter. The puck in the portafilter is usually soggy, even muddy. Not sure why, but I'd bet the 2 are related to each other. Tried different amounts of tamp, still couldnt consistently get good results. Also the pump "ready" light goes off shortly into the first shot i.e. 15 secs. which seems to me like its too small.
The foaming wand works well, and the unit itself looks good and seems fairly durable despite being plastic. Overall, once I find out why my shots are coming out the way they are, its a very simple unit to use.
Now that I know I would actually use an espresso machine if i had one (unlike so many other neat sounding kitchen gadgets), I would consider upgrading to something mid-grade.

Pros: Ease of use and cleaning
Cons: NONE

This powerful little machine will keep the demi tasse coming... Great for latte and cappuccino...Try this it is better than any other little machine...