DeLonghi EC5 Steam-Driven 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Maker, Black

I purchased this product about 3 years ago, I couldn't figure out how to use it so I gave up. Recently we got a new person in the office who wanted to use it so I said more power to you. She showed me how to get it going and with tips from my sister who used to work at a specialty coffee place, I feel professional. I make a great carmel macchiatta every morning. I think there may be a worn washer or something because I have to steam milk while the espresso is running (not what it's supposed to do) but I found a great rhythm and now I get very hot milk with an excellent thick foam. I keep my $4 in my pocket.

We've previously used Krups and Capresso espresso makers that are similarly priced to this one, but this is the worst of the lot.

If we fill up the reservoir with water, it starts draining from every orifice until it is an inch or two below the rim. We checked the instructions, but could find no indication that it was supposed to be doing this.

When we added the amount of water the instructions indicated, it only made about half the amount of espresso it should have, and if we added some extra water, it sometimes overflowed the carafe. We were completely frustrated with the inconsistency of the unit.

The only thing positive thing I can say is that the reservoir cap is very sturdy.

We have returned it and will go back to Capresso. That one never drained water or overflowed the carafe.

This product was re-furbished and came in a bit dirty. It's easy to use and makes espresso quick but the steam wand is terrible. It does not make the milk hot and does not let out enough steam.

I bought the machine mainly for cappuccino. But the pressure of steam is really pathetic and it goes away after 5-10 seconds.There was no seperate system for steam. I had to return it.

This is a nice looking Espresso Maker. The problem I found with it is the steamer is made of a flimsy plastic and I thought it was going to break every time I used it. It is not in the right place on the machine to be able to steam a cup of milk. I would not purchase this machine again.