i'm not an expert espresso maker, or even espresso drinker. But I did take some espresso-making classes a few years ago and I remember the basics.As an amateur espresso maker, I'm pretty pleased with this machine. I love how small it is. Fits on my counter easily. Very well engineered, high-quality. Very attractive, with glossy black finish that nicely sets off all the stainless steel components. Easy to use, very easy to clean. Great value—looks and feels like it should cost a lot more.It makes great espresso. I added an upgraded portafilter but it doesn't make espresso as good as the one that came with it. The 50mm portafilter holds 8 g of coffee for the single and 15 g for the double filter.The machine has lots of nice design touches. A flip lever holds the filter in when you knock out the used grounds. The catch basin under the cup comes off by just lifting, for easy cleaning. A float inside causes a red button to show on the drain pan when the catch basin is full. Clever and works great. Comes with a plastic tamper/spoon combination.It has a cup heater plate on the top but it doesn't get very warm, even after a long time.Large water tank on the back means you don't need to fill it very often but do keep an eye on it—there is no warning when it's near empty so you may ruin a cup of espresso.The frother works very well.The manual is well written and illustrated but it only shows how the machine works—it doesn't tell how to make espresso. A QR code on the side of the machine goes to the online instructions, which is a clever idea but the online manual is the same as the printed manual and they could have a How to Make Espresso video, how to make espresso drinks, or espresso making techniques.