This is such a nice, simple, compact machine that makes a consistent cup of coffee without taking up much counter space at all. There are only 3 buttons, (single, double, and steam), and then a steam dial, so it is really simple to use. The steam wand is really easy to use and easy to clean. It is surprising how well the wand works and how easily you are able to froth or heat milk depending on how you use it (I bought a small stainless-steel jug to steam the milk).It is an all stainless, solid, heavy, machine that comes with a quality portafilter (filter handle). This really is a case of dynamite comes in small packages, as I have had larger espresso machines, and this is by far the best one I have had.While it doesn't have a pressure gauge like other more expensive models, it provides consistent pressure and heat. This means that you can focus on ensuring you grind the beans consistently with a burr grinder to ensure you end up with a great cup of coffee. You know you have the right consistency when it takes 25-30 seconds to make your single or double espresso.Customer service is also very responsive, as I thought I had an issue, but they responded quickly with an answer, and it was resolved.

For an entry level machine this is a SUPERB value and will pull exceptionally good shots if you read the directions and follow a few simple universal truths about making espresso. No machine instantly produces great espresso by just pressing a button. Preparation is key, and thats the same whether it's a $100 or $1000 machine. The courseness/fineness of the coffee grounds matter. The amount of coffee you cram into the portafilter matters. Tamping pressure matters. So if you are an absolute beginner, then check out the million videos out there to learn about all the do's/don'ts/variables that go into pulling the perfect espresso shot.But if this is not your first rodeo, you understand the art of making espresso, and you are just looking for a solid espresso machine for home at a great value, this is the one. I don't need to go into much detail on all the positive aspects noted in the description and in other reviews. It's awesomely slim/compact, heats up quickly, has a large removable water reservoir and very capable steaming wand.However, a common negative aspect I've seen in a few other reviews relates to experiencing excessive wait times between functions, most notably between ability to pull shots after using the steaming wand. I can say with confidence this is not an issue when armed with a basic understanding of how the machine works and possibly incorporating a small change to the production process. I believe this noted drawback is squarely related to the temperature/heating capacity of the machine. And for this machine, at this price point, what you don't get is an adjustable water temperature setting. Love it or hate it, the machine comes preset for only two temperature levels, one for making espresso, one for making steam via the frothing wand. So if you pull a shot, then steam some milk, then try to immediately go back to pull another shot, you will more than likely encounter the frustration of the "blinking lights" while it tries to cool itself back down to the lower espresso brewing temperature. By itself, this cooling process is exceptionally long, but if you are impatient like me, while all the lights are blinking, you can simply just eject hot water out of the wand (not steam, just hot water...like you're making an americano) and the temperature will quickly lower to enable another shot to be pulled within a few seconds. A few ounces of hot water will be wasted, but thats the tradeoff for saving time. I have had absolutely no issues pulling two espressos back-to-back, then hitting the steam button (i.e., raising the water temp) and frothing milk for both drinks. As for taking too long to heat up, I've never experienced that yet and would certainly recommend returning the machine if that happens to you. The 1450W thermo-block heater in this Wirsh product literally takes 15 seconds or less to be ready to extract.So for me, this is an exceptionally good espresso maker that sits comfortably on my limited counter space next to my regular drip coffee maker and bean grinder. It looks great, cleans up easily, and consistently delivers a few tasty latte's or cappuccinos a day. I love this machine, especially under $150.

Several detailed reviews/updates below, but this is the bottom line: after extensive research across many brand names, this one out performs all others (Breville, Gaggia, D’longi) at a fraction of the price. Unless you are willing to spend around $800+, you’ll get the same results from every machine under that price point. Two crucial keys to successful espresso: a quality CONICAL burr grinder (I’d spend more money on that first than on a machine), and fresh beans. You’ll get far superior results from a great grind and mediocre machine than vice versa.UPDATE #3 (11/26/23) My machine finally gave out, but I wasn't surprised with the length of time I've had it. My husband reached out to the compacy to ask about purchasing the internal part that had failed, and the company was AWESOME! They offered to send the part for free (which would take a few weeks to get it in), or to replace it for the cost of shipping! EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE!UPDATE (5/23/23) I’ve had the machine for over a year now, and I’ve gone from one star to four. I make at least two espressos a day and occasionally four or five if we have company. What I have come to love about this machine is its size. Small and lightweight, I take it whenever we travel. It also consistently pulls nice shots. Great machine for the price point and if you’re new to espresso machines. The only thing I wish it has was either a light in the water tank or a low water indicator.Initial review: Decent price point for an entry level machine. I have been on the fence with sending this back versus keeping it. I make about two lattes a day, so I’ve put it through the paces the past three weeks. That being said, if you use properly ground fresh beans you get a decent espresso.***The portafilter is so tight when it was brand new that I had to put the machine in a headlock (seriously) to get it in, and then bang it out with my fist. I also had to pry the filter out with a butter knife. I figured it would loosen with use and it has. The filter slides out easily now, but it still takes two hands and some wrestling to get the portafilter in (the lightweight of the machine makes it slide everywhere).PROS-price point-intuitive-compact sizeCONS-the steam wand shoots out a fair amount of water, so you have to purge it before you steam your milk unless you want a shot of water in your milk (see video)-too short (only for short mugs; regular bistro mug a tight fit; small travel mug too tall; barely holds two small mugs if you’re trying to pull a double)-lightweight (it slides a lot when putting in the portafilter)-no water level indicator (nothing to alert the water level is too low; it at least needs an LED light for the tank so you can see the water level since the tank is at the back and hard to see)-no auto shut off-espresso is simply not hot enough (my old Rivo machine pulled hotter espresso than this)-the plastic tamper is ridiculous; you’ll need a real one (stainless steal)