This replaces a Gaggia bean to cup machine which was very good, but not a patch on this one.
From the moment you start using it, it becomes clear that Siemens have thought through the design and the functionality of this machine. It works - of course. But, equally importantly, it looks good, and it it functions in a way that strongly suggests the design has been thoroughly thought through. The Gaggia never gave that impression. German design, perhaps, as against Italian?
Obviously, it produces cup after cup of excellent coffee. That goes without saying - or it should do. But it's also very easy to use once you've mastered the controls, and it has an impressive logicality to the way it works.
The hot milk/foam function, for example, (for cappuccino and latte) works well, but also requires very little effort to clean afterwards - unlike the Gaggia. There is an impressive array of settings enabling you to alter very easily the style of your coffee, or the way the machine works. There is also a very useful Eco button which will put the machine to sleep whilst it's not in use, so that it's not keeping the water in the tank hot all day unnecessarily.
The only slight problem I've encountered (and this is borne out by a relative who has the same machine) is that quite often when the machine hasn't been used for a few hours, the coffee beans do not find their own way into the grinder - a quick stir of the beans in the bean container will resolve the problem, though.
These machines aren't cheap (though you can pay a lot more for others) but if you like good coffee without all the hassle of making it, you'll very much appreciate having bought it.
[Updated 11 February 2011 - machine purchased November 2010]