This is a brilliant coffee machine - other machines I have tried do not produce really hot espresso, but this one does. It froths the milk beautifully and I love the silicone pipes that you can see through the water tank. This tank comes out really easily so it's extremely easy to clean. The milk frother gadget is by far the easiest to keep clean of all machines I've had (and I've had a few, believe me). In addition, this is an incredibly sturdy, well built coffee maker. I know it's expensive but the expression 'you get what you pay for' certainly springs to mind here. Don't go for cheaper alternatives - they are not worth it.