This is my first time purchasing an Espresso Machine as a result I was looking at the reviews between this one (what I wanted) and a Mr. Coffee machine. I almost elected Mr. Coffee until I remembered that the internet reviews are very harsh so I purchased this item.

I'm going to address of the things that I was concerned about, for this machine that almost made me go with Mr Coffee

Does it Get Hot?

I like hot coffee and cold, lukewarm coffee would be a major disappointment. The "Coffee" portion of the machine does get hot. The issue with this machine is that the milk frother, froth's milk, so when you make a Latte (only thing I've been making) it pours in froth milk (cold) into hot water and thereby cooling the "hot coffee". As one of the other reviewers mention they do, I just throw it into the microwave. Its an extra step but now I have a hot Latte.

Does it leak?

I only experienced a leak because I didn't dump the removable drip tray. Some may have had a faulty unit but if you don't dump the drip tray it will overflow and leak.

Spoiled Milk Smell

I haven't experienced this but the way I suspect this can occur if you never run the very simple clean cycle. Dried milk is starting to form at the end of the milk dispenser nasal. I would recommend purchasing or having some cleaning brushes on hand. Also I suspect if you leave the milk in the container and don't detach and store it in the fridge.

Is it easy to clean

Yes! Super super easy.

What I do

Well I'm reading the manual because this is a luxury purchase for me. I'm buying bottled water (SmartWater) and using that exclusively in the machine because there's no telling what's in tap water and I want to ensure 1) I have great tasting coffee 2) this luxury purchase of mine last for a while.

What i wish

I wish it made larger cups of espresso. I know its a single cup for at home use but I have to make 3-4 cups per coffee drinking session.

Great product. Glad I didn't let the reviews get to them. Worst case you return it to amazon and buy a different product. If this is your 1st go at a home espresso machine give it a shot. Its cute and simple. Easy to clean.

Updated --
Support did respond. They emailed but from an email address that didn't match company name, so obviously it went to junk. Returned my phone call and are sending out a replacement.

The replacement is plastic, as that's all they make. This is a genuine design flaw, which I've not seen in other machines, but I appreciate their responsiveness - just a note to CALL don't email via their online form unless you don't get a lot of emails and don't get a lot of spam. They don't answer the phone. You have to leave a voicemail.

Love the machine. EXCEPT. After 3 months, i discovered the little filter piece inside the portafilter basket, being PLASTIC, had melted.

Initially, espresso could get through but finally melted shut. I cut the melted tip off to continue use, but that didn't help for long.

I've reached out and emailed support several times but they never even respond.

All other espresso machines seem to use a metal piece for this component. It appears to be the only weakness - but I can no longer use my machine at all.
I can buy an entire replacement portafilter and hope the plastic is included (not pictured or referenced on the replacement part listing) but that's a bigger expense and I know it's a 3 month "fix" at best

Hoping they read their reviews more than their support emails.

This machine makes a good and attractive cup of coffee and the frother does a great job. Several reviewers mentioned that their coffee (specifically Lattes) were not very hot. Sadly, I found this to be an accurate assessment. I've found the Cappuccinos to be a better and warmer option. I believe the poor temperature is because of the milk. Lattes have more milk so, naturally, they will be cooler. Too bad the milk isn't warmer from the frothing process.... You can microwave your coffee after it's brewed. That would work. I haven't tried it and I don't know if it would have an effect on the milk foam or not. Still, I really enjoy my machine and if you buy one or have bought one, I hope you do to.

Had some issues with the first shipment and was very impressed with the customer support. Now have the new machine installed and made my first cappuccino! Delicious and easy to use.

I disliked the fact that the milk container is hard to put in/out of the machine. There needs to be a little more clearance.