Breville BES400 8.5 Cup

Pros: Perfect temperature control Great Frothing Full-swivel Steam Wand Ring-Grip, Great looks Great price

Cons: The sexy looking tamp/scoop, not as easy to use as the old one.

The Bottom Line: If you can afford one of those expensive Italian machines, buy the Breville and maybe get yourself a nice Italian leather coat with the savings.

Review: I've had 3 years with the ESP6 Cafe Aroma Classic and thought it was finally time to update. After discovering its success with an "Australian Design Award"... http://www.designawards.com.au /application_detail.jsp?applic ationID=834 ... and the US "G...

Pros: Quick and consistently easy to use.

Cons: Haven't found any yet.

Review: I've been using my BES400XL for a month now, and it is so simple and easy to use. Clean up is quick and easy also, and the best part is the results.....yuummmmm. 5 minutes out of bed and I have cappuccino that equals ...

Pros: Beautiful design, easy to use, excellent espresso for drinks

Cons: Plastic tamper, lots of plastic (longevity)

The Bottom Line: While this machine probably won't last like some of its more expensive Italian alternatives, it will produce espresso drinks comparable to any coffee establishment.

Review: I recently purchased this machine (aka Ikon) after much research because I couldn't pass up the price.  It was beautiful but I quickly moved on to the basics of a good espresso machine--buttons for power/brewing/frothing, warming tray, frother ...

Pros: Looks nice on the counter. Great ergonomics.

Cons: Cheap internal boiler element. Doesn't make good coffee.

The Bottom Line: Spend a few dollars more on a Saeco Aroma or Gaggia Pure. Italian machines work better, last longer and are lower maintenance.

Review: After seeing this gorgeous machine at the local Costco for $200 CDN I couldn't resist buying it.Compared to my Saeco Armonia, which has a rather down-market dowdy ...