I have been using this Espresso machine for 4+ years. It is very robust. Steam wands deliver consistently and with good control (handles let the steam out gradually and not abruptly). Two espresso groups have dispencing buttons that are programmable (for each button you can decide how much pull you want), and let me tell you, it is consistent - every time you pull, it delivers pretty much the same amount. Water dispencer in the center of the machine is very hot - water comes out heated by steam so it is boiling. Easy to heat up cups and also make tea.
Maintenance-wise - machine is very simple inside, and is well designed. Of course if you use no filters on the feeding line to the machine, you will have calcification of the pipes on the inside according to the water harness in your area. But even then it is not that difficult to clean it - the service technician should not charge you over the top for it since it is not of high complecity.
In 4 years I had to service it 3 times. Once the water meter had to be replaced ($200). Once the o-ring on water solenoid needed to be replaced ($3.00). Once cleaning of the line from calcification - this is by the hour charge unless you have someone who can service it for free. Decalcification of the line took about 2 hours.
Of course you have to change the rubber rings on group heads and also the mesh - but you also can clean the mesh to a like new condition - that is up to you. Rubber rings are about $12.00 to replace. So as you can see this machine is not so high costs in maintenance due to being very simple. Yet it is a work horse.
