If you are researching espresso machines I would suggest keeping an eye out for this guy because he's trying to throw the averages. My suggestion would be to NOT purchase any of the machines he recommends.

Amazon, your ratings system obviously needs some more checks and balances.

"AN EXCELLENT MACHINE"
AN EXCELLENT MACHINE!

I made this purchase with the intention of not needing to go to Starbucks for a decent latte. First I was looking for a combo machine to make some regular coffee when I wanted to change things up. Regarding quality, I also wanted to ensure that the espresso machine used a stainless steel boiler instead of aluminium. There are some health concerns regarding aluminium. Speaking of which, a water pump is preferable instead of just a steam machine for better quality espresso. This machine has exceeded my expectations.

The water container is very large and you can fill it from the top whenever. The machine is fairly quick in preparing the espresso and prepping the wand for steaming milk. The espresso is great and has a nice crema each time. The wand is incredible and froths the milk very quickly.

My experience:

For first time buyers, make sure you have a stainless steel pitcher for heating/frothing milk. I also recommend getting a thermometer to ensure that you heat the milk properly. Lastly, purchase a small enough container for the espresso as there is not a lot of clearance under the espresso filter.

The instruction documentation isn't that good. Actually, I didn't receive the documentation when I received the machine and I even contacted Briel for it and I still have received anything. I made a copy from a co-worker who did get it when he made the same purchase.

This might seem like a negative review and may stop you from making the purchase. But I think the proof is in the pudding. The espresso and coffee makes is incredibly good. Leave the car keys behind, and make the walk to your kitchen instead.

"Not worth the trouble"
Returned this item 5 minutes after opening. Much 'cheaper' looking then web site pic indicated. It's a chrome plated/black plastic (not even close to a 'stainless steel' appearance)with a 'flimsy' cheap feel to the appliance. Took it into my wife for comments (with no leading the audience from me) -- her comments matched mine (not always the case in our 20 years of marriage). I have no ax to grind here -- ordering this product was a waste of my time

"RATED BEST BEST-THEY WERE RIGHT!!!"
Consumer Guide rates this as a Best Buy-They were absolutely correct!

We just received our BRIEL SINTRA machine last week. It's fabulous. Recently, we just redesigned our kitchen with stainless steel appliances and wanted a powerful, yet attractive machine that would fit in. I don't drink espresso everyday, but wanted a combination machine that made a quality cup of drip coffee along with a pump espresso machine. So we purchased the SINTRA from BRIEL. This machine offers a sleek Stainless Steel look exterior with added features such as Auto Espresso Flow and a warming plate for pre-heating cups. The espresso part of the machine is impressive and makes it easy for anyone to create authentic espresso, cappuccino or latte every time! This full size machine is adaptable for use with ground coffee or coffee servings (pods)! I get my pods from AMAZON.COM. The 10-cup drip coffeemaker portion of the machine is sensational. It brews drip coffee quickly, at the proper hot temperature and has a nice feature of brew interuption, where you can sneak a cup, before it's completed! Some of the features that my wife and I like most about the machine:

1. Large, removable water reservoir that fills from the top. 2. Water level visible from the front. 3. GREAT ESPRESSO EXTRACTION due to Constant 15 Bar pump pressure producing a savory espresso with perfect crema every time 4. POWERFUL STEAM with a snap-on Turbo Jet Frother produces plentiful dry steam for a thick milk froth for a cappuccino or latte 5.SMALL FOOTPRINT ON COUNTER Before we had an espresso machine and a drip coffeemaker on our counter. It took up a lot of space. This unit is streamlined and by having both the drip coffeemaker and pump espresso machine combined, it is perfect for our needs in creating a European coffee bar in our newly redesigned kitchen.

We can wholeheartedly suggest this machine to others, as we intend to purchase a couple of these machines as gifts. We've had experience with BRIEL in the past and found their products great and their support people bery informative and helpful.

"2 Years Later"
After 2 years of use this has been the best espresso machine I have used and makes great American coffee, too.
Growing up on espresso and having lived in Europe, I have tasted and tested many makes. This one is living up to the best. I have friends with much more expensive machines and they can not get the crema or the warmth of the Briel machine.
I must go now because I need coffee.....