KOTLIE Espresso Coffee Machine with Milk Frother, One-Touch Automatic Coffee maker for Espresso, Cappuccino and Latte, ESE Pod Compatible, 20Bar Italian Pump, Dual Heat System 1350W and 900W, CM5180

Very Good Introduction Espresso Machine
This was my first espresso machine and I was not disappointed with the product. Although I encountered a small problem with the milk reservoir, the customer support team resolve the problem quickly. Highly recommended for those who want a simple espresso machine.

Great investment
 I like better than the previous model, easy to use but l don’t see any difference between the coffee buttom settings

Great for Beginners
I have never owned an espresso machine or ever made one. I was too intimidated to try this machine, although I was really excited to have it at the same time. In the end I decided to have my friend’s husband figure out how to use it, since he always makes me custom hot coffees and teas whenever I visit. It was a little difficult to figure out at first, but once you do, it becomes easy to use. I can’t wait to learn more about espresso and latte making as I experiment with my new machine. In my limited experience, and opinion, this is great, well made machine for beginners. I like it and recommend it for other beginners or those looking a a good machine at this price point.

Easy to use
I am a newbie at making my own lattes and have never owned a machine until now. I appreciate how simple and easy this one is to use. I have only used ESE pods so far (with the intent to try using my own beans in the near future), but my experience with the taste and quality has been a good one so far. For reference, I use Caffe Barbone ESE pods which has been a great success for me in this machine, with a nice balance of aroma, flavor, and strength. I haven’t tried any other ESE brands yet but plan to try a few different ones in the near future.The milk frother tank is very convenient to remove and store in the fridge when not in use. I also like that there is a clean function option as well. The entire process of making a latte or cappuccino is quick and easy with just a push of a button.The portafilter can use some improvements since it can be difficult to turn unless it’s perfectly aligned. It took me a few (frustrating) weeks before I was finally able to find the “sweet spot” where I’m able to now turn it more easily and smoothly about 85% of the time. I wish I could explain it better to help others with this, but it’s more of a “feel for it” kind of thing and not so much a “this is how you do it” kind of thing. The best I can suggest is make sure it’s perfectly aligned and level (horizontally) with the machine before turning it left to right to tighten. Ideally though, the portafilter design would have been much easier to operate without the need to fidget with it every time.Due to the compact design I can see the logic in having the water reservoir in the back. It can be difficult at times to see when the water level is low though (there is no “low water” indicator light or audible signal that prompts you to refill.) and due to my limited counter space it’s a little difficult to reach as well. I decided to order a silicone water reservoir spout so I can refill the water tank without the need to remove it – unless of course I’m cleaning the tank or machine itself. This has made refilling the water reservoir a much easier task for me.Overall, I’m quite happy with this espresso machine although I admit that I have nothing else to compare it to either. As a newbie, this machine works great for my needs and I love the built-in adjustable frother, self clean setting, as well as the versatility to use both ESE pods or my own grounds if I choose.Time will tell how well this holds up but I’m optimistic of its longevity. My entire household (consisting of our young adult career/college kids as well as frequent visits from extended family) all love coffee in some way shape or form so this machine has been used a lot in the last 2 months of owning it; Approx 8-10+ times a day on average.I think the price is reasonably affordable compared to some of the more professional models out there and it seems easier to operate too for beginners such as myself. Most standard coffee makers (including the more high end expensive ones) usually quit working after 2-3 years in my house, so if I can get a few years of use out of this thing then it would be a worthwhile purchase for me, not to mention the amount of money I will save during that time by making my own lattes at home now.