I purchased this Cuisinox Espresso Stovetop Coffee maker for my sister for her birthday and she loves it. She uses it every morning and it is probably one of the best gifts she has ever received. Very simple, inexpensive, no fuss, quick, strong, concentrated Espresso. The term "3-Cup" is giving a few customers a problem. It, in this case, does not mean 3 full cups (24 ounces) of watered down, drip-brewed coffee, but 3 shots (1/3 cup or approximately 2.6 ounces) of pure, strong, concentrated coffee with a thicker consistency. Espresso has more caffeine per unit volume than drip-brewed coffee, and this is what Expresso drinkers want. A quick shot to get them going; Espresso! This Espresso maker is probably not for those who want to drink coffee all morning, but for those who want the instant, long lasting charge to get them going and keep them going for hours and it works for her. I am giving this 5 stars because it does exactly what is suppose to do, make strong, concentrated shots of coffee (Espresso cup-sized). She says "It's just perfect!", "I love it!", "It's just right!". I hope this review helps coffee drinkers understand the difference in what they are buying. Do you want to take a shower or would you prefer a long bubble bath?