This is my first high caliber espresso machine and I'm enjoying learning the art of making espresso the "proper" way - definitely a grown up machine. My previous maker allowed me to make easy and fast espresso drinks, albeit not of the highest quality, but when I coupled it with the frothed milk (which I became very adept at doing), no complaints.
The silver Carezza is elegant, reasonably priced, and of a compact size - three of my most important factors. It acts like a woman in that you CANNOT rush the process and must allow it to warm up. Not doing so produces weak, somewhat watery espresso. I also never realized how much tamping adds or takes away from the taste so this is something that's more art than science. It takes a bit longer to produce a large cup (or two small demitasse ones) but because the taste is richer and more robust, I also tend to drink less.
I continue to use a blade grinder even though the manual recommends that I do not. I've become very good at grinding my beans into the fine grind needed and so far all I've had to do is adjust the tamp or volume of coffee I add to achieve my desired taste. This again seems to be more art than science.
The frother works great but because of the low spout I find it takes a bit more effort to get just the right angle so that I can hold the milk pitcher comfortably and then later expel the air and excess milk into the sink. There's a separate on/off switch for frothing milk that I've forgotten to turn off on occassion - it must be turned on only after the espresso is brewed, hence easy to forget to turn off...well, at least for me.
The only thing that I don't like is how much the filter holder drips. When I get rid of the grounds it usually drips as I turn it over to bang out the grounds, and then again after brewing so I always need a small cup to catch the excess. Seems that by the time I'm done with grinding, pulling, frothing, and emptying there's a bit of mess on kitchen counter. Perhaps as I continue this will become less so.
The setup comes with two manuals - the second is more interesting in that it has recipes and other tips. There's also a CD which I have yet to watch but at some point will.
I'm glad that I purchased this machine and am having fun with it.
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