So willing, so disappointed.

I embraced this machine as a replacement for my small Krups espresso unit, expecting this one to be far superior considering the 15 bar pressure. I've been working with it for a few months now and I'm finally realizing that it's not me. I have yet to pull an acceptable cup of espresso in spite of trying grinds #5 and #4 in different varieties of coffee as well as Illy's pods. The heating unit does not stay hot and in fact the indicator light goes off in the middle of both brewing and frothing functions in spite of waiting for the advised 15 minutes of heat up time. This results in very weak coffee. I also take the time to clear the frothing unit of excess water in an effort to get nothing but steam in my milk and insure as little water as possible in the final cup. Today the gasket has split at the seam and De Longhi is telling me it's $21.00 and three weeks to replace it. Of course, they no longer make this model saying it is two years old - but it is still for sale new at various places on the internet. The size and look of this EC-701 may be more appealing than other makes and models, but unless you want to spend considerably longer than normal trying to get a decent morning shot or two of caffeine only to come up with lukewarm soul-less espresso, don't bother. So glad I didn't throw my Krups out!