What are you all whining at ?

I've had mine over 18 months now - still going strong. I had a teething problem or two when I started - which were actually Whittards fault - they sorted them out and I ended up with 2 coffee baskets - which is great.

I've used it more or less daily during that time

The pump pressure is fine - but it doesn't cope well with very finely ground coffee. The frothing attachment is unneccessary - especially if you use semi-skimmed milk (don't know what that's called in the US) - just remove the wide nozzle and use the narrow one.

The problem someone described with water instead of steam is solved if you wait for the red pressure light to light up.

A friend has a Baby Gaggia, and another a Gaggia Kubica - both are very basic in comparison to this machine (and a sight more expensive).

My only real problem is that it's starting to drip after use - which is annoying, and I'd like to solve this - but it has had a bit of a hammering for the best part of 2 years.

The drip trays are dishwasher safe by the way and come out a treat - unlike the espresso "handles" (don't do it !)