I absolutely love this machine!! I put it in my office at work to keep me from spending so much money in the coffee shop downstairs.  I  haven’t been since I got it! It makes great espresso and americanos! Not at all bitter, I add just a touch of cream or milk. I don’t even need the sugar I’d normally add. It’s pretty quiet, we’ll as quiet as it could be while grinding coffee beans, lol. I love the sleek and modern look of it and it’s quite compact.