I have been using the KitchenAide Espresso Machine for a few weeks now along with the milk frother. The coffee comes out tasting great and better than the pods. However, with the greater taste and flavor does come more work than using pods. Grinding and packing the coffee into the espresso pan isn't difficult it just takes a little more time. Overall I think it's worth it over the pods and on a per cup basis is cheaper and more eco friendly.