The maestro produces good espresso (though I think it has a tendency to read higher on the pressure gauge than is actually expressed) but the steam wand is way underpowered. The steam wand produces heat, but not the force to create an acceptable "vortex" or milk-roll within the milk jug. This means that the air induced when frothing will never adequately be introduced to the milk and you'll never wind up with anything other than bubble-filled foam at the top. If your expectations are very low or you're inexperienced with frothing silky microfoam, you may think it's fine. But if you understand the basics of milk frothing, this thing will frustrate the heck out of you.