This espresso maker has a reasonably good advantage over the many others in its class and price: an Italian pump creates a well balanced and richly developed crema throughout all the espresso cup (many more expensive machines would provide only thin layer of crema on the top). This machine is also easy in maintenance. Certainly, one of essential disadvantages (at this low price ) is the materials used - aluminum and plastic (and potential health concerns). Other than that, this is a machine that could be shown off due to very aromatic and rich espresso produced.