The machine has been consistent, easy to use, easy to clean. Obviously, it's pretty to look at. I've had the machine a year and haven't had any issues. One consideration: the machine is pretty loud when it's running. This is in part due to the plastic water reservoir vibrating as the machine is working, which I mitigated by using a felt sticker to keep the reservoir in place and absorb a little sound. Usually, I'll press my hand against it. I guess one other consideration is that the top of the machine, where the cup warmer is, is sloped. Despite the rails, I'm wary of storing cups on top of it especially because the machine vibrates and I don't want my cups to slip off. I can still use the warmer for the cup I'm using; I just wouldn't store a bunch of cups there.

The machine works great!

I love my Ascaso Dream red espresso machine so much. It’s my most favorite thing I own. Works almost perfectly, but from the beginning the pressure gage doesn’t seem to work properly (doesn’t go up to pressure when making espresso) but still pours great shots so I just ignore it. Customer service didn’t do too much to help me resolve it at the time when I first got it a few years ago. Also the mesh metal piece that fits above the coffee sometimes falls off, but I can usually just pop it back in and it’s not a problem when pouring shots. I usually make two breve cappuccinos a day, one for me and my honey, and this machine has held up pretty great over last 3 years. Still looks nice and shiny on my countertop. I highly recommend if you want a gorgeous and compact yet powerfully steaming espresso machine.