Based on my experience making ten espressos over the last two months using the GECME403-U, I’d like to correct a few things up front:Despite the seller’s claims, the foaming wand does not rotate 360°, the machine does not heat to brewing temperature in 25 seconds, and while there are two selectable temperatures (brewing and foaming), you do not have the ability to “adjust” the temperature. The large temperature dial allows you to easily observe the temperature as it rises, which is one of my favorite features, yet my machine’s temperature dial never properly indicated full brewing temperature (198°F), nor full foaming temperature (and definitely not 3,380°F!). Also, a double shot should yield about 30 ml (2 oz.) of full-bodied espresso, not the amounts seen in the product photos showing about four ounces in two separate cups.That said, with the right coffee at the right grind and with a little practice, this machine works rather well.Since Gevi is a newer, lesser-known brand among espresso makers, I really wasn't sure if I was choosing the best machine, and I haven’t had it long enough to comment on its reliability or longevity, but this model offers more features than any other in its price range. It’s a compact design with lots of plastic parts, yet its 8.2-lb. empty weight plus its squarish shape give it a solid stance on the countertop, which is especially helpful when attaching and removing the portafilter handle.On my first use, after filling the water reservoir, loading the filter basket to the max line, locking the portafilter onto the brew head, turning the machine on, and pressing the brewing button, the boiler reached extraction temperature (indicated by a green light) in just 30 seconds. Over time however, that interval has grown larger; it now takes 1 minute and 15 seconds to achieve extraction temperature, plus about 20-30 seconds to actually brew espresso.The rise to milk foaming temperature (indicated by a second green light) also takes a bit longer than it used to, yet it takes just 1 minute to reach full temperature and another 20-40 seconds to steam 100 ml of milk.In summary, I can go from power on to a well-foamed latte or cappuccino in less than four minutes, which is fast enough for my personal use.As other reviews have mentioned, this Gevi model's greatest weakness is that the boiler only produces enough steam at full temperature to foam milk for about 10-15 seconds. Be patient though, because in another 5-10 seconds, the little green light is back on and you can finish the job.A few notes:1.) When unpacking the machine, it arrives with lots of little pieces of tape holding various components in place. The tape comes off easily and leaves no residue, but use care when pulling the tape from the decorative metal bands along the sides. Pulling the tape in the opposing direction works well, but if you pull straight outward from the machine, you can easily bend the small panel right out of its housing, leaving the panel with a convex curve.2.) Attaching the portafilter to the brew head the first time is a real challenge. Rotating the handle to the lock position and later removing it took about all the strength I dared to exert, but with successive uses, it gradually loosens up. Apparently, this is rather common experience with consumer-grade espresso machines.3.) This compact espresso maker does not have the commercial standard 58mm wide basket, it’s more like 52mm, but once loaded and well-tamped to the max line, it’s deep enough to load the minimum 14g. of ground coffee to make a double shot.4.) The heated warming tray on the top is really a gimmick; the upper surface of my unit maxed out at less than 80°. You could heat a cup to 100° much faster using hot tap water.5.) Be careful with the removable water reservoir. Although the plunger-type valve at the bottom seals perfectly, both in hand and when loaded into the back of the machine, the outer tip of the valve extends about a millimeter beyond the bottom edge of its enclosure. If the reservoir is filled with water and you set it on a countertop or other flat surface, the plunger will recess upward into the tank, opening the seal, and flooding your countertop.6.) While the machine comes with a handled portafilter, brew basket and a plastic tamping tool, there is no foaming pitcher. Given the length of the foaming wand and its clearance to the countertop, I found that a 12-oz./350 ml milk frothing pitcher fits perfectly.7.) While the foaming wand is not capable of 360° of rotation, 270° works just fine.If you're new to making espresso, you may be surprised to find out how much there is to the process if you wish to do it right. There are some great videos on YouTube regarding coffee types, proper grind, ideal brewing times, tamping techniques, etc. It’s a science and an art and this machine is a good point of entry.
