The Breville Barista Express is the new best friend you didn’t know you needed. This is my first espresso machine and I love it! Very user friendly, just set the settings the manual says to start with and then tweak it from there. My machine was pulling long shots out of the box so that did have to be reprogrammed which was simple. I had to purchase a espresso measuring cup to get the proper shot amount though to program it. Cost like 10 bucks on Amazon. I also ended up purchasing a bottomless/naked portafilter. The one it comes with works fine, I personally did this to perfect my shot because it will let you know if your tamp is off. Lol \n\nI’m a iced espresso drinker (love my iced macchiato) so I don’t really use the milk wand. I did try it out though and it does make amazing frothy milk. I do use it occasionally to steam milk for making hot chocolate for my daughter which she says comes out perfect. \n\nOnly con is I thought I would be saving money by not buying a 5+ dollar coffee a few times a week but now I’m making drinks everyday and my money is going into beans. I can’t stop buying beans. I want to try all the different origins and roasts. I have become a bean snob! If that is ok with you then you also need this machine in your life. Also do not put Flavored beans through your grinder! I have read a lot of horror stories on this. If you really need your chocolate raspberry beans just buy those preground and use your dual wall basket for those. You really don’t want to mess up the grinder with flavored beans. \n\nOne last thing, you will also want to purchase a knock box for the used puck because you really don’t want to be whacking your portafilter on your trash can every time. Yuck. \n\nExtra purchased items:\nTamp Matt, knock box, custom shot glasses to split a shot using the included portafilter (also just wanted them lol), measuring oz cup and beans galore. I only truly recommend getting a knock box. \n\nSorry for the long read but I hope it helps