I purchased my Krups XP1500 because of the convienence of having an espresso machine and coffeemaker in one. On the most part, it's been a good machine, though I haven't had it very long. However, if I ever need to replace this I will definitely upgrade to a separate, higher-end espresso machine.

Concerning espresso, the instruction manual was a bit confusing, and I usually don't have a problem with new appliances. Took many readings to figure out the espresso side, and I still had to log on to the Krups website for help. However, the videos there are really useful and were so much easier to follow than the manual.

However, you still need to look around for advice and play with the espresso side. Simply throwing in the grounds and attaching the head won't do it. You must keep this side very, very clean...clean it out right after you use it....espresso side is not low maintenance.

I've had no problems at all with the milk frother, it's so much fun to use! Of course, it takes lots of practice, but it's great to top your drink with fluffy froth made from whole milk! However, I haven't acheived a good crema layer (frothy part of the espresso as it comes out of the machine) yet. If I try many, many things and still do not get a good crema layer on the espresso, I'll assume the machine doesn't have enough pressure and I'll probably return it and get a high-end espresso maker and separate coffeemaker instead. I'll update after I've tried some things.

The coffee side is pretty straightforward, and the machine has a rocker switch. Flip the switch tot he left, you get espresso. In the center, the entire machine is off. Switch it right, you get your coffee. The coffee side is very easy to keep clean because of the detachable filter holder.

The amazing thing about this is the hot plate for the coffee. It never "cooks" the coffee to a crisp, no matter how long the coffee is on it, and still keeps it hot enough to add creamer without worrying that doing so will cool the coffee off too much.

Since my whole kitchen is done with white appliances, it would have been nice to have a white combi machine available to match everything else! It's also very bulky and is hard to get around on the counter. Make sure you have plenty of space for it and a conveniently placed outlet.

In all, it was a pretty interesting investment. I'm glad I got store coverage on it as i haven't had it very long and I see problems in reviews with parts possibly breaking, but I think if you're careful and keep up with it well it's worth it

Recommended: Yes