This machine has been a joy to use since it arrived about two weeks ago. Once I figured out what I was doing, the shots have been extremely reproducible. There's also plenty of steam pressure, and the temperature stability is so good that it doesn't seem to need a cooling flush like other heat exchanger machines. The only drawbacks to the machine are that it takes up a fair chunk of space if you're limited for counter space, and you'll definitely get a couple superficial burns if you're not used to this sort of setup.

After extensive research and some trepidation about buying from an online company so far from my home, way out in British Columbia, I took the plunge. I bought a Pro 500 with a Eureka Mignon Specialita, an Acaia Lunar scale, and numerous assorted accessories.

What a great experience, all round! I can’t say enough about the sales/service team at IDrinkCoffee — truly, first rate.

My experience involved an initial purchase of an entry-level machines that I determined would not really meet my needs, as I continued to research my options while waiting for that shipment. The folks at IDrinkCoffee rapidly expedited a refund for that unopened item, which I returned at their shipping expense.

Then they gave me a generous trade-in credit for my former Breville machine, which I also shipped to them on their dime.

And then they helped to guide me through the purchase of my Pro 500 and related items, promptly answering all of my questions and also honouring their company’s anniversary promotional savings and gifts. I couldn’t be happier with Preston, Colm, Anastasia and Matt. They all more than earned my full confidence and gratitude for their patience, support and numerous rapid responses.

As for the machines, they are all exactly what I wanted: intuitive, flawless, beautifully built and (the Pro 500) easily accessible for home-servicing, should it be needed. Superb products, outstanding value-for-money, and purchased through multiple shipments that each arrived within a week, well-packed and in perfect condition.

I can see why all of those products/models are so highly regarded by so many users. I anticipate they will give me many, many years of reliable usage.

The Pro 500 heats up much faster than I anticipated and the PID works very well. That very popular HX machine has more than ample steaming pressure/power for my daily few cups of espresso and largely milk-based drinks. Exquisite German-engineering and Italian construction. Although I’m glad that I also bought a couple of larger VST precision baskets for it, and a bottomless portafilter. They really work well for triple shots and for refining my shot techniques.

And trust me, a good grinder and precision scale are worth every penny — essential add-ons, if you can afford them. Much better to budget for them as well, for most people, rather than spending their equivalent value on a more expensive double-boiler that might be more than required for typical daily outputs.

The Eureka Mignon Specialita’s limitless grind settings and time settings are dead-simple to use. The machine produces consistently fluffy and accurate outputs — a quantum leap better than my Breville Smart Grinder Pro.

And my (Chrome) Acaia Lunar is a water-resistant work of art. Its timing/weighing options are wonderful and whether you want to measure in 1/10ths or 100ths of a gram, the results are almost too accurate and consistent to believe. Perfect for weighing and timing shots under the portafilter, with lots of room to spare for a 2.5” high cup even with a double-spout, let alone with a bottomless.

In short, I am one very happy camper.

The good folks at IDrinkCoffee.com are top-notch, as you might surmise from their many helpful videos, from their top-rated Better Business Bureau rating, and from their legions of verified purchaser-fans, of which I am one.

Keep up the great work and congrats on your 11th Anniversary! May you have MANY more decades of success as Canada’s proven premier espresso machine and equipment supplier!

This is our first espresso machine and we love it!

Fantastic customer service, price, and machine. Absolute beast of an HX, recommend it over most if not every other HX in that price range.