I had a gaggia fully automatic espresso machine before. Loved it!!!! Until it died after 11 years. I reordered the same model and when I received it, it was USED! The paper in the box said it may have grounds in it due t testing - okay... but what about the worn button??? I was disgusted that they tried to resell a used machine and pass it off as new. Anyways, I digress. So, after returning the machine, I ordered this one. Sometimes things happen in life so you can experience better things. This is a great machine!!!! From first impressions (the packaging) I knew this was a superior product. It was not placed inside another huge box. It was a box that was slipped OVER the box of the manufacturer! No need for extra extra packaging in a gigantic box. That impressed me.Coffee: comes out way hotter than the gaggia. Myself, I brew regular coffee in my machine, not espresso. That being said, I have yet to find the setting to brew a full cup of coffee. First world problems.To empty the used pucks is easy to empty and it reminds you to also empty the water tray as it comes out all together. A bonus for people that forget to empty the tray and then it overflows all over the counter.So far,2 weeks in, I am very happy with my purchase! The coffee is good and the design is AWESOME! The engineers, from the machine to the packaging, thought about everything. Now, I hope it lasts as long as my gaggia.