I have a Jura Capresso model that is not made now. In fact, we had one and bought another so DH has one at his office now. I think we bought the first one 7 or 8 years ago (?) and he second one about 3 years ago. The older one was sent in once for service after we got the second one for a super cleaning and make wonderful. Other than cleaning and replacing the filter regularly (and it tells you what to do and when), that's it. Just add water and beans. We use it daily and it gets a workout anytime we have people over -- the family and friends toy. ;-)

If you get one, you can get the water filters on Amazon in a buy 3 get 4 special from time to time and I bought the cleaning tablets in a small jar there for much cheaper than the bubble card packaging I had been buying.

There is a milk container available, but I just pour half a mug of milk, steam
it and then add coffee. DH drinks espresso, so we don't really need it. There are two settings on the frother -- one you control when it shuts off and one that is measured and you can change the setting.

We bought both of our refurbished from Whole Latte Love and Aabree (one each -- they are now under common ownership, I understand). We had a hard time with the initial purchase price, but they have paid for themselves over and over -- not that I would buy coffee out daily and sometimes several times daily, but if I did..... We bought the second one also refurbished because I especially liked the height of the adjustable brew head that allows me to steam my milk in a tall mug. The newer models at the time either didn't adjust at all or not as much. I could have justified spending more then, but what I wanted wasn't new any more.

I've heard good things about Saeco and Gaggia too. We looked at them when we had the semiautomatic before these.

We have a Capresso E8, and LOVE it. It was expensive, but we rarely get lattes unless we're out of town. (so we figured, we've saved money, haha) I've had it several years. We had a different model before this. They are great!! I've looked at different brands but I think I would get the Capresso again. They sell them on Costco's website, along with a couple other brands. Good luck. You won't want to drink coffee anywhere but home!

Glad you two are savng money...lol. Thanks for the great writeups and glad to know it's working out for the both of you. i would love a good espresso in the evening so no matter what, i think we are going to get something.

Our Miele is used daily. Prior to that, we used a Delonghi super auto. Both have performed flawlessly save for the Miele arrived with a loose plug in the wiring harness. The Delonghi still serves as the coffee machine in our motorhome. I cannot imagine going back to coffee pots anymore. No, I do not think the superautos will make as great a coffee as you will get from a pro, but it is still delicious, and far less work than a manual machine. For most people who do not want to make a big production of things, just want to grab a cup and get their latte on, a superauto can't be beat.

we have the latestl Meile system out there and at first I was having serious sticker shock but I have to tell you, it is the best thing we have ever bought, works fantastic and is the life of the party when we entertain. You can't go wrong and it is so easy to take care of and clean. love it!

I bought a refurbished semi-auto Gaggia Syncrony Compact a few years ago from Aabree. I don't think they make this model anymore. I got tired of paying for lattes every morning. I never drank much coffee until after DS was born. Going to work so tired made me turn to the dark side. ;). I also love it for entertaining.

I only drink lattes, mostly flavored, so I wasn't as concerned about the fact that it doesn't make the super high quality espresso like if you had a fancy manual machine with your own grinder, etc. That was the only negative about the super-autos I read when I was doing my research.

Mine isn't as fancy as the ones you are looking at, but I love it and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I have had zero trouble with the machine.

We've had a Jura-Capresso Impressa F7 for over 5 years and never had a problem. The most we've had to "service" it is a filter change, and the cleaning tablets.

Otherwise, it's been grinding away and making delicious coffee.