I've been using this machine for the past two years, and I must say—it’s been an excellent choice, especially for beginners. The coffee it brews is consistently impressive, and on some days, it even rivals the shots from my commercial machine. No complaints when it comes to its core function: making great coffee.
If you're looking for an affordable espresso machine for home use, I would 100% recommend this one. It’s a solid performer and delivers fantastic value.
That said, I did run into a few minor issues over time:
1. Minor Leakage: I noticed a very small leak—just a couple of drops a day. The stool I placed the machine on would occasionally have a few drops of water under it. It wasn’t a deal-breaker for me, just something to be aware of.
2. Steam Wand Replacement: After about a year and a half, the steam wand broke. The replacement part (just the plastic component) was quoted around ₹1500–₹1800, which felt a bit steep. Instead, I had a local store 3D print a stainless steel version for ₹600, which has worked perfectly.
3. T-Joint Leak: Around the 20-month mark, a T-joint inside the machine developed a leak, which reduced the pressure during extraction. It turned out to be a manufacturing defect. Fortunately, I know how to repair things myself, but for someone who doesn’t, the cost of getting it fixed professionally could be quite high.
While these issues didn’t stop me from enjoying the machine, they do highlight one concern: the cost of replacement parts. I completely understand that quality has a price, and the rates aren’t unreasonable, but they do add up—especially when they approach a significant percentage of the machine's original cost.
To the team at Budan or Something Brewing—please consider revisiting your spare parts pricing. Making parts more accessible would go a long way in encouraging long-term use and customer loyalty.
All in all, despite a few hiccups, this machine has been a fantastic investment. It’s way more cost-effective than daily café visits, and the process of brewing your own cup is genuinely therapeutic. Highly recommended for home coffee lovers.