- I recently purchased a Cafe Roma ESP8XL. I enjoy espresso, but had heard that unless you were willing to spend more than $1,000.00, the espresso not as good as what you get in a coffee shop, and that the machines were a hassle to clean. This machine has disproven both of these myths. My first "test" cup was perhaps the best espresso that I have ever tasted. The crema was an entire layer, not just a trace on the surface. Every cup since has been excellent. For clean up, the few parts that you need to clean wash up in a minute. I have read reviews about the machines clogging, but having used Starbucks' ground espresso, I have not seen any evidence of this yet. People often write these reviews when they are dissatisfied with a product, so I just wanted to take the time to express my gratitude for a great, well priced machine.
