I do not ordinarily write internet reviews on products, but was really on the fence about purchasing this machine, so I have decided to write a review for anyone else that may be on the fence.
Let me say that my wife and I just returned from a 10 day trip to Italy.We have been to Italy and France four times in the last four years and when we go, we usually enjoy at least 3 cups of cappuccino or espresso a day.Upon returning home, we are always disappointed by coming back to American coffee.In the past we purchased a $50 espresso machine that not only made horribly bitter espresso, but was an absolute mess to use.It leaked, the espresso grounds got everywhere, the milk frothing wand gunked up and seemed unsanitary, it took 10 minutes to heat up the tank that only had enough water to make 2 espressos, and quite frankly, the pressurized cap was absolutely frightening to screw off and fill with water.We used it maybe 4 times.
In the five days after returning from Italy and buying this machine, we spent $40 on 1 cappuccino a day each from Starbucks.This machine will pay for itself in 1 month and we won't have to deal with all of the foam sticking to the paper cup.
Having just had 30 coffees in Italy, I can absolutely say that this machine makes better, less bitter espresso than we had on our whole trip.The cappuccinos are identical to the best ones we had there and better than the worst.Some may find the temperature of the drinks made in this machine to be not hot enough, but it is exactly the temperature of the real deal... something we ourselves had to adjust to upon our first visit overseas years ago.I would say that it is the perfect drinking temperature, and brewing it at that temperature keeps things from not getting bitter.
Now to address all of the things that concerned me.
1. Price - As I've said, this machine will definitely save us money within the first few months.
2. Proprietary Cups (Pods) - Being locked into their brand of coffee was the scariest part of all.I really wanted to be able to use Illy espresso in this machine, but we've tried several varieties of Nespresso now and all have been fantastic.10x better than the Illy grounds that were improperly brewed in our old $50 machine.I'm extremely confident that you won't get better tasting espresso at home in any other machine under $500 and you certainly won't get as consistent results no matter how much you spend.At 52 cents a cup, some may balk at the price of coffee, but I was paying a minimum of $3 for a drink at Starbucks.This machine is so easy to clean up that I would consider the cost well worth the time saved dealing with messy espresso grounds.Shipping on their website is a flat $6.95 for 2nd day shipping no matter how many cups you order, which I find extremely fair.Order 100 and the price with shipping is 59 cents each, but that is still way cheaper than you'll get an espresso of anywhere near this quality in any shop or restaurant.
3. Warm up time - It's nearly non-existent.I thought this machine would take 10 minutes to heat up, but it's ready to go within a single minute and can then pump coffees out one after the other after the other with no waiting.It's amazing.My only suggestion is this - hit the espresso button without the pod in there before brewing to get the water flowing.It only takes an extra 10 seconds to brew a cup of water like this, but it ensures that the water is in the pipes before brewing a real cup of coffee and will give you about 1/4 extra inch of espresso.
4. Milk frothing time - The Aeroccino device is incredible.I thought that thing would take 5 minutes.It only makes enough good froth for 1 really nice cappuccino at a time, but makes it in about 1 minute, so I've got no complaints.If you really wanted to, you could stretch it for 2 glasses, but I prefer taking the extra minute for another round.
5. Cleanup - There's almost none.I've never dealt with an easier coffeemaker in this respect, including regular coffeemakers.
6. Whether or not THIS model was the best to get - I can't imagine that there is a better model than this made by Nespresso.I see that that have far more expensive machines, but this machine is absolutely perfect, I don't think spending any extra money is necessary in the least.Some of their more expensive machines require running water through a tube to clean out their built in milk frothers, but this separate frother is so easy to clean... just give it a rinse.
Do not hesitate on buying this machine... it's incredible.I can't vouch for it's durability over time, but it is built SOLID.Much nicer than I thought it would be.I've heard nothing but good things about their customer service, and that they'll even send out a loaner machine while they fix yours under warranty.They want to keep selling you the coffee, so it is in their best interest to make a quality machine, and service it fast.
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Nespresso Le Cube C185 Espresso MachineProduct Description: With its cubed architectural shape and minimalist design, this compact espresso machine features a unique extraction system specially designed for coffee-filled capsules. A simple system perforates the hermetically sealed capsules, then soaks all the grounds to optimally filter the coffee. The unit's high-pressure 19-bar pump extracts all the aromas and gives body to the espresso ensuring a smooth crema--the delicious creamy layer on top. Open the lever on the top of the unit to insert a capsule, then lift the lever to eject it into the backlit container, which can hold up to 15 used capsules. The machine's ThermoBlock heating system heats water to ideal temperatures during extraction and empties the remaining water after each use to ensure fresh water for each preparation. Other highlights include a removable 34-ounce water reservoir, a backlit on/off button, two buttons for selecting espresso or lungo (small or large cup), covered cup-warming side plates, and a drip tray. A milk frother, measuring 3-1/2 by 3-1/2 by 5-5/7 inches, comes included--perfect for frothing 2-1/2 ounces of milk in just a few seconds or for heating up to 6 ounces of milk. The 1200-watt espresso machine measures 9 by 8-8/9 by 9 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.
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I purchased a single-serving coffee maker awhile ago and found myself burnt out on the available pod flavors. So I got this pod maker and I very much enjoyed being able to make my own pods. However, this product doesn't last very long. I have since read several reviews from other sites with the same problem. My pod maker worked great for about 9 months. After that the heating element would no longer heat. I called the number in the manual several times and got an answering machine every time. I left messages but never did get a response. I refuse to spend another 40 dollars for a product that doesn't even last a year. However, I did find a way to continue making pods. I took the product apart and removed the heating element and all the electronics. The plastic base is the only part you need to keep. I use a small travel size iron to heat the pods which seals them just as well if not better than the original heating element. You will want to use an iron without water to avoid get the pod wet while sealing it. 
