Many times, I have read the snooty hype about how a pump espresso machine is better than the steam type. So, I invested $300 in a good pump machine, and now it sits unused in my garage. The steam espresso comes out stronger and richer tasting and takes much less time and effort to make. Give me one of these cheapo machines over one of the fancy ones any day!

The problem with this particular model is that it's badly engineered. It can not hold the pressure to do a good job of steaming the milk. Worse, it often sprays coffee and grounds for several feet across my kitchen counter. Sometimes, it literally explodes under pressure and I have to run for cover and then spend ten minutes cleaning up the kitchen. I'm afraid it will kill me someday, so I just ordered a similar unit made by a different manufacturer. I recommend you stay away from this particular unit, even though I highly recommend this type of espresso maker in general.

You don't really expect to buy an espresso machine for $50, do you? This Krups Allegro makes good (not great) strong coffee, IF !!! you put enough good coffee (surprise!).
I had Allegro for about 3 years and overall it's a good product. During this time the pitcher was broken (my favorite glass coffee mug replaced it) and the little plastic piece fell off (no big deal), but otherwise it still runs like new. My wife forgot to turn it off a few times and realized it some 20 minutes later, and while I expected the heating elements to burn down and die - it survived. The milk frother works just fine for cappuccino.

So, while Krups calls it espresso maker it definitely is not. It lacks the pump to deliver sufficient pressure to make it a real espresso. If you try to make espresso on Allegro the way it should be done (get really fine consistent grind coffee tamped to a level "brick", etc.) Allegro will choke on it and the pressure build up will turn it into life-threatening device as it is not build for it.
To get a good strong coffee (which some may even take for espresso) you need to put regular (i.e. medium or drip-coffee) grind coffee and tamp it down a bit so that it does not have a fresh snow softness. When I did not have a tamper I was using my vitamins' bottle cap :). Without this little tamping - your coffee will probably suck (but don't pack it down too hard - see above).
Did I mention that you have to put enough coffee? "4" marker inside the filter is to be matched with "4" on the pitcher. However, for better results try to use with 2+2. And please, use only just-grinded coffee.

If you want to enjoy a real creamy espresso at home you need a good pump machine and burr grinder. I personally really like my Gaggia Carezza coupled with Capresso Infinity (about $300 together) - although espresso "experts" might look down at them as not classy enough.

This is a great machine! I have owned this for a little over 4 weeks now, and have had zero problems. It gets a fair amount of work, with two lattes made in the morning and one for me again at lunch. Cleaning is easy and simple, and the instructions detail how to make all kinds of drinks. You won't be disappointed.

For the money, this is a good appliance. I'm concern that it won't last very long...and think it's unfortunate that Krups has used some cheaper components than the older models (i.e. hollow plastic handle). I've paid more for a stainless steel pump model, and prefer this one.

A great buy. I worked at starbucks so this was a easy transition and it works just fine. I would recommend this to a friend any day.