Update:I ordered some accessories from DeLonghi, including their “signature” ground espresso blend so I could get a better sense of their idea of a perfect shot. I also experimented with non-dairy milks (also A2 milk which was gross btw). I’m now using Califia Almond “Barista Blend” with a drop of Pacific Foods hemp milk for added body.Once my accessories arrived, my drink quality dialed up. The small steaming carafe is the perfect size for my single cappuccino. I didn’t know they came that small!Full disclosure: prior to having a proper steaming carafe, I’d been using a small cup from my Japanese tea set to steam milk in (i know…) Anyway, I’m using slightly more milk now but it’s totally worth it.I’m still perfecting my espresso shot: The signature ground tends me an over-extracted shot (I have found I can mitigate by using slightly less).Today, I went back to ESE pod and it wasn’t half bad—I don’t know if it’s just that I can see the thin line of crema better in my new glass cups or what, but at any rate, it’s certainly as good a result as I was getting with ESE pods in my previous machine.I still find the steam function to be a bit finicky: The unit often switches from steam back to cooling for a shot before I’m ready. The steam pressure and output also seems highly variable.That said, after two weeks of adjusting to the new machine, I’ve finally achieved the desired result (see photo) and have decided to keep it.TLDR;Decent machine for a frothy espresso drink but be sure to buy a proper steaming carafe!~~~~~~~~^^UPDATED ^^~~~~~~~~~~~I promise to update this review as I tweak my espresso game but, so far, not so good!! This was an “upgrade” from my previous DeLonghi EC155 15 Bar Espresso and Cappuccino Machine which is a surprisingly good little machine for the money (I probably could have kept that one going with a proper descaling but I reckon it served me up at least 1000 macchiatos so I’d got my money’s worth.) I was tired of wiping the leaking water off the counter with that model, plus I thought it would be healthier to have a stainless steel portafilter vs aluminum.Anyway, woke up this morning with high expectations of a smooth, flavorful cappuccino which were quickly dashed…Background: I used to order and grind my own beans (Kona) but have simplified my life in recent years and have been using ESE pods (after a brief stint with Illy capsules). This unit comes with a special pod filter which is super neato but so far (3 tries) I’m getting watery under extracted shots. I’ve tried two different ESE pod brands so far this morning.The bigger disappointment for me compared to my previous model is the steam function: I am allergic to dairy. I also prefer macchiato to latte (that’s what turned me off from buying the Breville Bambino Plus because the minimal milk required is way more than I want or need).The afore mentioned De’Longhi gave me perfect control over steaming about 1.5 ounces of Pacific Brands Original Almond Milk in a small cup. The Dedica only has one steam setting (on or off) and doesn’t allow me to adjust the steam pressure like the old model did. So, foamless and watery shots is all I got today :(I’m thinking I’ll be forced to buy another grinder and start learning how to dose my own shot which is a project I really wasn’t trying to sign up for right now. On top of that, now I’ll have to experiment to find a new milk (maybe I’ll go back to hemp milk or see how far I’d have to drive for some A2 milk around here).Also, another review mentioned the “bear hug” to lock and unlock the portafilter: that is real: I already learned to make sure the unit is off while locking the portafilter in place to avoid inadvertently pushing the brew button.On the plus side, it looks really pretty and has a much more quality/professional look on my counter as compared to the cheaper model. (I already foresee a lot more polishing and wiping to keep that stainless spotless).