We have had this machine for 5 years. We We are about to buy exactly the same one The coffee tastes far better than any of my family's or friend's coffee machines. The crema and froth created are excellent. Our model was the older model and has corroded somewhat however we gave 3 family members this same machine at Christmas time and the new plastic drip tray and new updated design has not caused any of the same problems for them. For me, the quality of the coffee is most important and this provides a delicious cup every time.
Produces delicious cup of coffee

Bought this due to the Choice review. It was good for one day. THe second day the milk steamer stopped working and the machine failed to heat water beyond luke warm. THe thermometre on the machine doesn't work and the machine says "ready' the minute you turn it on. I have never bought an appliance that has broken on multiple fronts so quickly
The box that it came out of didn't break
See review - it doesn't work

This model was recommoned by Choice magazine but I was unable to use the machine. Far too difficult to turn filter handle after placing it into the group head (page 10 of instruction manual). I rang Sunbeam call centre 3 times, waited on hold, left a message but no-one returned my call.

I had this for about few years now and the only reason it survived is probably because I use it occasionally. Positives first, milk frothing works well... And it stops there. Here are the negatives; the pewter shell starts bubbling up and the drip tray is almost rotting. Very port quality material. The compression does not work any more and there is no drip. All up, very disappointing. I'm looking to replace this but certainly will not touch sun beam.

A pretty cheap construction and most importantly, does drip well. The drip is like brewed coffee and gets burnt

You get what you pay for, very happy with the coffee it makes and no problems with the drip tray (but I always wipe it over regularly), does need to be cleaned and descaled as instructed. Noise is fine by me.
However after 11 months the group head started to leak, descaled it and found the rubber ring was deteriorating, rang Sunbeam who tell me you have to replace this every 6-12months, and it's considered "normal wear & tear" so not covered under the warranty. Only costs $6 but still...........Next time will spend more, don't like the thought of all these old machines going into landfill after a few years.
Makes good coffee once you learn its ways, inexpensive
Pathetic warranty

Consulted barista; bought expensive grinder; changed grind; changed to Southern Italian blend; changed volume; changed tamp method - still inconsistent taste.
Neat, compact, makes good quality froth
Coffee shots not hot enough; inconsistency in quality of shots; machine drips from group head for around 5 mins after brewing is done; can only make up to 2 cups of coffee (ie. after pouring 2 cups and refilling group basket with fresh coffee the machine just floods the group head & makes a lot of noise); clock never maintained correct time.

Just like the last lot of reviews my pump just died - bought May 08 also on strength of Choice review. Made two coffees this morning, then the pump died on no 3. Was enjoying greatly other than it is too loud, however 21 months is not acceptable for a machine being used twice on weekends. If it saw out 3 years i would recommend, however finding rest of reviews very similar I say not. I will be looking for a different machine, probably next level up around $600
I think it makes (made) a great cup of coffee. Was a great entry level machine. Agree free barista course helped my skills heaps.
Very noisy. Drip tray corroded after a couple of months and seals also making a mess underneath drip tray every time.

I read the reviews on this site about failing pumps and this worried me a great deal, however after looking through the warranty papers I noticed it has a *5* year warranty on the pump so thats great news and has alleviated any fears I had about that ... so don't let that stop you purchasing this fine machine!
Only just purchased it today but made a beautiful cup of coffee first time...easy to use and clean
Nothing so far ...

Really happy, but would love to know how to get my coffee strong enough. Currently using the double, but for a single cup. This is too expensive and exercise to continue!
Ease, crema, neat.
Makes great tasting coffee, froths really well.
Am struggling to get my coffee strong enough - advice anyone??
A little noisy when pumping for froth.
Manual control is great, but would be wonderful to have the option as if you get distracted for a minute there goes your coffee - the cup runneth over!

this machine is ok but the coffee isn't anythign special. You're better off payign a bit more money and buying a better machine.
easy to use
ordinary cofee

The Coffee machine makes really great coffee, but has not lasted. This is the second Cafe Latte machine I have bought. The first, the drip tray corroded wihtin 12 months and got it renewed under warrenty. The machine only lasted 2 1/2 years. We bought another machine because we have been very happy wiht the quality of the coffee and frothing mechanism. This second machine we bought only 19 months ago and the knob on the side (which controls the water and steam) has completely broken off, and I believe the machine only has a 12 month warranty. Makes this machine very expensive so we will not buy another one.

Decent machine for the price - did not expect anything flash - the main point that EVERYONE must remember that if you purchase a McDonalds quality coffee, you can expect rubbish! Go to a decent coffee dealer, pay a little extra and you wind up with a great cup of coffee - I have not been to a cafe since I purchased this machine and for me its five stars!
inexpensive and makes a great cup

Exactly the some problems ! The drip tray was replaced by Sunbeam under warranty. Then the handle cracked. The real problem was just after the warranty expired so did the machine. When it works the machine is great, so I had it fixed around $80-100.

Sometime I think they make it just to last the warranty period.

I want to buy coffee machine as a wedding gift looked at choice mag and there is the cafe latte em5600 number one. Not sure what to do ?????
Good price
Bad warranty, made with cheap parts

I like my coffee but am not a snob about it. This machine seemed just what I needed - it was reasonably priced and my expresso had a nice crema. Alas, the pump croaked after 2 1/2 years and no-one wants to repair a machine in this price range. The drip tray also corroded badly from an early stage, but I could live with that. I think alot of people bought this on the strength of the Choice Review, which, with hindsight, was not such a reliable guide as usual. I guess you get what you pay for - next time I'll get a mid-range machine.
Reasonable coffee at a good price
Died too soon