I've had this machine for about 18 months and had no problems with it except the lid gasket.
There's not been anything mentioned about these machines.Considering the price ( which is about 1100.00) they're a great machine.I would liken it to an extracta on steroids.The main advantage as you go upwards in price is usually extra heat.
You should bear in mind that they have a in line heater. Which when run with hot water in the solution tank, generates a constant stream of pipping hot water.I don't think you could find a machine with similar spec much below 2k.
newbies would find on of these as more then enough to get started with.
joe