Both my mom and I bought one of these machines after using my sister-in-law's when we were visiting. My deciding factor to buy it was that it uses any instant powder mixes to make hot drinks. I've used hot cocoa powder, the instant latte mixes and I've made drinks using syrups. But there's no need to buy gourmet syrups and flavorings. Just put in milk or water, add regular chocolate syrup or powder, turn it on and away it goes. After a few minutes you have a hot frothy drink. I recommend this for anyone who has kids because it's so easy to use and makes such a great cup of hot cocoa.