I bought this less than 2 months ago and the frother stopped making foam. Is it SO cheap ?

Assuming it turns on at all, if there is any residual dried milk or cream in the frother, it won't spin properly. Make sure everything is cleaned between each use.

is there a basket that you can pack your own esspresso grinds into instead of using the capsuls?

Stop by a Nespresso Boutique and ask the shop assistant for a few recycle bags. I keep my spent capsules in the freezer until I am ready to close and seal the bag as they become moldy if left at room temperature. When you have a full bag or two, return them to the Nespresso Boutique; they will be opened, the coffee grounds composted and the aluminum will be recycled. This is a win-win- win for you, for Nestle, and for the planet. As well, it takes so very little effort.

does the Essence mini use original capsules?

Yes, the “cone” shaped ones and not the dome shaped ones. Also, you can use capsules from other manufacturers.

The Aeroccino does not whip the milk into a foam like my past model did. Anyone else experiencing a similar problem? I have the whip attached

Yes! I have tried ALL different kinds of milk. It worked the first month then it stopped frothing. We used full fat heavy cream, we have used full fat coconut milk, oat milk, almond milk and NOTHING. We will be reaching out to DeLonghi because this has been an issue before from the research I have done. I am hoping they can replace the frother. All the best.