OT: Espresso machines

Not surprised to see espresso machine topic. They have a lot in common with audio equipment. Prices range from cheap to the stratosphere. The best espresso machines are Italian made. They are heavy duty and last forever. They pull consistently good espresso shots. At 65 yrs old, I am on my fourth machine. Increasing quality with each purchase (sound familiar?). I currently have a Bezzera BZ10. Great machine. I enjoy two cups every morning.  https://www.myespressoshop.com/products/bezzera-bz10-commercial-espresso-machine-pm-semi-automatic-tank-v2?srsltid=AfmBOorVI6-Esk3SgHVVJjifXmofQLfsw2q41zclG6K1eC9roob6x_qb

We had bought a Breville for around $500 a few years back.  We could never get the foam part right and lost interest.  We gave it to one of my sons whose gf used to be a Starbucks Barista.  They couldn’t get it right either.

  Back to Hills Brothers for us, I guess 

I roast my own beans too and have been using a manual La Pavoni machine for years, it takes a bit of practice but well worth the effort. I have a few friends with the automated machines and they think mine tastes best. No one ever asks for sugar.

it becomes an enjoyable ritual like spinning vinyl.

Do you just want a machine, or do you want something that will last forever? What is your budget? 

IMHO, get a Rocket, it does everything, will last forever, and is beautiful.

Some laughs.  Just for my morning cup of coffee;  here's what I use.  Going on 6 years now.  And yes, I know it doesn't make espresso, but as drip coffee makers go, worth every penny of the $20 I spent on it.