OT: Espresso machines

I’ve gone through a few machines, first some Starbucks labeled OEM machine over 30 years ago, next a couple E61 group machines, a single boiler Quick Mill Andreja Premium followed by a double boiler Izzo Alex Duetto IV Plus. My daughter uses the Izzo and I am rebuilding the Andreja Premium for my son. The E61 group based systems have been around a long time, many manufacturers use the group, making parts and repairs readily available and relatively simple.

I still think an E61 group based system is a solid choice.

With the coffee/beverage bar my wife added when remodeling the kitchen, I negotiated a Slayer Espresso Machine, made right in my hometown of Seattle. My grinder is a KafaTek  MC6, another product manufactured near Seattle. The convenience of having the water supply and drain plumbed has been a welcome addition. Using the Slayer and even my previous E61 group machines is like playing a record for me vs streaming some AI generated play list. I understand many like a software driven machine like the Decent but it was the last type of machine I wanted on our coffee bar. I enjoy the manual control of the espresso making experience and can’t imagine having a big iPad screen ruining my morning ritual Chi.  

I have never owned a lever machine and should have planned for the possibility when we put in our coffee/beverage bar last year. I may still be able to find a way to make one work if I get the urge to try one.

How much are you looking to spend? I recommend for starters a rincilio Silvia. Mine is over 13 years old and still works. I keep it as an extra now as I have a linea mini. But I used it everyday for like 10 years I think before I upgraded.  The boiler is marine brass which is better so you don’t get lead.

Also, the Sylvia makes espresso probably 90% is good as the mini. You really just get convenience with something more expensive.

Also, I would recommend a compak k6 grinder over a baratza. Mine has lasted over 13 years

@dman777   Linea Mini is very interesting machine.  It has unusual design being heat exchanger machine with two boilers.  I guess professionals believe that brewing water has to come fresh.  They call water in the boiler "dead water".  In my ECM Mechanika Max brewing water comes thru heat exchanger placed inside od large steam boiler.  Brewing water is fresh, but temperature is dropping (cold water coming in), especially with double coffee.  In Linea Mini water comes thru two heat exchangers - thru steam boiler and then thru brew boiler.  Steam boiler heats up exchanger to high temperature while brew boiler heat exchanger equalizes it.  That way brewing water is fresh and temperature is even, while steam boiler is at max.  Linea Mini was over my budged (and space on the countertop - it is big), but perhaps one day.  Everything that Marzocco makes is top quality.