I probably should have added something pertaining to budget. Initially, I was hoping to keep it around a grand for machine and grinder. We do have a hand grinder (mostly used for backpacking), so it could be used in the interim if we decided to go to a more expensive machine. Like everyone, I love a deal. I also have the tendency to replace anything that I am not completely happy with within months. So I usually try and buy what I want the first time around saving myself the embarrassment and cost of upgrading a couple months down the road. My personal favorite is the la Pavoni, but I worry that my GF would never touch the thing.
A LP lever machine is a great choice for an experienced user, but it's tricky to master. Plus, it's even more finicky about grind & technique than a pump machine. So, I wouldn't recommend one as a beginner's espresso machine.
I recommend Gaggia semi-auto consumer machines for a handful of reasons;
* They're cheap, so if espresso's not for you then you won't have much invested if you decide to chuck it.
* They're simple to learn to use, letting the noob concentrate on technique.
* When modded, tuned, & used by an experienced operator, they can make coffee that's equal to anything made by much more expensive machines.
* They're the easiest of machines to mod & tune; and adding a
PID, OPV & Silvia steam wand adds only ~$250 to the cost of the machine.
*
Most important of all: The
Gaggia User's Group offers unlimited help for Gaggia owners/users!
