I looked at all these consumer machines and decided that I didn't want to pay up to a grand (or more) for something that wasn't going to last me 20 years (and have parts available for 20 years).

So I paid a premium for an ex-dem Quick Mill Verona prosumer espresso machine from Bella Barista, not a million miles away from me in Wellingborough. It's the antithesis of the one-button espresso machine (though it does have dual temperature controller and shot timer).

It looks the part, is fully serviceable (and will be for years), and rewards effort put into understanding the espresso-making process.

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Roon Developer and ex-moderator of this Forum
I am #25 in the HH1 photo of fame.