Don't forget guys - the coffee equipment is NOT the most important thing...
You must have a tolerant spouse!!
Believe it or not - she can't stand coffee! I keep thinking that one day I'll convert her.
Thanks for all the compliments. It's something that I do virutally every day (unless travelling - when I fall into a deep depression
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
)
The point wasn't to "brag" about my stuff. Honestly, a great shot can be had will LOTS of different machines. A good grinder is at least as important as the machine.
After I felt that I had wrung all the goodness out of standard coffee (I'd been roasting my own and vacuum brewing for quite a while); I wanted to take my quest to the next level. Espresso is appealing to me because I'm a perfectioninst. There are so many things that can go wrong when you're preparing for a shot (grind is off, machine temp is not set up for the type of bean, tamp pressure too high/low, etc.) I saw it as a challenge.
I started with a used Gaggia Coffee and a Solis Maestro grinder. I still have and use the grinder for drip/French press; but I've consistently traded up my espresso machines.
Gaggia Coffee (used) up to a Rancilio Silvia (new) and a Rancilio Rocky grinder. Then I sold both of those on E-Bay and grabbed an Isomac Tea and a Mazzer Mini grinder. In September, I decided that I would bite the bullet and go for a plumbed in, rotary pump, 20amp, dual-boiler setup that could run 24/7 and give me exacting temp. control. So, I sold the Isomac on E-Bay and went with the La Speziale S1 Vivaldi (that you see pictured). I kept the Mazzer as I think I'll be giving it to my grandkids, the thing's built so well (seriously).
Since I'm not very handy - I was actually
giddy that I managed to both plumb the machine (with it's attendant water filter and softener) and install a 20amp ciruit for it without so much as a leak (or a shock
![Shocked :shock:](./images/smilies/icon_eek.gif)
).
Since I get up so early, it's really nice to make espresso with a rotary pump machine that is nearly silent. No wife and kids disturbed = happy house!
So - if you notice, I've alway used "manual" espresso machines. Maybe it's because I'm a control freak? But I refuse to believe that there's a super auto out there (some are $3500+ now!!) that can make a better shot than I can, dang it!
Plus - they can't pour latte art!
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Howard L. Sheppard
howardsheppard(at)sbcglobal.net
"I wish I were less awkward around strangers. I never know what to say when someone asks me who I am and what in the world I'm doing in their house." -- Andy Ihnatko