I rarely comment about machines and equipment but always seem to find myself using a big range of gear one way or the other, whether it's friends or family bringing in something in for me to look at or to help them use it, or even show them how to clean it properly.....etc. Whilst my next statement is going to inflame a lot of people as there are many who become, how do I say it, overly zealous about their chosen gear (and rightly so, there is nothing wrong with being passionate or supporting your chosen kit). However, IMHO the differences in the equipment are not as great (or significant) as some people would lead you to believe. There is a fair amount of exaggeration in content all over the web - whether this is positive or negative. I've even seen comments by vendors on other forums calling some machines "boat anchors". Sometimes the differences in the machine are internal build quality and many people never see this aspect during the shopping experience. Reality, as I've found it, is that most equipment can make an acceptable cup of coffee once you understand how to drive it. Some equipment can be learned easier than others (far more forgiving) and some equipment may need interesting gymnastics in workaround solutions - BUT STILL GENERATE A NICE CUP. The whole debate about DB's versus HX's, boiler sizes, perceived temperature stability, etc. is all a bit academic really as the driver using the grinder and dosing can generate negative results very easily on equipment having allegedly close to perfect extraction properties. I always tell my friends that bean selection and barista technique (importantly the grinder) mean more than rotary pumps, thermosyphon, flow restrictors, gauge and finish of the stainless. Best advice is do some research to understand the specs and reliability aspects. Then go use the ones in your short-list. When testing a machine, focus closely on how easy it can be to make great extractions back to back. If you find yourself struggling to get a decent shot, then ask yourself why ? When you find that machine that is easy to use and your consistency is better/best, it is the perfect machine for you. Take the recommendations of internet content, but don't let it blind you on the usability of machine re: creating consistent cups as this is what enjoying coffee is about. A friend of mine recently back-traded his $3K bling for something half the price because it was easier for him to get a decent shot.
