This is a multi-part message in MIME format.
To the person who requested recommendations on espresso makers.  I used to
have to buy a new pump espresso maker every two to three years.   Each time
I spent more than $200 to get a 15 bar pressure machine.  And it always made
a mess having to use a separate burr grinder.  A couple of years ago I
became head of a company that had purchased espresso makers for all of their
offices around the world and these machines were four years old and going
strong, despite not having the normal maintenance that should be done.  They
are made by Saeco, an Italian company but with a good US group in the
Cleveland Ohio area.  I bought one for myself and a year later I still love
it.  It has its own integrated burr grinder, you can program water
temperature, adjust grind, adjust coffee dosage, automatically pre-wet the
grounds, and it makes no mess.  When people come over it is great because I
just push a button to make each cup and the quality of the brew is
excellent.  I found the cheapest prices at Costco online.  The entry machine
is about $500 but I think more than worth it, and when you call customer
service for anything at Saeco they are very helpful.  I own a Royale which
is about $800, and they make a new upper end model for $1500 or so that was
not available when I bought mine.  Bottom line, do not scrimp on a cheaper
espresso maker.  Without the right water temp, grind, pre-dosing, and
variances in your own tamping pressure, even a well roasted coffee can come
out tasting poorly and missing many of its “notes”.
email:  “presandceo-at-comcast-dot-net”