Grinder first, Machine second :-)

[vintagecigarman]

HX vs Dual Boiler: I only have experience of HX (Rocket Giotto) but have no issues about consistency at all. I'm virtually exclusively an espresso drinker, so didn't see the need for a dual. I make cappu for SWMBO and friends, and there's never an issue of steam power - it's magic - and brewing and steaming simultaneously isn't a problem. (Got to admit, though, that though I'm deeply in love with the Giotto, I've recently got a real buzz from going back on the tools and working my old Pavoni Pro again!)

This may be heresy, but I really believe that once you get into the £1k range of E61s there are no bad machines, but that they may each require a slightly different skill set. The guy who writes the detailed reviews for BB tells it like it is, warts and all, but none of the machines get condemned. You pays your money and takes your choice - and the subtle differences in their external appearance are often (as in my case) the final clinching factor. I'd never tell the owner of any of these machines that another choice would be better - it would be like saying that thy could have chosen a much better spouse if only they'd spent a bit more!

[BanishInstant]

I'd never tell the owner of any of these machines that another choice would be better - it would be like saying that thy could have chosen a much better spouse if only they'd spent a bit more!

I liked that comparison