Made a little upgrade last week. My Gaggia Swing Up at work broke after many coffee drinks a dAy for 187 days a year for 5 years. I have anther super auto at home, NS Microbar, that I love and is plumbed in which makes things nice. But I was unsure of what super auto to get for work to replace the Gaggia.
Anyway long story short. I ended up going the manual route for the first time ever. Bought a QuickMill Silvano and Vario grinder from Chris's Coffee. Threw in a 58mm bottomless portifilter and a water softening system to put under the sink in my room at work in the cart as well. Why not? So far the espresso shots coming out of this with my nonexistent skills are better than anything my other machines were capable of making EVER hands down.
If your o n the fence about going the grind it, tamp it, froth it, all on your own route don't be. If I can pull a decent shot after a week with old beans then anyone can!
Next step start roasting my on coffee.