Help! Need recommendations/advice

[floydpink]

Could be a number of things, beginning with the temp your machine is brewing at. You won't get proper extraction without proper temp.

The Freshroast is a good roaster for small batches.

I would start by trying a different brew method like a moka pot if you want stronger coffee and don't want to spend a lot of money.

If you do decide to continue your head first journey, the Capresso grinder is unfortunately not going to take you there.