I swore I would never get into home espresso but here I am.

I just decided tonight to waste good money and now I am getting overwhelmed with info on machines. :-) I need some counsel on the matter of what to get. I don't want something I will have to upgrade in a couple of years or ever, but I don't mind doing some mods to achieve a great machine. So any help is appreciated. :-)
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So after a few days of research I ordered the Oscar, this should do the trick till I want something serious.

Oscar
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Oscar should do the trick for 10-20 years. Get the killer mill, a /reg Barber tamper and a good knockbox. Enjoy.
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Where is good for accessories? At Chris' the Barber tamper is $45 I think, but when I search the web I find more selection (of Barber tampers) at cheaper prices.

What is a good knockbox for countertop use? I see mostly ones for cafes that go on a trash can. I think I will be using a doserless grinder so I am sure I will be brushing off lots of extra grounds so I want a box that is big enough but fitting in a home kitchen.

Again what is a good place to shop for accessories?
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I like Amazon for the free shipping and if you buy items from their store...they will have a buy three items, get the fourth free deal on kitchen accessories.

This is my tamper which is heavy and works fine:

http://www.amazon.com/Rattleware-211...6747547&sr=1-1

I bought my Grindenstein there but it is now only offered through partners and not eligible for discounts and free shipping anymore. The Grindenstein is small and does not slide around on the counter.

This tamp station looks pretty cool as well:

http://www.amazon.com/Espresso-Tampe...747547&sr=1-12
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I also use the grindenstein knockbox and paid abot 50 bucks for the knockbox and barber tamper off ebay.
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I just love this thread...its so much fun to read.

You're right though, its got to be a complete labor of love and something you're willing to spend big bucks on. Not having the time or disposable income, I've had to go with some sub $500 machines as you call them. They make great coffee and decent espresso but I've NEVER had espresso that comes out like the pics you post. I've even gone to high end coffee shops and order a $6 shot of espresso that was just ok.

I just wish there was a place in my area that could pull a good shot of espresso since I have neither the money or inclination to try and get to that level on my own LOL
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Does this mean what I think it does? :-):-):-)

Congrats on your recent purchase. :-)
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The Oscar is Serious!

Accessories I recommend:

Bumper Tamper - Espresso Parts NW has them.

Knock box, get what ever fits your space.

Naked portafilter - chriscoffee.com has a good one for the Nuova Simonelli

If you have hard water, get some kind of softener system.
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I stopped using the knockbox when I saw maggots in the coffee grounds left over; perfect breeding environment. Now, I use the wood from the box to knock it off right into trash and use the knockbox for smoothing off the coffee in the portafilter.
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I've had good luck w/ one of these for 10-years. When the rubber bumper on the cross-rod gets beat you can cut it off and recover with standard automotive neoprene hose. The base is thick rubber and makes a good, long-life cushion; the steel doesn't pit or corrode.

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No maggots bit it is dumped and rinsed with hot water after the days use.
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When I ordered my grinder from Chris' I told Mary to also set me up with accessories for the oscar, she did well. :-)

The waiting has been torture, but the Oscar will be here in a couple of hours.

Yes, I did once say I would never get an espresso machine, I lied. I have not been satisfied with the local cafe shots for awhile now, and as a roaster I have 6 different origins of beans roasted at anyone time so it just makes sense to do my own espresso. :-)
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Alright!!! I'm a home espresso lover myself. I've had my Livia 90 (found it unused on craigslist for $800) and Macap M4 Stepless for a couple of years now. Klatch Roasters Belle Espresso is probably the best beans I've ever had the pleasure of grinding. Check out the Coffeegeek forums if you haven't already.
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