Bought and sold a few machines over the years. What I check: scale in the boiler and group, steam pressure after 15 minutes, gasket condition, pump noise and whether the seller can pull a shot in front of you.
What would you add?
Measure the water temperature at the dripper, not the kettle. It drops fast.
Appreciate it, everyone.
Hand grinders are great until you make coffee for four people.
Burr quality matters more than features at this price.
The Gooseneck Kettle from the shop has been rock solid for me.
Thanks, I’ll try that tomorrow morning.
Following. I’m shopping for the same thing.
Descale every couple of months and it will last forever.
Trying this tonight.
Check the used market. People upgrade all the time and sell good gear.
I went cheaper first and wish I had waited for the better model.