No doubt fancy in coffee means less than actual skill, technique, quality/fresh coffee and balanced water. People tend to get way caught up thinking a $3K grinder is the way as Billy Buttplug on YT says it's the bestest ever... People should take the time/make the effort to figure out what works for them instead of relying solely on feedback/reviews. I started with lower tier/used machines and definitely learned the pros/cons along the way. Then would upgrade to a more capable machine (used) and sell the one I graduated from. Did that and just learned so much along the way by doing repairs, replacing parts, etc. Wasn't until 5.5 yrs ago that I bought an actual new machine and of course by then knew exactly what I wanted to keep indefinitely and went for it. Same approach with grinders, hand and electric. Didn't come from a poverty background, but have had to put in a lot of effort to have what I do as nothing in life worth having comes easy.
At this point all equipment has long paid for itself, now just a matter of keeping things cleaned/maintained and my only actual expense is green coffee. Compared to buying roasted I'm saving 40-60% depending on a particular green and am far from impressed by anything roasted on the market these days. Found that out recently due to knee surgery. Also won't venture into any shop as I've never found espresso away from home worth a repeat visit.
At this point all equipment has long paid for itself, now just a matter of keeping things cleaned/maintained and my only actual expense is green coffee. Compared to buying roasted I'm saving 40-60% depending on a particular green and am far from impressed by anything roasted on the market these days. Found that out recently due to knee surgery. Also won't venture into any shop as I've never found espresso away from home worth a repeat visit.
