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Espresso Machine Buying - Don't Skimp on the Grinder

If you take nothing else away from this guide, please take this advice to heart:

The grinder is an integral, necessary part of making good espresso in the home.

I can't stress this enough.

As mentioned in the preamble to this guide, CoffeeGeek readers often ask me for help on what espresso machine to buy. Frequently, back when I was doling out advice, I'd get emails from folks who bought the machines I recommended, complaining about how the shots were lousy, running too fast, producing insufficient crema, or tasting excessively bitter. And 99% of the time, the problem was easily diagnosed; they didn't buy a grinder. They bought preground or prepackaged coffee instead.