Did you set out to buy that particular machine or did you just happen across it? If you don’t mind my asking, how much did it cost? I have so many questions!

Do you have a blog? I’d love to read how all of this came about. What an awesome project. It looks great!

I would say espresso making at home is an expensive hobby unless you are willing to tolerate variability in the output. A decent stable machine is going to be close to 1k and the really nice home machines starting at 3k. A good grinder is also expensive. I got all the gear (buying stuff used where I could) and I have spent maybe $1500 on components. I love it, but I wouldn’t recommend it to someone who isn’t willing to put in time to learn and money for decent tools.

Breville Barista Express isn't cafe quality but it has a good grinder and pulls decent shots pretty consistently for $600-700

I’ll second this. I’ve had two of them and they’ve been a joy to use every day. Excellent value.

The mahlkonig EK43 is pretty good too.

I have loved the old FAEMAs for a while and found this one for sale in the Netherlands. It had been restored. Price was around $5500. It turned out to need a bit of work but I finally got it running well and use it every day now. I don't have a blog but I do post coffee pics on Instagram.

https://instagram.com/desertdefender

This, I never am a coffee fan but to be able to buy one to experiment and to learn seems useful...

And forever be overqualified for working at Starbucks, lol.

A simple 20$ Moka machine does brilliantly the job.

Thanks! I'll get one to play with! :)