We have a very good Jura machine that my wife loves. But I have gone "old school." I like black espresso and the stronger the better. I picked up a Pavoni lever machine. My first attempts weren't too good. There is an art to the beans, grind (fineness and amount), and tamping pressure. I've learned that if you change one component, you have to modify others. But it isn't scientific, it is a learned skill, really an art. I now have great respect for a barista that can "pull" a good espresso with a lever machine.
If you want to make espressos for a large group and need them quickly, a lever is not for you, get a Jura. If you want to learn a new craft and savor each pull, old school fills the bill.
These are our machines:
Charles
