Let me put it another way. I am way into straight espresso. I have used just about every class espresso machine from $100 consumer junk up to and including $14,000 machines on a daily basis for four years. If I was buying a sub $1k machine for personal use, I wouldn't hesitate a nano second in ordering the Crossland CC1.

Maybe it being designed by Bill Crossland the designer of the GS3 means nothing to you. I means mountains to those with experience. Shot potential was his guiding goal, not just bells and whistles. It combines the ease of temperature management with almost instantly being able to steam before or after the shot. It's only major weakness is you can't pull the shot and steam simultaneously, which no machine close to it's price can do. Yes a low end sub $1k HX theoretically can steam while pulling a shot, and the $1k Quickmill offering with separate pump for the steam thermoblock can, but few prosumer class HX machines actually can steam while pulling the shot without having the shot temperature dive.

BTW, don't be surprised regardless what espresso machine you buy if great or even good straight espresso isn't suddenly magically happening. The espresso machine is the least important part of the equation.

I am strongly considering the CC1, seems to have a lot of buzz surrounding it. We shall see.

I am now looking to go cheaper than I first planned, so with that in mind, does anyone have any significant input as to why I shouldn't get a Gaggia Classic? From what I can gather it is a pretty good machine, and is a pretty good price. It seems most people are able to get pretty decent shots from it.

Any thoughts?