Easy espresso machine for beginner

[gabriel]

I was looking at the Rancilio Silvia / Rocky combo, but the more I read about proper espresso making the more complicated it sounds
Do I need to temp-surf with any machine or is it a unique feature of the Silvia ?
Will going the HX path help or that it is only useful for frothing milk immediately after making the espresso ?

I usually make two single shot espresso each morning for me and my wife, but I could probably use the double filter basket for both of us with a proper machine (my machine only serve singles )
We drink the espresso straight no milk - would that mean that double boiler machines are not for me ?

I saw that for another $200 I can get a semi-pro machines like the BZ O2-S with a huge boiler (1.5 liter ) - would that means more stable temperature and easier to get good espresso or that means I can serve coffee to 50 people ?
If I go higher to the Anita (another $300 I think) would that make a diffrence ?

As for the grinder would spending more money (Mazzer mini ?) worth it in terms of easier usage or is the Rocky good enough ?

Thanks in advance
/gabi

[HB]

If high ease of use ("forgiveness factor") is important, look for site reviews with high morning after scores. The Rancilio Silvia doesn't fare as well as the E61-class machines because of the temperature surfing you mentioned, and it's proclivity to channeling if operated with less than perfect attention to barista technique.

Double boilers don't make much sense for an espresso-only couple. The recent threads Best espresso-only machine for $700 or less? and Espresso-only drinker asks if HX is worthwhile for company offer suggestions that may narrow your field of selection.

As for the grinder, well, the Rancilio Rocky is good enough, but the Mazzer Mini is better. It's a grinder built to last long enough to will to your grandchildren. Although I've gone through a couple grinder upgrades myself, I don't advocate economizing on it. Get the best one you can comfortably afford, putting it before an espresso machine that is far more likely to fall victim to an itch to upgrade. The good news is that if you do decide to get the Rocky and later change your mind, it has excellent resale value.