Better yet- Find someone local who has one of those machines, or similar machine, and "invite yourself over."
I don't want to take sides on which machine to get- mainly because I have some experience with one of them being a new and happy owner. That, and with no experience with the other machines I can't recommend one over another.
The basics are easy to learn. grind- dose- tamp- water dance (for E-61), scream out "FIRE IN THE HOLE!" and pull the lever up. There are huge amounts of resources online, and honestly, the basics are simple. Sure, a class would be great, but a few weeks of hands-on at home can go a long way towards making you feel more comfortable with the process. As far as long term- it's a mere 6½ years for me of daily espresso prep and coffee roasting at home and I am still learning. I spent five minutes listening to a pro roster talk to someone about roasting and I felt like I just saw my first coffee bean.
Another alternative is to decide on a set up, get it, then invite someone from this group or some other source over. I did that with a pro coffee friend, and even after 4 years of experience he showed me one or two little things that really helped.
Remember that this is a long term investment (it should be- you're spending more that I did on my first new car!).
I think Chris Coffee has a showroom filled with working machines. Other than that, put the word out here that you want to visit someone with those or similar machines- offer to bring the beer and steaks and you most likely will get more training then you can absorb!.. You would have me at "beer." That and an airline ticket.. never seen NY..
Specifically- if you have a choice and can't decide, spend a little more on the grinder and a little less on the machine. The grinder is the most important part of that equation.
- in Old Bridge.
