I am actually trying to set up the reality of this thought experiment. I've been making espresso for years, but didn't realize how poorly I was doing it until I started studying threads here (cappuccinos have hidden some of my lack of expertise). Now that I'm about to upgrade my equipment, I want to choose what my wife can use those extremely rare times she can't get me to do it. She hates to fuss over details, but has noticed the improvements to our espresso since I've been practicing what I learn here.

My idea so far is a plumbed system, the new La Spaziale Vivaldi II because I can program the dosage, preinfusion for her etc. and this beauty:



I can set the doser amount for her, can show her how to use the tamper, what buttons to push on the La Spaziale, install the smaller steaming holes to make it easier to froth . . . and I think she can handle it.