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Step 1: Defining Your Skill and Commitment
A. The Absolute Beginner (Automation Focus):
Needs a machine that manages temperature and tamping for them.
Focus: Learning basic milk frothing and dialing in (grinding).
B. The Hands-On Home Barista (Semi-Automatic):
Ready to manage dose, distribution, and tamp. Needs consistency.
Focus: Pulling repeatable shots and steam power.
Step 2: The Core Mechanics: Boiler Types
Briefly introduce the concept of simultaneous brewing and steaming (the most common question).
A. Single/Heat Exchanger (HX): Good for the daily latte maker; requires a temperature flush (a learned skill).
B. Dual Boiler (DB): Ideal for espresso purists who need perfect temperature control and consistency.
Step 3: The Non-Negotiable Accessories (The True Cost)
Emphasize that the grinder is more important than the machine itself.
A. The Grinder: A blade grinder ruins espresso. You must use a burr grinder.
B. Water Quality: Scale is the machine’s biggest enemy.
