The thing weighs a ton. So carrying it in for repairs locally is a hassle. And sending it off for service, which I've done twice, is almost impossible to manage and costs a small fortune.
About two years ago the Breville company came out with a dual boiler espresso maker that really caught the attention of the coffee world. Their new machine is loaded with features at a price way under comparable Italian machines. The two years since its unveiling have given early buyers enough time to assess its quality and the news is really good.
Still, I have my Isomac and it seems wasteful to buy a new machine when the one I have does a great job - when it's working. On that topic, it's not working. It's been in a local repair shop for three months. Pictured here is the simple little Italian Bialetti espresso maker I've been using while the Isomac is away. There isn't a home in Italy that doesn't have at least two sizes of these in the kitchen. $35 and it makes really good coffee. It's reliable. And faithful. 
However, the Breville is like that cute girl in the high school hall who doesn't even know you're alive. The Breville is all I think about. So, when the tech guy from the shop called to say the Isomac cannot be repaired, I tried to sound disappointed. But secretly, and in my heart, I rejoiced. I could finally justify buying the Breville dual boiler machine of my dreams.
You may wonder why I don't simply stick with the Bialetti. Well, it's an Italian thing, and you probably won't understand. Style points. The Breville scores more style points than the Bialetti. I hope she doesn't break my heart.
UPDATE AT 7AM, SATURDAY
See that gauge in the middle of the machine? It shows the pressure of the hot water being pushed through the ground coffee. It doesn't work. It doesn't show 8 bar, when the ideal pressure is 9 bar. The needle doesn't even move off the peg. I suspect the pressure is correct, because my first try this morning turned out pretty decent espresso. My grind was a little too coarse. I'll get that part right on the second try.
But the machine will have to go back for a gauge repair, re-calibration or replacement. Yesterday I said I hope she doesn't break my heart. Well, right at this moment I feel like she's ditched me at the prom, and is dancing with the quarterback of the football team, while I watch helplessly.
Am I being too dramatic? Probably. It's another Italian thing.
UPDATE AT 7AM, SATURDAY
See that gauge in the middle of the machine? It shows the pressure of the hot water being pushed through the ground coffee. It doesn't work. It doesn't show 8 bar, when the ideal pressure is 9 bar. The needle doesn't even move off the peg. I suspect the pressure is correct, because my first try this morning turned out pretty decent espresso. My grind was a little too coarse. I'll get that part right on the second try.
But the machine will have to go back for a gauge repair, re-calibration or replacement. Yesterday I said I hope she doesn't break my heart. Well, right at this moment I feel like she's ditched me at the prom, and is dancing with the quarterback of the football team, while I watch helplessly.
Am I being too dramatic? Probably. It's another Italian thing.
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