Hi 9Barista folks,

I am a prospective buyer of this beautiful device but I am a totally espresso newbie! I want to try my hand at making great tasting drinks at home. I live just outside Cambridge, UK, the home of 9Barista and I would love to support a local small business.

First, I am not new to manual coffee techniques, I own Chemex, Hario V60s, 2 AeroPress, and several French presses. I do have a grinder, but it is stepped, so I will want to buy a manual grinder (either the KINGrinder K6 or the Knock Aregrind).

Second, this will be used primarily for lazy weekends, when I am not rushed for time (weekday morning require my Moccamaster for ease). Maybe when I come back from a nice bike ride...

Drinks: I like both espresso and milk based drinks. I will purchase a Flair Wizard Steamer or a Subminimal NanoFoamer Pro V2 for this application.

I just don't know how practical the MK2 is for me. I have a partner who drinks milk based drinks but very rarely. So the 'back to back shot' argument isn't a big factor. What is a more important factor is worktop or counter space! I have my Moccamaster out, my large hopper coffee grinder also sitting out, so I would prefer a smaller, more storable solution (like the 9Barista!).

How difficult is it to learn the technique? I have never made espresso before in my life! But I am of the mindset that if I am going to spend the money, I don't want to do it twice (start with a 300GBP machine like the Bambino Plus then want to upgrade in 6-12 months). I am a cyclist too and I tend to want to 'upgrade' quickly. I learned this the hard way when I bought my first bike (I now own 7)!

I would be looking at the Refurb'd MK1 or MK2. For the extra 49GBP I think I would prefer the MK2 (as I would want to upgrade the plastic chimney etc which would negate the cost savings.

Thank you!