Operating a lever espresso machine has to be like being at the helm of the S.S. Nautilus. In charge of a finely tuned piece of art that bends to your will if you know what you are doing, but is only a wrong turn away from crashing against the rocks. In other words, the lever machine in practiced, experienced hands can create as fine a cup of espresso as you will ever taste. While in inexperienced hands, the final product may not even be drinkable. This is not to scare begining and intermediate espresso makers, only to provide fair warning. The lever machine will take effort to master it. Like the old joke "How do you get to Carnigie Hall? Practice. Practice. Practice.". If you would like a fine sculpture to be the centerpiece of your kitchen or business, this is where to find it. Just make sure your appreciation of beauty is matched by your willingness to understand it.