Espresso machines and grinders.(Regional Update)

Specialty Coffee Retailer, August, 2006 by Wagner, Karen L.

Espresso machines are a lot like cars. You want them to be stylish, run like a racehorse and not break down in the middle of heavy traffic. And in fact, just like cars, with proper care and maintenance, and as long as there are no "accidents," espresso machines should really last for a long, long time.

That, it seems, is the case for many retailers around the country, who generally are reporting long years of dutiful service by their beloved machines. These retailers realize, though, that the machines will give only as much as they're given--in terms of daily care and annual maintenance.

While some of these machines date back to the mid-90s and may be in for a cosmetic renovation, retailers seem to be willing to hang on for as long as their Gaggias,...