Ive got a Rancilio Epoca semi commercial single group machine which ive modified myself - stripped off the plastic sides and front panel and replaced them with custom stainless, and replaced the steam wand with a Synesso tip - which makes for plenty of power, and nice micro foam as well! I got the Rancilio because my Cimbali S20 was starting to look a little rugged around the edges - I mean I threw that machine along with a generator in the back of a trailer and took it camping type-of-rugged-around-the-edges! But man was it a workhorse - never broke down, and made fantastic coffee time and time again! Internally the machines are practically identical - the only difference I can see is the insulated boiler on the Rancilio - which is great for heat retention and thermal efficiency Otherwise the plastic sides on the Rancilio snapped off the first time that I picked it up (admittedly it was second hand but only about 18 months old and clean as a whistle inside) - thus the upgrade to custom stainless! The machine doesn't seem to miss a beat when it comes to coffee - pump pressure is great and I get excellent extractions, and with the modifications to the steam wand the steam pressure is on par with any commercial machine I've even managed to knock out 60 quality hot chocolates and coffees in an hour on my own on this machine on several occasions, yes, its hard work, and you have to keep topping the water tank, but no, it doesnt miss a beat and the extractions remain spot on and consistent Not the prettiest machine Ive ever owned, but its still a solid workhorse, and has plenty of grunt, it gets the job done, and its cafe quality in terms of the coffee that it produces Plus it cost a lot less than a lot of higher 'specked machines which I doubt would give it a run for its money in terms of shot quality and sheer pulling power P
