Just bought oscar today. Surprising, my terrible skill can produce satisfied cup. Coupled with hand burr grinder, Lavazza crema aroma coffee bean ^^
[attachmentid=4431030][attachmentid=4431031]

yes, arrived safely from taobao despite taking unusually long this time.. 

the machine from close-up, with the new tamper.. very affordable and sturdy too.


twin thermoblock.. heat up time from cold boot.. less than 3-min 


there're tweaks to the extraction temperature, steam power and steam humidity by pushing some buttons.. have yet to test it.
cups were from taobao too.. quite a steal, have to say.. 


the whole setup.. since it's next to the sink, wonder can do a direct plumb-in in the future? 


the grinder, zd-12.. really kicks after some add-ins to the bottom burr (couldn't grind fine enough earlier, but now.. it's 5 notches from the coarsest level.. still experimenting, so no conclusion yet).. minimum static/clumps.


we have this plastic funnel/contraption that you place above the portafilter to minimize the coffee grind going all places, it's really a good investment for a small counter-top setup from those messy session..

we finally managed to get the right setting for both the brew and steam (and also the grinding.. pheww)
coffee wasn't bitter and has those subtle taste.. although the freshness of the beans have inhibit alot of those great flavors..

ya.. a good coffee is not defined by the form of the latte art.. however, it's much easier to start exploring latte art with a good micro-foamed milk..
here goes.. wpm kd-210s2 (brew temp +2C, steam temp default, steam rate default, grind setting 18; modded.. milk at 65C within 1min)

oh.. to the lavazza-hater sidekick guy/gal.. dunno why coffee gives you so much hate and seriousness.. dun know u much, but your hateness is already apparent.. 

by the way, we're in the mist of importing a small bag of freshly roasted bean from a apparently good roaster (in china).. see how it'll go..

I'm just a normal coffee drinker.
Somehow I'm looking at Krups XP5620 or Saeco Poemia HD8325, anyone have any experience with these machines?