I used to go through this whole ritual with this hand pulled espresso machine... a La Pavoni. I could turn out this great espresso or cappuccino... but everything had to be just right. The grind of the coffee, the pack of the filter, the temp and pressure, the precise slow even pull... No one else in my house could get the combination right. But it took practice and perseverance to get that great cup. The Pavoni however, slowly rusted away over 10 years.

I make drip coffee today, and use a french press on the boat. Easier, faster... whatever...