Feel for you man, that's a hard lesson to learn the slow way. A good chef knows that little layer of char and oil is what makes the flavor pop. Nothing wrong with trusting your gut but sometimes the old timers actually know what they're talking about.

People get WAY too caught up in brand names sometimes. A cheap washer with the right nozzle can do serious work if the pump puts out decent pressure. Sounds like you just fell for the marketing like half the people on these forums do.

Feel that pain. Had a glass carafe just shatter mid-pour once.

Man I feel this so much, swapping the dream for a steady check was the best thing I ever did.

Damn @the_susan, you ever actually try NOT saying fine to see what happens?