Breville 800ESXL Espresso Machine

After our Gaggia died, we had to get a new one. While the Gaggia was fairly good, we were looking for something better. Decided to try the Breville.
This machine is beautiful & produces excellent shots - when it doesn't clog. The portafilter has a double-wall construction, with many holes on the inner level and only one tiny little hole on the outer level. It clogs very easily (even comes with a special 'cleaning tool') & is difficult to clean. We believe it's clogging in the space between the walls, so even when that single hole appears clear, it clogs again right away. It won't even flush water through. Takes many tries to clean, then clogs again right away. My husband (former professional barista for many years) has tried to adjust the grind and the tamp but we can't get away from the problem. If we could pop out the inner layer, and rinse between we'd be fine. I love the machine - but it shouldn't be this difficult to get a darned shot through! It's going back to the store, and we'll have to find a different one...