Vario+

I had a vario, 886, and upgraded it to steel burrs. I really enjoyed it and being able to also do espresso. But I found that I got more rounded notes and changed it up to try and seek out those specific flavor notes. Ultimately a personal preference

I’ve owned and daily used the 078 since the kickstarters shipped (2 years maybe?) and highly recommend it. Previously I’ve used the Ode, DF64V, SSP MP burrs, SSP lab sweet burrs, Baratza Vario+ with steel burrs, and the 1ZPresso KMax. The 078 has been by far the best of that group

Currently Baratza Vario+ (just replaced an Encore which I may keep as a backup), and I’ve got a J-Ultra for travel of a different espresso expression (since the Vario is a flat burr). It’s a fun hobby.

You can go the cheap route and try a Neo Flex from flair to see if you like making manual espresso. That’s what I did for about 4 months (with an encore). I’ve since upgraded to a cafelat robot (and a Vario+ and a J Ultra as grinders) as I did like it, but saw the shortcomings of my machines, but I still made some tasty shots while doing more research, deciding what I did and did not like about the workflow, etc.

You won't regret springing for a Vario +. You won't need another upgrade unless you end up getting an ek43 down the line or something. 

You won't regret it if you do wait and save for it! It is the absolute best domestic grinder in my opinion, unless you want to do espresso. I don't think it does espresso.  As an extreme enthusiast of the coffee lifestyle, i honestly do not believe there is a better value for your money than the vario+. You could get a kingrinder k6 well, you save if you don't mind hand grinding!

Vario / Forte with steel burrs is a sleeper pick and is the poster child for "bigger is not always better" when it comes to burrs. If money was no object I'd probably go with Lagom 01 or Kafatek M98v.