Mignon MG50E

Nope. I will not be giving my money to them cos I think the move to a Chinese factory is an insult. I got a flat burr eureka hand made in Italy and it was cheaper and better

A Flair58 and an eureka flat burr grinder will give you a wide range to work with and potential for awesome espresso of several types. I used a flair58+v2 stock and then added bookoo EM/scales when I got an itch, I used the eureka mignon specialita and modded it to be a zero retention single dose grinder before buying a niche and using it more, I've had superautomatics, semi auto and a modded gaggia classic, the best shots of espresso have come from the Flair58, hands down. You can get the absolute top model Flair58+v2 for just over 600 quid (or the older v1 with the uglier electronics but the same functionality for under 500) and you can get a decent stepless eureka grinder cheap enough that will last you for a long time (Manuale about 200+, zero about 250-370 depending on model, specialita about 380-420 plus mod bits for single dose, oro for the tiptop digital meanmachine touchscreen type shit, but thays gonna be over budget with a Flair)

The oro series has low retention. The Eureka Mignon griders that aren't All-purpose have traditional flavour profiles that are good with darker roast coffees. The Mazzer Philos also can come with the traditional burr. Niche Zero is similar, likely less flavour separation but I haven't compared Eureka to Niche Zero. The Niche Zero is cool but single dose, it is also glossy. The Eureka's can be single side and on demand.

If a Eureka can be found in this price range get it!! 😎💪 The real deal

Ode2 and Baratza Encores are the buy once for AP/PO. I’ve had my Encore for years pushing AP or doing the occasional PO. I also have a Eureka for espresso and 1z JX Pro, but once you go electric, it’s a luxury. I only take the manual when travelling or at our cottage.

At your budget, you could do a Breville Bambino Plus and a Mignon grinder. That's what I have and it is plenty of grinder and machine below aficionado "I can taste the differences between Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa beans at any roast level." Cheap machines are discussed so often here I keep a post: https://www.reddit.com/r/espresso/comments/1pemyi9/comment/nshft26/ SUMMARY (US market): * hand grinders: 1Zpresso Q Air Manual ($70) and KINGrinder K6 ($100) * electric grinders: Baratza ESP ($200), MiiCoffee/Turin DF54 ($250), and any Eureka Mignon intended for espresso you can find refurbished or used * espresso machines: Casabrews 3700 ($100), HiBrew H10B ($125), De'Longhi Dedica ($150), De'Longhi Classic($180), Breville Bambino ($250), Breville Bambino Plus ($400)

Probably the cheapest best option is Baratza encore esp or eureka mignion