Oro Mignon Single Dose

First, decide if you want to single dose (DF) or grind-on-demand with a hopper (Specialita). If you go through a bag of beans at a time for espresso only, a hopper grinder may be better. If you like to mix up different beans (including regular with decaf) or use the grinder for multiple brew methods, single dose is better. With stock burrs, DF54 and 64 have similar grind quality. Advantage of the 64 is faster grinding, but more importantly being able to use aftermarket burrs should you get more serious about espresso. You might also want to consider Timemore 064s, especially if you can catch it at one of the frequent 20% discount sales on Amazon or Timemore's website. I love mine. Eureka Oro SD Pro is another option. For a hopper grinder, Specialita is a good choice at your budget.

As a former barista I think you will be most comfortable with a Gaggia Classic E24. It will feel closest to the commercial machines you've used in the past. Don't forget to budget for a good grinder. When brewing espresso, the grinder is much more important than the espresso machine. lf you really have a budget for $1K, an E24 for $450 will leave you $550 for a grinder. Spend as much of that as you can stand. If you want to single dose, Timemore 064s would be a great choice. Get it at one of Amazon's frequent 20% discount sales. If you want to grind-on-demand with a hopper, then one of the Eureka Mignons.

Consider one of the Eureka Mignon grinders. They are flat burr, but (except for the new 65 AP burrs) they have the flavor profile of a conical burr grinder. When I used to own both a Niche Zero and a Eureka Specialita, the espresso brewed from both tasted nearly identical.