Mignon Filtro Series

Was just in a similar boat, deciding what to replace my manual Timemore grinder with for my Flair Pro 2. I’d check out the DF54, DF64 and the Eureka Mignon series, personally ended up getting the Mignon Zero myself but still waiting to try it out.

My research led to understanding the Eureka Mignon being the sweet spot for best value, likely won't need to upgrade in the next 5 years, serious coffee grinders. I got mine second hand and am very interested in getting clear ROI so this is before the value curve starts to flatten; you might have different principles in mind. My sole complaint is I feel the grind size dial could be a little less sensitive. Turning 20 degrees can go from way too fine to way too coarse. But the fact is you can still always dial in with decent results.

Two grinders is better than one if you switch brew methods. Ode + Mignon = better filter + no dial-in pain. Single “do-it-all” grinders always compromise.

Amazing gift and presentation of the gift. Props to the gift giver.  My situation is fairly similar to yours. At home I make a few espressos for myself while my wife drinks a cappuccino or latte. For this purpose a single boiler machine is going to be fine, but having a dual boiler will make your life a lot easier. The issue with a single boiler is not necessarily its capability, but the fact that changing the boiler temp to steam and then back to coffee takes time and effort. It gets annoying. With your budget, I think you can do better.  Yes, traditionally it has been good advice to spend as much, if not more, on the grinder than on the machine. But these days I think that advice is not quite as pertinent to most people. Affordable home espresso grinders have gotten good. It used to be the Rancilio rocky or get a $1500 Mazzer mini, but now we have the DF64 and all it's variants, the Lagom line, Eureka Mignon, Baratza, and many more to choose from. I say, take $500 for the grinder and spend the remaining $1000 on a nicer machine. If you look through online retainers open box or refurbished listings, you may find something very nice indeed. Let's also not forget that black Friday is very close. I think your $1500 can go far. Much further if you consider buying used from Facebook marketplace or eBay. I know I'd much rather have a moderately used dual boiler than a brand new single boiler. However, if you're intent on buying something now, and it must be new from an online retailer, let me suggest a few products.  Grinder: Eureka Mignon Specialita/Silenzio/Etc -this is one of the gold standards for a classic espresso taste in a package that excels in build quality, style, and ease of use. Seriously, it's quiet and the grinds are static free with barely any retention. I highly recommend.  Machine: ECM Casa V,  Profitec GO,  Lelit Victoria -each of these single boiler machines sits at the very top of the spectrum of single boiler machines. Each have good temperature control (PID), good build quality, and will steam enough milk for a Latte without running out.  Hope you find a setup that makes you happy. $1500 is an above average spend for a first espresso foray, so I'm sure whatever you end up with will be stellar. Many of us have started from $300 or $500 setups and progressed to where you are starting. 

Eureka Mignon Filtro/Notte/Silenzio. Any electric grinder is loud, if you don't want noise, get hand grinder instead. 

Eureka Mignon it is. You can buy a third-party steps dial (Etsy should have it) that would help you go back and forth. 

Second a eureka mignon - Italians make good motors

The Breville Bambino Plus is the best entry machine going - auto steam wand, 3-second heat-up, and the milk it pulls is genuinely cafe-quality. Pair that with a decent burr grinder (DF54 or a used Eureka Mignon) and you'll be making lattes well past your $8 a day spot. If you'd rather have everything-in-one with a single learning curve, the Breville Barista Express has a built-in grinder and saves a chunk of bench space. [top7kitchen.au](http://top7kitchen.au) has a breakdown of the main espresso machines if it helps narrow it down.