Barista Express

Barista Express is very very reliable. I've had one for seven years now. The instructions on descale are not quite right. This will be for any coffee machine. The harder the water, the more often you need to descale. The softer the water the often you need to descale.

Breville barista express or superautomatic. I’ve had both and even though the integrated grinders aren’t great, they will be the easiest first step. Examples: [gaggia](https://www.wholelattelove.com/products/gaggia-magenta-plus-super-automatic-espresso-machine?currency=USD&variant=39357960683574&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=e05a6c770893&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20921572740&gbraid=0AAAAAD_veb-PA7VM2h7TEvJHr-sGbwGXx&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0Y3HBhCxARIsAN7931VUrXljzPmAKcW-MeXYRCcXxEh_0wMylegnXF5fZl_qLbcGHO_YdckaAm0fEALw_wcB) [Breville](https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChsSEwjOxcmLtpGQAxWqdX8AHdk_Cw0YACICCAEQKhoCb2E&co=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0Y3HBhCxARIsAN7931UaIFrjDp51Dth9mBmTgeizVnpuuugTO_iSxEZX4zqwvs6bOuuZu4oaAtrcEALw_wcB&sph=&cid=CAASQ-Ro8PM_H2_6HhmfE5nkQskYQU7pd1zEXiizdMZ4nQMtiTbCYuGAKohttcBUhhC8PBvCjtujgghfRAanoolLbaTn44w&cce=1&sig=AOD64_3rPV2OVuLM0jBoP5IvoKjQFJgBbw&ctype=46&q=&ved=2ahUKEwif_sGLtpGQAxUUlmoFHXe9A2oQzzkoAHoECAsQMw&nis=2&ch=1&adurl=) at target

From the pourer perspective, although I like my ZP6, it's not great on all coffees. I didn't like my Fellow Ode as the grinds went all over. I end up using my timemore 078S for some of my pourovers and it's definitely good to have options-- so keep that Philos! For the prices you got both of the items, I'd advise keeping them unless you know for sure what kind of espresso machine you may want. And agree that you should use both for some time before parting ways. caveat-- unless you absolutely need the money.

that bezzera looks pretty nice... to give you context, I started my espresso journey from a cheap-o <$50 Mr. coffee, then breville barista express, then breville double boiler, then appartamento, and now ECM sync II. would I have appreciated what I have now back then? no-- but now I do, and what you have on hand would serve your future person pretty well, even if you decide to sell it 1-2 yrs from now, you are more than likely to recoup the cost. to me you are investing smartly because you got a great deal on that machine and can net 0 even a few years later. I enjoy pulling shots on some of the single origin "pour-over" beans as it concentrates the flavors, and then I may decide to add water to open it up. I also bought a flair 58 and it's still in the box because the thought of going through the work to make one shot... maybe someday.

all of this was sequential so I can't say for sure. the BBE convinced me to get an external grinder. I couldn't control the total shot time so I got a BDB. but the BDB being button pressing was slightly boring. Appartamento was difficult due to temp (no PID). now with the ECM, it's only myself to blame, or the grinder. :) it's possible to get a good shot from a cheaper espresso machine but it takes more work and then it would also lack consistency. it's also possible to mess up on a good machine, but less so.

My BBE is going on 9 years and same. I can pull a shot better than any cafe in my area, and have never had an issue. Running the clean me cycle, changing filter, and descaling every ~3 months it the only maintenance I've done aside from emptying the drip tray. It's not a machine that is going to impress any coffee aficionado, but it is a reliable little workhorse.

Sage Barista Express. Integrated grinder and costs about £500. Way under your $1000 budget. I’ve had mine for 9 months now and I love it. You don’t need a separate grinder. I guess it depends on how much of a coffee nerd you are. I’m definitely not so the Barista Express does the job perfectly with beans from my favourite, local coffee shop 👌🏽

Two weeks in and happy with it. I was originally eyeing on the Mini way before the Micra came out but could not afford it at that time. And when the Micra came out, I was still a bit hesitant getting it initially but for the price it is the sweet spot (still expensive compared to other brands though but I really wanted a LaMarzocco) but I am only making average of 2-3 milk drinks per day so it is more than enough for my use. I like the fast heat up time (which I also can control on the app), and the easy, straight forward workflow. I started with the Breville Barista Express which introduced me to this rabbit hole and have used it for nearly 5 years. Coming from the BBE, the Micra’s a huge upgrade and will cure the upgrade itch in the coming years. 😆