Barista Touch

I’ve had a similar experience with lighter roasts being tricky but what helped me most was focusing on grind consistency and temperature control more than the machine itself the Breville you picked is solid for that especially with adjustable settings also try longer pre infusion and slightly higher brew temps lighter beans really open up that way dialing in takes time but it’s worth it once you hit that sweet spot

Never thought about it. I have the Breville Barista Touch Express. I'd be surprised there were plastic tubes in there given the price...

That one should treat you well especially if you’re willing to play around with grind size a bit for lighter stuff. From my own messing around, consistency comes more from dialing in than the machine itself so don’t get discouraged if the first few shots are weird. Lighter roasts can be stubborn but when it clicks, it’s worth it.

If you can afford a $3k machine, buy the $3k machine. I bought a $1k machine and barely a week into it I'm already considering what I will upgrade to eventually. In my experience, if you're as into hobbies and gear as you and I both appear to be, buy once cry once. I did go for the $1k machine instead of a $300 one, but in a few years I will go bigger and better. I have a Barista Touch and I already want a better grinder. Looking at a DF64 II. Already wish I had a 58mm portafilter, but I'm going to perfect my espresso making on this machine before I upgrade.

I have one I picked up used. Been using it for 6 years now, it’s great. I had a separate grinder which was better, but had to ditch it moving to a small apartment. The built in unit still does the job fine. If you can get it for a good price I’d say go for it. It’s a great starter with legs to hold you over for a while. In fact I just picked up a barista touch off the side of the road that needed repairs, and even after fixing it, the BBE is the unit I decided to keep for home and the Touch got sent to the office for work duty.

I got myself a second hand sage barista touch and never looked back. I rarely buy coffee out anymore. Brilliant machine.

Regardless of what you get, if you live in Adelaide, filter the water! Adelaide water destroys coffee machines quickly! And if you not in Adelaide, maybe check if your local tap water has a rep for doing damage To your question, can't got wrong with a Brevel machine, I have the barista express, work has the barista touch, both are fantastic and seem to make very consistent coffee with good beans