My only recommendation is get a button operated machine, fuck having to add the grounds to the portafilter, tamper it etc. in the morning.
We have a Delonghi Caffe Corsa, dunno if it’s still made but we got it used and have had no issues
They have bean to cup machines that have no portafilter. We have a Delonghi caffe corso for a few years now. Love it! Literally just press a button and it’s done
I got gifted the Breville Barista, which is entry level at about £300. It does, I have to say, broadly get lots of good reviews too. Previously I had the Cafe Corso which was mildly worse in almost every respect. I.e. ease of use, steam wand, adjusting, built in grinder, cleaning, mess, end product.
The Barista allows you to brew single or double, and the built in grinder is actually (after 3 months) producing really consistent and adjustable grind. The one thing I would say is the pressure isn't all there - too fine a grind and the machine struggles to penetrate.
That being said, for low(er) budgets it solves everything. About the quality you'd expect out high street coffee shops, all in one package, very adjustable. Steam wand is fantastic for lattes. It's just the pressure that concerns me and probably the higher brow coffee aficionados maybe doubt the grinder and overall quality of cups.
For day to day stuff with beans from a decent roaster though it's doing great for my needs.
I looked at it. I ended up buying a DeLonghi super automatic instead. With the very convenient to use+clean milk carafe that comes with it for cappuccinos and milk-based drinks.
I can't speak on the quality of espresso he makes. I've tried a few machines before buying mine and I was happy with the DeLonghi dinamica . Knowing then what I know now, and how much we enjoy and use the machine, I would have probably splurged and got a KitchenAid kf7.
The big question is do you require a machine that makes milk-based drinks? Like cappuccino and lattes. Also looking after sales support. A lot of the gaskets o-rings, seals, etc. Will go after a few years of use. You want to make sure you get a machine that is easily serviceable by you or affordable to do by technician
At that price range get a Delonghi super automatic machine. Better shots than a Gaggia Brera (which I have and is fine for a non expert) and better bang for buck than Jura by a mile.
If you need super easy foamed milks consider a separate foamer.
emseatwooo
