Additionally I would recommend one of the Flair machines with preheating built in. I started trying to get into espresso with a classic flair and all the extra steps before hand just lead to me never actually using it.
The Flair workflow is a pain, especially when making multiple drinks. I have one and a La Pavoni and the Flair only gets travel use. (Edit: Didn’t realize the 58 has a more “normal” workflow than the classic Flair).
I bought my mom a Bambino Plus + Sette 5 years ago and she absolutely loves the setup. The machine hits a real sweet spot as a step up from a Nespresso, as the instant heat is EXTREMELY practical for exactly your use case (early morning pre-coffee caffeination), to the point where I’m shocked that nobody has really nailed that in the “step-up” machines. There are better grinder options today, and you have some choices with the machine (you can find a second-hand La Pavoni around that price range, or any of the options you listed). If I were to swap pieces of my setup for my mom’s, I’m fully confident I’d get a similar (or perhaps better) shot out of her machine with my grinder, but the gap between her Sette and my Mignon XL is serious (though the price sweet spot may be somewhere in the middle).
39mm classic was always easier and more consistent for me. Shots did not taste inferior at all. However, workflow for multiple shots and cleanup were easier for the 58 (I had 2 shot kits for classic). I split the difference with the stamped 58-49 step down from Sworks and custom tamper from Etsy. My grinder was happier as well (SSP Cast V3 couldn't fully pressurize lighter roasts at chirp for 58mm).
I totally agree. I've had both. The classic is amazing. The 58 is amazing. They are both going to make great coffee. The 58 is just more potential for more money. Classic is the simple good coffee with a more complicated workflow.
The advice James Hoffman had was to spend money on an good grinder then save cash on the machine itself since the machines are pretty simple in function.
I just bought a Flair Classic ($150) and a DF54 grinder ($225--when it's back in stock in Jan), which from my limited understanding is as basic as you can go for a "good" cup of espresso unless you don't mind grinding beans for several minutes by hand.
All the nickel and dime stuff really added up, though, like the tamper ($40 for beginner friendly spring loaded), a micro scale that'll fit under the machine ($40), super special "espresso" engineered minerals for distilled water ($30), that funny little WDT whisk thing ($10), cleaning brushes ($10).
My old $100 DeLonghi and a $15 Walmart grinder did make a perfectly serviceable Americano. An Aero Press made better pseudo-espresso and coffee in general, though.
Top Espresso Machines on Reddit
1
Breville
Bambino Plus
77% positive of 1,081 users
Fast heat-up, easy for beginners; inconsistent shots, annoying cleaning.
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