GS3 (available as MP and AV)

I know not exactly in posted budget- but I had that exact decision, chose to wait and save a little longer and just got a used GS/3-MP. Couldn't be happier, not too much tech, but enough pressure control to do 95% of whatever you'd ever want to do. Then right after can make lattes for 10 guests without profiling and no setting changes.

I have a gs3. Takes 1 hour for everything to get to temp. Yes it’s an inconvenience if you want coffee right now and it’s off. I have it plugged into a smart plug that turns on at 6am everyday so when I’m up it will be up to temp. 

Don't get a GS3 AV. It's a waste of money and will not give you any better espresso than a Mini or Micra.

Former obsessed barista here lol i know how you feel :))) Almost eveything you say rings lelit bianca v3, the rotary pump, nice steam, flow profiling, except for the part about saving the profiles, that would be Decent DE1 territory. i don’t see myself with a LMLM at home, although I absolutely adore Linea in a cafe setup, it is just reliable, I wanna play around at home and need profiling (maybe GS3 but I don’t like the aesthetic tbh) Personally I would be happy with a gaggimate modded rancilio silvia but i don’t know if it would withstand 20 shots a day. I have also heard great things about WPM Primus but definitely doesn’t have the charm of a cafe workflow machine

Grinder is a hard ask, perfect grinder technically would be a Sanremo X-One, but it is huge and financially only good sense for a shop (it replaces 3 grinders so at about 8000€ not too bad), coupled with a Sanremo espresso machine and a RO with remineralizing filter for water. Told my misses about this one and she was a little concerned I was contemplating it. Keeping home aesthetics and size in mind and if I would only want one grinder I’d probably get an EG-1 or Monolith flat Max. Currently have two grinders though, one with hopper (83mm burr) and one single dose for my decaf/specialty drinks. Which I would be unlikely to drop as single dosing I won’t do for groups or in the morning, a large burr gbw grinder would be my choice. For the espresso machine, a Sanremo you or LM GS3 would offer everything I would want, but honestly a simple flat profile machine with good pid and dual boiler like a LM Mini R or a Micra is good enough for me already. Micra does come with some short comings, the reduced height is a little annoying at times. Mini r was too big for my counter though.

I have a LaMarzocco GS3MP and large cups won't fit either. I use a 14 oz Ember mug which is too tall to fit on top of the scales on the drip tray directly into the cup. Had to get creative. I remove the drip tray, set a plastic cup upside down on the inside of the drip tray, put the scales on top and then my cup on top of the scales. Yes, it's a PIA but have been doing it for years. I only make one cup a day and the quality of the drink justifies the effort. In my opinion. LaMarzocco products will last many years if cared for properly.

I think you made a great choice as well. I have owned my GS3MP for 4+years and other than installing a steamer repair kit that's it. Warm up time is around 20-30 minutes. It turns on about 30 minutes before I get up and is ready. I have owned a lot of espresso machines but this one is the most reliable.

I have owned two. Both of them worked beautifully for about six months and then the little things started failing; front digital panel, relays, heat control modules. Dealer loaned be equipment to use every time service was needed. I love the beauty of the machine but the owner needs to be mechanically inclined and enjoy servicing them. I replaced my last one 5 years ago with a LaMarzocco GS3MP and other than replacing the steam function with a steam kit that is it. I did that one by myself. Best machine I have ever owned.

About five years ago I decided to replace a lever machine and the place where I buy my equipment had a Bianca V2 on display. He suggested that I take it home and try it. The machine quality at the price was exceptional. Everything about it worked perfectly. After I got it dialed in I started making drinks like I wanted. My wife and I were blown away with the clarity and flavor being extracted from the same coffee I had been using. The dealer, knowing how particular I was, directed me to a La Marzocco GS3MP and I decided to go with it. I have nothing to say but good things about the Bianca. It was an eye opening experience. The LM has been service free for over 5 years. Love it too.

I have a perfect machine for you. La Marzocco GS3, 2 years of use. perfect condition but I am in NYC.