Strada (EE, MP, EP, AV, ABR)

Yeah, I worked in a place that had a commercial La Marzocco and the amount of absolute slop that came out of that machine was awful to watch. Very few cleaned up after use etc and the grinder was never dialed in. Shame really but just not fit for general office life

If OP is looking to do 500 cars / day using an EE would get real old real fast. If you're going La Marzocco, OP, spend the extra cash and get an AV rather than an EE.

I started with a Barista Pro and leveled up to a La Marzocco.

https://preview.redd.it/i99orcugfh8g1.jpeg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=50740c06066328000afcf4e739e0fb18ee173c43 Hoping the picture would increase my credibility when I say this. Having a La Marzocco in no way saves you money. Between heating the machine, water, maintenance, etc. You'll be lucky to break even after 5-7 years. With that said, it is a single joy of my life; I wake up every day looking forward to pulling a shot. I made a deal with my wife for the next 10 years; she doesn't need to get me anything, no birthday, anniversary, Christmas, etc. Let's say that's a great deal. I'm a picky person to get gifts for, and this saves her and me time and effort. Best of luck with your decision.

I bought one and sold it less than a year. Didn’t like the machine.

Everything… except steam power is stunning.

I don't think you need to spend that much. A Lelit Bianca or Elizabeth would be fine. Or an ECM Synchronika. If you want something more geeky a Decent would be around your maximum I think. And yes, you can buy a LM but I think it's too expensive for what it offers, you pay a lot for the brand, but it's just my personal opinion and I'm more on the best cost-benefit side.

Espresso and coffee are essentially two different products if that’s what you’re asking. If I’m understanding correctly, the original comment you made is asking why is making espresso better than making coffee? Well one machine makes espresso, while the other makes filter coffee. The LM would be better if you want espresso because it’s the only of the two that actually makes espresso.