I was using this setup for two years and loved it for its ease of use. However I switched to Apex V2 two months ago and get significantly better coffee from it. Still I kept the bambino as well, love that machine.
Same aswell! Great machine. Went from ECP3420 -> Apex v2 -> Bianca v3 with EG-1. Went all out so I don't need to upgrade for many years. Best quality, no problems for the past months I've had it.
If the main criteria is the quality of espresso, I'd buy a machine with PID, e.g. Profitec Go, Apex V2, Lelit Victoria.
If you think that she will make lots of lattes, maybe a Heat Exchanger like Lelit MaraX.
If she will make milk beverages but the quality of her espresso is a must, I'd choose a dual boiler with PID like Lelit Bianca or Elizabeth, but then only the machine will consume your whole budget.
Grinders are even more important, you're right. I'd recommend a DF64 because in the future she may try different burrs if she wants. And in the US, the DF64 are relatively cheap. Shardor is even cheaper, but the build quality is not the same, and it's a newer model, we don't have enough data to tell about longevity. I have both and I'm happy with my Shardor so far. But if you can, buy the DF64.
Long story short, Lelit Victoria is being sold for 800 by Whole Latte Love, a Df64 you can buy for 400 from Amazon, then you can buy some accessories like a Normocore Tamper, a knock box, puck screen, tamping station, barista mat, a WDT tool, some nice espresso cups like Loveramics or Kruve, with your remaining budget.
In case you're interested, I recommend this video about building an espresso setup:
https://youtu.be/FcA8APz2khs?si=jpLjhj-UqNHNPSeA
Do you make several lattes in a row? If yes, your priority is the best espresso you can make or just a good espresso and fastest workflow in your lattes? In the first case you will need a dual boiler, in the second a HX is sufficient. The best cost benefit are maybe Lelit Elizabeth and MaraX.
If you make just a couple of lattes and perfect espressos are your goal, a Profitec Go would be my choice, or an Apex V2 if shorter on budget or saving more for the grinder.
Grinder: I'd recommend a DF64 because you swap the burrs later for different taste profiles. If you have zero intention to test SSP burrs, a DF54 is ok.
Don't forget the other accessories that can pile up easily to more than 500 pounds.
If you want more info on how to build a setup based on your use case instead of which specs meet your needs:
https://youtu.be/FcA8APz2khs
**My setup is finally complete!**
I finally finished the setup I've been planning for a while. I don't plan on changing anything else, at least until something breaks.
**The Setup:**
* **Machine:** MiiCoffee Apex V2
* **Grinder:** MiiCoffee DF54
* **Organization (3D):** Coffee Blocks project (from Printables), serving as a Tamper Station + Organizer + Knock Box.
There are clearly a lot of 3D-printed projects here, from an angled base for the grinder to even a 49mm base I made for my Muvna Tamper, which I needed to work with the Step Down Basket I bought.
I live in Brazil, so my entire setup is either from AliExpress or imported via Amazon (Grinder and Machine).
**About the Furniture:**
The furniture of choice was a **double pantry cabinet** that fit almost perfectly in the space I had.
My goal was to store my drinks and have my dedicated coffee space, which can also beconverted into a drink-making station for parties at my house.
At least, until this moment i'm very happy with it.
58mm, "E61 like" grouphead, adjustable OPV and water flow.
I think is the most complete machine in the prince point.
BUT is a new machine, nobody knows how well this will stand the test of time.
I don't think it will be easy to find replacement parts if there are any problems. But I've seen some comments saying that they are quite common to find in China, so perhaps importing would be the only way.
I took a chance and went with it, but if you're someone who likes to tinker and explore, maybe buying another machine and making mods to achieve the features of this one would be an alternative.
I've been enjoying the Apex a lot. At least compared to the Gaggia, it just has so much more power and is so much more modern that I wouldn't advise anyone get the latter, and at the same price point. PID is a basic necessity, it heats much faster, has a thermoblock for quick steaming, and has an easily accessible OPV while being an E61 system.
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