Professional

That’s really similar to my seconds setup. I’ve purchased second hand both a 1991 La Pavoni and a Profitec Pro 600. Both looked and worked almost new when I bought them except needing a bit of lubricant and a bit of wear on the on the Profitec’s drip tray. It pays to be patient!

I use my 600 just about everyday. I’ve got it on a smart switch so that it is warmed up in advance; so on workday mornings, it’s just easy to get a great no milk espresso out, especially if the beans are at least light medium roast. I use the La Pavoni occasionally on weekends when I want to work for it:) From most reports, it doesn’t sound like the Olympia Cremina offers a great deal more than the La Pavoni, but I guess in espresso it’s all about increments. I’m hoping that the Meticulous becomes a viable mass commercial product, at which point I may buy new! But I’m not holding my breath on that because my current setup works so well. The other option is to go the other way and get a Cafelat robot.

Most traditional coffee machines in that price are going to easily last 10 years with reasonable maintenance. Even much cheaper ones will last 10 years easily. My old gaggia classic which I just sold lasted me 13 years. It still worked like new and just needed some regular very easy maintenance. I’ve got a 1991 La pavoni that works perfectly. I went to the La Marzocco show room and after testing the Micra out, decided that the micra wasn’t for me. The coffee output was good, but was only comparable to any other PID pump machine, but has no lever like pressure control through the duration of the shot. I can live without lever like pressure control, but the cup clearance and non-adjustable OPV valve is a non starter for me at that price. You actually can adjust the OPV but it’s inconvenient and the sale rep told me it voids the warranty. Something g the the ECM synchronika 2 is cheaper as maybe has a better balance of features, offset by slightly longer heat up time.

I always recommend used off marketplace. I’ve yet to purchase a lemon of any type of machine. 50% off new is such a great way purchase a machine that otherwise would be out of price range. As far as coffee goes, I’ve picked up a 1996 La Pavoni and a Profitec Pro 500 with PID, all at great bargains.

I’ve also got a smart plug on my 500, but I’ve found I get a flavor I enjoy more out of the Pavoni than the 500. The steaming and the shot size are better though on the 500. So for me, straight shots are always on the Pavoni and my cappuccinos are on the 500

You just need a second machine ;) I have a La Pavoni which heats up in about 7 minutes I use if I want an unexpected espresso late afternoon.

A manual lever is like driving a stick vs an automatic car. The lever gives you all the control and the best shots I’ve ever had are with profiles only possible on a lever (or very expensive computerized machines). If you are a little adventurous go with a lever machine. Starting with a Flair/Cafelot/LaPavoni/Odyssey will let you learn a lot and make unbeatable extractions. If you don’t need to steam milk then a Flair58 is an excellent choice (I love mine!) and no temperature management like an LP. If a steam wand is important then LaPavoni or Odyssey Argos. If you just want you push a button and get a decent shot easy, then Bambino is for you. And don’t forget there is no good shot without a good grinder.

I'm not a pro here, but I bought a La pavoni Professional broken, which I'm currently rebuilding. You can buy every part on these, and instructions for repairing them are plentiful online. They have been making these since like 1961 or something

A La Pavoni Europiccola or Professional could be a good option for you. It will last you a life time, repairs are simple and parts are easily found. Makes traditional espresso and built to last.