Gaggia - Magenta Plus

Breville barista express or superautomatic. I’ve had both and even though the integrated grinders aren’t great, they will be the easiest first step. Examples: [gaggia](https://www.wholelattelove.com/products/gaggia-magenta-plus-super-automatic-espresso-machine?currency=USD&variant=39357960683574&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&stkn=e05a6c770893&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20921572740&gbraid=0AAAAAD_veb-PA7VM2h7TEvJHr-sGbwGXx&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0Y3HBhCxARIsAN7931VUrXljzPmAKcW-MeXYRCcXxEh_0wMylegnXF5fZl_qLbcGHO_YdckaAm0fEALw_wcB) [Breville](https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChsSEwjOxcmLtpGQAxWqdX8AHdk_Cw0YACICCAEQKhoCb2E&co=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0Y3HBhCxARIsAN7931UaIFrjDp51Dth9mBmTgeizVnpuuugTO_iSxEZX4zqwvs6bOuuZu4oaAtrcEALw_wcB&sph=&cid=CAASQ-Ro8PM_H2_6HhmfE5nkQskYQU7pd1zEXiizdMZ4nQMtiTbCYuGAKohttcBUhhC8PBvCjtujgghfRAanoolLbaTn44w&cce=1&sig=AOD64_3rPV2OVuLM0jBoP5IvoKjQFJgBbw&ctype=46&q=&ved=2ahUKEwif_sGLtpGQAxUUlmoFHXe9A2oQzzkoAHoECAsQMw&nis=2&ch=1&adurl=) at target

I have the very similar Gaggia Magenta; same brew group and grinder, I believe. Cappuccinos and flat whites are tasty, not as intense as my semiautomatic but as good as or better than typical restaurant cappuccino. My milk frother is different from the Philips, but it has a flush cycle that keeps the milk path clean. I disassemble it to clean fully maybe once per month, and it doesn't seem necessary but I do it just in case. Very convenient and easy for good 1-touch milk drinks.

I've owned a Neville barista Express for approx 5 years and I love it. A couple years ago I got a bit tired of all the work it takes to make a cortado. I have three a day my wife has one. I bought a gaggia magenta super automatic because it actually has a real steam wand. I could not pour as good a shot of espresso with it. I returned it at a loss and have been using the breville barista Express ever since .... But I am getting that itch to try the super automatic world again lol

I bought Gaggia magenta for $630 on Amazon. No frills. Just espresso, coffee, lungo, americano, and a steam wand. I take the parts out and rinse. Couldn't be easier. Would recommend.

If you’d like to peruse options of a somewhat economical machine with is fairly minimal waste in terms of beans while learning the machine I would suggest looking on Whole Latte Love’s website. I purchased a remanufactured Gaggia Magenta off of there. Compared to most machines in this group it is fairly inexpensive and similar to a drip machine in interface. Push a couple of buttons and boom delicious standard espressos. My morning routine is 4 shots out of there with hot water to dilute to a strong version of coffee. So I get the best of both worlds. No tamping baskets, measuring grounds, buying a good bean grinder. Just a consistent good espresso. I buy three pound bags of Lavazza and am content with this set up. No hassles