Pro 500 PID

There are many recommendations here for some of the most expensive machines, but you don't have to go an spend that much money in order to get a good espresso machine. It also depends on what you want. A Decent machine will let you experiment with many variables, while machines like a Linea Micra or Linea Mini are notorious for being very reliable and looking aesthetically good, but they lack flow/pressure control. Other E61 machines such like a Lelot Bianca or a Profitec Pro 500 offer flow control, but it's manual (not auto like the Decent). However, for ultimate manual (pressure) control you should look at a lever style espresso machine. You should start coming up with a whish list, and go from there. Do you want a dual boiler? How important is a quick warm up for you? PID? (most likely yes), flow/pressure control? E61 group head? Lever? Automatic or manual flow control? Volumetric shots?

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.

Yep, very similar setup. How much do you use your 600? Now that I have the lever machine I only use my 500 when I want a milk drink. I would like to find a deal on an Olympia Cremina. If I had that I would probably sell both my current machines.

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

I picked up an LP from 1996 for $400 and now I use it way more than my $2k Profitec.

I had a lapavoni europicola lever machine prior to moving on to my profitec pro 500. I've been missing the feeling of pulling the shot ever since, even though the coffee wasn't that great on the lapavoni. There is just a je ne sais quoi about it that makes it special. Honestly, most machine can be somewhat BIFL if you are good with care and maintenance. It's hard to justify for me right now considering my coffee set-up is pretty great at the moment. I might go for it for my 40th birthday, that red model is just gorgeous. How long do you have to wait after a shot to pull another one?

I have a Pro 500 and man does it make good coffee. Also, OP don't skimp on a quality grinder

Same here, but with a profitec pro 500. We moved a month ago and the pro500 is still boxed up for the same reasons as you. Not sure, but I think I'm going to sell too. Cheers!

We bought a Profitec 500 a few years ago and it’s one of our treasured purchases. I don’t think they sell this model anymore but we love the double boiler so we can steam and pull back to back shots concurrently. Also bought the DF64 grinder.