$1560 seems well above entry level when the bambino plus, Turin legato, Lelit Ana and Gaggia Classic can all be had for $600 or less.
A nice entry level grinder doesn’t cost $1k.
I guess it kinda depends on your definition of “entry level” but I think you should be saving money in the first 10 or so months, even adding in the cost of beans and some fun accesories.
Turin Legato - $479
Turin D54 - $215
That's a bit over your budget, but that's been my setup for the past year and I've been really happy with it.
If you swap the Breville Bambino ($299) for the Legato, you'd come in pretty close to $500.
One of the downsides to the Breville is that it uses a different size for all its tools: 54mm. So that's your portafilter and tamper at a minimum. But if you want a puck screen or a grounds distributor tool, those will have to be 54mm as well. Oh, and the D54 dosing cup won't fit into that size portafilter.
But if you get a machine that uses the commercial standard size ("E61" which is 58mm) then you can keep all your tools if/when you upgrade your machine. The Turin Legato, the Gaggia Classic and the Rancilio Silvia are the entry-level machines that have E61-size groupheads.
The Legato is a great option. If u want even to go one step higher check also the evolved model of it, the Gemilai Ele. Temperature stability to another level with the patented group head and also auto frothing and steam wand with temperature control in case u also prepare milk drinks. Additionallyni find the machine visually very appealing. I was about to upgrade to a Lelit Elizabeth and now I am thinking about getting this machine because for its price it looks as unbeatable for me
For example I have gaggia e24. I chose it as a prosumer level machine, stainless steel, control, ability to repair or mod, compatible with 58mm accessories.
My daughter has the bambino plus, she doesn't mind that it's plastic and an appliance grade machine. She likes the quick warm up time, preset shots, and auto milk frothing. More automation is fine with her.
Neither of us would trade with the other. Who's right? Which one is better? I think they're both good, one is better for me and the other is better for her
In the same price range is turin legato. It's loaded with more features than either of these machines. But it doesn't have a history or well known branding. Some people have it and love it, it's the best machine for them.
Top Espresso Machines on Reddit
1
Breville
Bambino Plus
77% positive of 1,081 users
Fast heat-up, easy for beginners; inconsistent shots, annoying cleaning.
bigkinggorilla
