Flair 58 Series

I've quite enjoyed my Flair 58, and using the NanoFoamer for lattes (https://subminimal.com/products/nanofoamer) Quite the learning curve, but lots of control, easily competes with machines much much more expensive than it like you said.

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.

Go with a Flair58+2 and an 1Zpresso J-Ultra. 😎👍 Total control and excellent results, plus you learn a lot more. You’ll need a Nanofoamer for milk though.

Flair 58+2 and a good kettle. I just saved you $1000 and if you have a good grinder your back in the high 90’s. 😎💪

I ordered an Odyssey Argos spring lever at the top end of your budget. I’d recommend a Flair58+2, good kettle and a Nanofoamer (if you like milk drinks). Then spend the rest on the best grinder you can afford. You will get unbeatable shots and learn a lot.

If steaming isn’t a priority then I’d get a Flair58+2. You can’t pull a better shot. Control everything (temp, flow control, and pressure profile), efficient, fast, and it’s as durable as you can get. (Around $600)

Go with a Flair 58 you don’t want milk drinks and only care about straight shots Go with a Gaggia Classic if you want milk drinks. Just for the love of god stay away from the cheap DeLonghi stuff (see flair) Also tell your dog s/he’s the bestest boy/girl

Don't push your hobbies/interests onto others unless they have a genuine interest in it man. The setup you listed isn't for casual coffee drinkers, its gonna be time consuming and a workout. I make my wife nice latte or espresso on the weekend because while she enjoys it, she doesn't want to take time in the morning using a Mazzer Philos and Flair 58 Plus 2 for her daily coffee as its a process. She'd rather push a few buttons and have her morning coffee ready to go quickly without thinking about grind size, puck prep, weighing, etc. Just let her get a Nespresso and enjoy that; I still enjoy a Nespresso coffee here and there when I'm at a friend's house, its not the end of the world.

I love my flair58. Been using it for years, no maintenance needed, still pulls classic shots, fully adjustable profile with your hand

Oh mine comes with an electrical heater, probably takes 5~10, but usually its good enough when I am done with puck prep and such