My espresso machine literally took a dump on me last night and my wife has informed me that the purse string are open...a little bit for a new machine. Problem: there's too many with TMI in conflicting reviews. I have a budget of <= $600 for the machine (hopefully with a RR45 on its way to cover the grinding).
My espresso history is simple: I've had a Krupps Auto for a couple of years (not the worst mistake I've ever made, but certainly noteworthy) and just recently began getting something resembling espresso after depressurizing the PF and using good, fresh beans.
My wants are also simple: I'd like a machine that has a brass boiler, 3-way valve, and can handle straight shots for me and a latte or cap for my wife. It needs to be reliable with decent (or better) parts availability. Looks are of close to zero importance with me so long as it's not pink or lime green or something strange like that. A standard sized grouphead/PF would be nice as would the ability to plumb it in. Ideally, a HX machine seems like it would suit my needs but they are also out of my price range.
I've got things narrowed a bit thus far with a couple of questions interspersed:
2005 used Sylvia -- $400
new blemished box Sylvia -- $529
Is the new adjustable OPV on the Sylvia V2 plus warranty worth the extra $130? These seem to hold value extremely well. Well supported. Easy to add PID once technique is down.
LeLit PL41 -- $459 dollars. Price is good, but has a goofy 57mm PF
Gaggia New Baby, Baby Twin, Baby Class, Classic -- $320, $419, $399, $550 dang there's a lot of these things in my price range. What gives? Any particular one that much better than the others? Small aluminum boilers give these a minus in my book. Price is nice on these...a couple of hundred bucks will buy A LOT of greens
Honorable mention slightly out of price range: Refurb Gaggia Achille $662 (and all the lever action learning curve to follow) and the Isomac Venus at $699.
In short, if you were buying a espresso machine today and had $600 or less to spend, what would you be buying? BTW: if you've made it this far, thanks for reading the whole thing!