Encore ESP Pro

I can recommend a Gaggia Classic Pro… it has decent steaming capabilities, though not stellar. Other folks may have better recommendations. I will say that the standard Baratza Encore is NOT suitable for espresso. The Encore ESP or ESP PRO will work. There are also quality, inexpensive hand grinders

When it comes to espresso capable grinders under $100, your only two options are to either go for a manual grinder (i.e. the Timemore C3 ESP or the Kingrinder K6) or to look for a used grinder on the second hand market. Your coffee grinder is equally as important as the espresso machine itself, so i

Check out the Baratza Encore ESP Pro - under $300. Good grinder. Don't just buy any cheap grinder. Buy a grinder that has fine grind settings for espresso.

Both are excellent options, so whichever one is right for you really depends on your taste preferences, preferred looks and ideal workflow. If you tend to switch between coffees often, mostly drink 'modern style' espresso and don't mind single dosing; the DF54 is probably going to be the best option

The Baratza Encore ESP Pro, which I have, can be used as a single dose or hopper machine. It comes with a removable hopper, and you can set it to a timed-grind mode where it will grind for whatever time you set it for (presumably to get the dose you want). In single-dose mode, you remove the hopper

for the best results, yes a grinder ideally made for espresso. not sure what your budget is but the baratza encore esp and esp pro are good bang for buck. a digital scale that measures down to 0.1g precision is probably the most important "accessory" so that you can consistently measure out grounds.

You don’t care for coffee and your wife prefers vanilla lattes. Save the cash and get a baratza encore esp pro. It’s more than enough for good espresso. If you don’t mind spending more just for the hell of it, look into the Niche zero or Lagom Casa.

Honest advice; don't waste your money on a bottomless portafilter for now and add that money to your budget for a decent grinder. A bottomless portafilter may look nice on the socials, but won't improve your espresso. Not to mention that using a bottomless portafilter without a high-quality / high u

Apart from the manual grinders otherwise discussed here (you can get a nice bang for your buck at this level with a manual grinder), I might also take a look at the Baratza Encore ESP/ESP Pro. A nice review of the ESP Pro: https://coffeegeek.com/reviews/firstlooks/baratza-encore-esp-pro-grinder-firs

Niche is good, but for more traditional espresso, we have vario VS3 or VS4 for a more reasonable prize. Also Baratza Encore ESP Pro. Traditional, thick, chocolate espresso is easier to achieve.