CM5418

Shardor or Mokkom 64. Baratza ESP if it's $200. Delonghi ECP is great, Dedica is too. Or of course, a Bambino if it's not over budget. Otherwise, you'd only be looking at things like Casabrews, I'd go with one of their higher options like the 5418 Pro, Ultra, or Neutron Pro. Turin Legato is the same

Update in case anyone else is considering this grinder. I did get it and like it. Well made as far as I can tell. I have the CasaBrews 5418 machine. First 2 attempts were no go at grind settings of 10 and 15. Nothing came out of portafiler (which is the standard one that came with the machine.). May

I had a superautomatic. (Note past tense.) What I loved: push-button ease of brewing many different drinks. Easy enough for everyone in my family. What I didn't love: Drinks were at best "okay." Guests (like my parents, inlaws) were still, for whatever reason, apprehensive about/scared to use it. Cl

Casabrews 5418 pro + Fellow opus is a good combo. Around $380 now. 5418 pro has pressure gauge and proper steam wand to actually help you learn the ropes without being overwhelming. Opus is solid too, but the workflow takes a minute to get used to. And they're both compact, good for small space. gl

Don’t let anyone tell you you have to spend more than $200. Casabrews 5418 or 5418 pro is your answer. Been using that for about 4 months twice daily with my DF54 and it’s been great.

Casabrews 5418 pro. Strong stream wand from what a lot of reviews say. Fast heat up. Will feel similar to a bambino at a way lower price point. Just have to get a grinder. I'm gonna give a tip as someone who has been a commercial barista for the last 13 years (also an unpopular opinion): If you're a

Unsure which 3 you're referring to, but I'll assume De'longhi ECP because it's within the price range and a worthile upgrade over the Stilosa (water tank doesn't drain to counter, larger boiler (better steam pressure), larger shower screen, lower vibration, etc). I'll assume the base Bambino because

Casabrews 3700Essential works if you just want a tiny starter machine. But with your BIL's nicer grinder and specialty beans, Casabrews 5418 pro makes more sense. It can give him a bit more to grow into cause it responds to grind adjustments better than the strater machines while still being a small

I burned through a whole bag of beans trying to get good results from a bottomless portafilter. I tried everything. My biggest problem was it sprayed everywhere. The pressurized basket/portafilter didn't spray and make a mess. The coffee tasted decent. Decent fake crema. Much better than the Nespres

Here's some options besides the standard Bambino & Encore ESP that might help fit things into your budget better. (And you absolutely need a grinder BTW, unless you're OK with pressurized basket espresso.) I'm also not going to get into used/second hand pricing. Very often the cheaper you go, you al