Atom Speciality 65

I also have a Micra and use it with a Eureka Atom 65 GBW and really love it (coming from a Eureka Specialita). Great consistency of grind and very accurate dosing. And of course, built like a tank and mine came with a short hopper. Definitely recommend at least checking it out.

A Mignon gbw sounds good for your needs if you want to use a hopper. For single-dosing, a Niche Zero would be pretty good. Stretch the budget a little bit and you can get a time-based Eureka Atom 65 (I think the consistency dose is good enough) or, a bit further (or if you can find one used), an Ato

If you are aware of a great espresso machine that exceeds my budget please feel free to still share. IMHO the minimum level of equipment to use in a commercial business would be La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi (sold in the US as Lucca A53 mini), with a Eureka Atom 65 grinder. If you are going to serve both

It's a been while since I've used some of the hopper-based classics. I assume you are aware of the usual suspects in this price range -- Fiorenzato AllGround Sense, Eureka Atom 65, Eurkea Mignon Libra. I assume GBW is preferred? The above are pretty good IIRC. They will all have some retention and p

Assuming the $500 is the machine and not machine + grinder but you also have a budget for the grinder Machine: I'd look at the Gaggia Classic Pro (especially used or refurbished) or the Breville Bambino (or a used Bambino Plus). The Gaggia Classic Pro is capable out of the box but needs a little fin

GBW 100%. I had a Specialita for years and recently upgraded to the Eureka Atom 65 GBW. Game changer for sure and extremely accurate every time. Not to mention whisper quiet and lightening fast. A step up in your budget for sure though.