Atom Speciality 65

I had a eureka atom 65, my word I hated the retention - wasted so much coffee - and when you try to do the bellows, you end up w the situation here - chaff all over the inside. It’s not a proper single dose, just marketed that way to fit current demand

Does it have to be a single dose grinder? I see everyone is going that route since you are coming from the Niche and were considering other single dosing ones, but with that kind of budget you could get some nice grinder with grind by weight integration and a little 250gr hopper... On my side going

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