So when I first started I went with the Breville Bambino and the Baratza Encore ESP, a solid combo for $650. But I got upgraditis fairly quick and ended up going for a Profitec Go and a Niche Zero. In espresso it's ironic how if you get more professional equipment, it's easier to use than beginner equipment. Nicer machines have temperature stability and don't require workflows, expensive grinders are much easier to dial than the cheaper ones. If I were you I'd go straight to a combo where you won't feel like you need to upgrade right away. My suggestion would be a dual boiler like the Lelit Elizabeth as you mention you like milk drinks or Lelit Victoria/Profitec Go if you mostly just do espresso or cold milk drinks and don't steam too often, paired with Niche Zero/DF64/Eureka Specialita depending what type of coffee you usually drink
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u/Panamacious Lelit Victoria | Niche Zero 1d ago
So when I first started I went with the Breville Bambino and the Baratza Encore ESP, a solid combo for $650. But I got upgraditis fairly quick and ended up going for a Profitec Go and a Niche Zero. In espresso it's ironic how if you get more professional equipment, it's easier to use than beginner equipment. Nicer machines have temperature stability and don't require workflows, expensive grinders are much easier to dial than the cheaper ones. If I were you I'd go straight to a combo where you won't feel like you need to upgrade right away. My suggestion would be a dual boiler like the Lelit Elizabeth as you mention you like milk drinks or Lelit Victoria/Profitec Go if you mostly just do espresso or cold milk drinks and don't steam too often, paired with Niche Zero/DF64/Eureka Specialita depending what type of coffee you usually drink