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Thanks for your replies and links guys.
The Hoffman video is interesting although I get the feeling he isn't particularly thrilled with any of them, that might just be his character.
I've got the Delonghi machine in that video, the EC685 as an "entry level" machine with a basic Krups burr grinder and I've upgraded the steam wand. Anything is likely to be an upgrade from here...Been reading some forums today and the Lelit Mara X is also looking tempting but top end of budget and nothing really left for grinder.
Silvia and Niche does sound like a good pair but can't get a Niche until February!
Debating whether to order the Niche for Feb, deal with potentially poor grinds up until February with a Mara X (stretch the budget) or Silvia or find an alternative grinder?
IamNotACrook-
Silvia and Niche does sound like a good pair
This would be my initial recommendation for a £1k machine + grinder to be fair.
If you're looking for something to tide you over until Feb, you could always pick up a decent hand-grinder for under £100. I used a Porlex for over a year before I got a motorised grinder, I'm sure there are better options these days but others on this thread are more knowledgeable here than I so will let them jump in with some recommendations if you're considering that route!
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My understanding is that the grinder is usually deemed more important at this end of the budget scale. The two basic things you'll need are a grinder that is sufficiently adjustable to dial in espresso, while also capable of producing good quality fine grounds. The espresso machine needs to be able to deliver 9 bar of pressure. (This is an intentional oversimplification, please don't shoot me espresso enthusiasts).
For those to be met in the most basic/cheapest way, you seem to have to spend more on the grinder than the espresso machine.
So usually when people are looking to buy, they're encouraged to spend more on the grinder than the machine - but for most people this is with a budget of £3-600.
As for Hoffman not being thrilled with any of them, it's worth understanding that he's used to working with commercial machines, and doesn't make espresso at home himself. There's a whole thing about home espresso being a hobby because of the amount of effort it requires, especially when compared to filter.
I would say that it would be a shame to drop a grand on a machine if you don't have a decent grinder.Edit: as @mmccarthy said, you could always buy the machine you want with a decent hand grinder, and wait until the Niche arrives in Feb. But that's also increasing your budget by quite a big whack. Having a decent hand grinder for traveling with is also super useful.
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I like the Niche - if I was buying today I might go for it.
I haven't read enough about the Niche but I like the ubiquity of the Vario which is something.The Mara X looks nice - you could get that + 2nd hand Vario for £1200
Did @Cornish_Bike get a Lelit or am I imagining?
mmccarthy
Nef
Tenderloin
My setup is a Vario grinder and Silvia - I went for these as they are popular options and so lots of opinions out there if you have problems or questions. The Silvia has a large 'mod' community so even greater depths can be gone into on that. I think the ability to take the things apart and fix them/service them is good - something which the Hoffman video maybe doesn't go into.
That said I thought the little Sage espresso machine looked good for the cash and would give you more choice (money) on the grinder. The Vario changes between grinds ok but if you like V60 then it might be that you go for a grinder which is better at changing between grinds more regularly (Not sure what but others might have input). If you drink milk drinks then the steaming function will also be a bigger point.
Until this year I'd used my machine maybe 2/3 x per week - now wfh I use it 2x per day for me and my wife and having a good setup has been brilliant but up until then espresso had seemed a bit of a faff but a nice to have