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I have an ACS minima, would highly recommend.
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Not quite as fancy as things like the ECM, but I have the Sage Barista Pro (and had the Barista Express before) and have been very pleased.
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The lower end of the price range gets the upper end of the price range second hand. When buying ours I felt like the lower end of the price range was a bit empty, and you would be better buying a Rancillo and spending more money on a grinder.
We had a similar budget to you but decided as it was our first foray into home espresso invest less and see what's what. We spent £350 on a second hand Fracino Cherub. Things we learnt
- We (I especially) really enjoy having espresso at home
- Ideally it would be plumbed in
- The drip tray is a funny shape and so it is not really possible to to get our scales underneath
- Buy one you really like the look of because it is out all of the time
- We (I especially) really enjoy having espresso at home
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Depends on space I would really consider a Lelit Elizabeth. Will blow the Rancillio Pro out of the water for less ££££.
https://www.bellabarista.co.uk/brands/lelit-elizabeth-pl91t.html
Looks pretty unassuming but it's a bit of a beast in terms of capabilities.
Depends if you want the shiny e61 look though.
Buuuuut you may well appreciate what the Decent Espresso machine has to offer. It's a significant cost but it's constantly upgraded, a bit like a Telsa - gets more capable the longer you own it.
Also, to be a total PITA if your machine is as nice as the ones you're looking at you'll want a nicer grinder to get the best out of it.
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gorgonzolach
duncs
rj
Bainbridge
@Velocio
Now I'm approaching the end of the kitchen works I'm considering an espresso machine as the celebratory treat and cherry on top of the whole experience.
I have a grinder already (it's not perfect, but it's good enough), and I'm looking for an espresso machine in the £800-£1,500 range.
Ideally a single group machine that is low/easy maintenance, accurate (consistent), attractive.
Silvio Rancillo Pro looks like a default choice https://www.ranciliogroup.com/rancilio/silvia-pro/ but are there recommendations for better, or criticisms of the Rancillo that suggest I should avoid it?