OT: Espresso machines

Agree with@photomax:

The number one mistake I see folks new to espresso is the focus on the actual espresso machine. The real deliberated focus needs to be on the grinder. A few years ago home baristas upgraded to expensive grinders that were designed for coffee shops. Lately the focus is on high performance “single dose” grinders with specific grinder burrs designed for specific results. A really good grinder is like the “source first” concept in audio. I cannot stress this enough: I would rather have a top level grinder and a so-so machine than the other way around.
 

Something like a Bambino Plus with automatic frothing and a Niche Zero (excellent workflow) would be a good match. For single boiler and long-term reliability - Profitec Go would be a good consideration, especially if you’re only doing occasional milk drinks. 

I wanted to +1 those who recommended the Baratza grinders.  I have a bargain version and the company is excellent to deal with and replacement parts are very reasonable not to mention the outstanding documentation they have posted in the past for difficult upgrades.

Baratza is owned by Breville. They make a ton of models. A good “sweet spot” option is the Sette series. 

Depends on your expectations and budget of course. More serious espresso nerds move on from Baratza due to the loud noise and the plastic gearbox that can fail over time. I regard this level of grinder to be in the same position that SONOS audio kit has: too expensive for many, just right for some and largely ignored by serious users. 

Your mileage may vary…

Depends on your expectations and budget of course. More serious espresso nerds move on from Baratza due to the loud noise and the plastic gearbox that can fail

The noise is how the cats know when food is served.  Also, there is a nylon gear in there that is deliberately meant to break in case of a stone.  It’s like a fuse.  It blows to prevent the rest of the parts from breaking. Cheap to replace. There was also a significant upgrade several years ago, so not sure how "plastic" these models  really are but after 12 years the only thing I ever had to replace was the rotary switch which was $5.

Honestly though, if they make a slightly less noisy version I’d probably consider it.  

The noise and nylon gear parts are one thing. But doubling your budget gets you into the arena of reduced ground retention. The legion of modern single dose grinders are just better. Period! 

They cost more and you should measure your grams in and grams out with an accurate scale. 

This sounds like a lot of faff and it is. But if you enjoy switching between dark roasts and light roasts and want to avoid a lot of frustration with messy bad shots this is the way to go.

A bottomless portafilter will make you scream for mercy until you get your whole system dialed in and then the performance, shot constancy and taste satisfaction will reveal itself. Just like the oft said “the veil was lifted” in the audiophile world.