OT: Espresso machines


I know this is off topic for the A'gon, but I thought my fellow gear enthusiasts had an opinion.  I'm looking for a simple,  narrow espresso machine.  Reliability is important.  I have a Nespresso Vertuo which I really like but lately I've been roasting my own coffee and wanted a more traditional machine.

Opinions?

erik_squires

Olympia also uses smaller portafilters (49mm for the Cremina and 54mm for the Maximatic). Both are relatively simple and durable machines capable of excellent results. They aren't cheap, but they are all-metal and built to a standard met by few other machines in the market, and they are scaled for convenient domestic use. Used machines hold value well. The Cremina is a lever machine, which provides a simple and quiet operation. The Maximatic is a pump heat-exchanger machine, which heats brew water from the reservoir separate from the steaming boiler water.

...a friend back when Starbucks was growing like the fungus amongst us liked to refer to them as 'shooting galleries', a reference to his growing up in NYC....

It's a good thing ( Thanx, Martha ) that the tariff terror is subsiding somewhat...
I'd find the most remote cave poss if the coffee imports pancaked and put the US in a major withdrawal fit...😏

Erik - if you’re looking for a smaller footprint and reliable machine, I’d suggest you look at the  ECM mechanica. I have several of their machines (Synchronica (2)  and the Mechanica) for different locations and like them because they’re built by Germans, designed by Italians and ALL of the parts are replaceable. I’ve never had an issue with any of them, but like the idea of being able to use them for decades with modest upkeep. 

2 lattes or espressos in the morning before I do anything. It’s a safety thing,

I second others for the Breville Barista line (express or pro). Used mine the last 7 years...and purchased used. (They're constantly available on used sites all the time and for good value.) Great consumer/prosumer machine for beginning or above average coffee enthusiasts. Upgraded my portafilter to a bottomless with an IMS basket, 53.3mm tamper and puck screen. Pulls great shots consistently and the built-in grinder completes the package. You can spend more, but why at this point?  It literally does almost everything and you still have some control and finesse with every pull. 

I can echo the recommendation for Jura super automatic machines.  Mine is 9 years old.  It makes pretty good espresso and associated drinks. My habit is to drink 6 or so cups a morning. When I finally replaced a part a year ago, it had made over 14,000 cups. Still going strong.