OT: Espresso machines

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.

I think around 1996, I purchased a Krups il Primo for a few hundred dollars. It still works today and the coffee tastes so much better than from my Bialetti. Parts are still available on eBay. Anyway, not fancy but it makes great tasting espresso and is  very affordable.