@GrindIntoSecond we went with fully automatic Philips LatteGo 3200. Bought as refurb and it saved $200-300.
It broke twice so far, and both time the same thing - very easy to replace gasket. I couldn’t easily source it, so I bought an $8 variety pack of food-safe gaskets, one of the included sizes works like a charm for at least 6 months.
It freshly grounds coffee for every cup of espresso. I’m not saying it’s good like what we had in Italy, but I can pick between three strength and three size choices with a simple espressos and I also can select my grind type. I’ve been doing a doppio ristreto macchiato, and it’s 🤌🏻