OT: Espresso machines

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. 

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

Well, as a follow up, the purchase has completely overhauled their parts availability and support so I can no longer recommend Baratza.  They don't respond to requests for help and the parts are drying up.  You used to be able to purchase every single screw that came on your grinder for a reasonable price.  The prices are still reasonable but the availability has dried up to a handful of parts and what retailers may still have in stock. 

I just broke my ring burr holder and needed a new hopper gasket.  Had to order from two different locations.  

I use Fellow Opus grinder but I don’t do espresso. Happy with it. For espresso one of my friends uses Gaggia for the last 10 + years and the espresso is delicious - I had it many times. 
For me at home it’s either Cafe Cubano in a Bialetti stovetop moka pot or French Press. When I’m in a hurry Nespresso classic. Narrow, consistent and convenient. Not a bad cup actually. 
 

link to Gaggia https://www.wholelattelove.com/products/gaggia-classic-e24

I use ECM Mechanika Max with flow control (rotary pump), plumbed with Rancillo Rocky single dose grinder.  This grinder works like new for over two decades, but grinder is extremely important.  Uneven grind produces acidic (too coarse) and bitter coffee (too fine) at the same time.  I plan to upgrade grinder one day.  Something like Mazzer will be used one day by your grandkids.

As for the French Press - aromatic oils carry taste, paper filters remove them.

Main question for the Espresso choice is the way they operate. Cheaper ones create pressure either by spring in the portafilter or narrow orfice, while more expensive machines require coffee to be compacted (right grind) to limit flow and create pressure.  Such machines use three way valve to evacuate water form the portafilter after extraction (dry puck emptied to knock box).  These machines require back-flushing and occasional cleaning with chemicals.  Rancilio Sylvia is good simple inexpensive machine with 3-way valve and 58mm portafilter.  

There is a lot to learn/know, and lose money, but it is not as bad as audio.