OT: Espresso machines

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.

@kijanki  - you are right about the paper filters, but apparently the oils they filter out are what makes coffee bad for your heart.  If you drink filtered coffee coffee is generally good for you.