Might not find one for <200 but if possible avoid the integrated cup ones if you don’t like messes.
I find that the ‘open air’ types that pour grounds into a cup are much cleaner.
Something like this
Or this one I have
Personally, I’d get the Fellow Products if I knew it existed when I bought my grinder as I weigh my beans on each use and don’t need a big hopper so it keeps the footprint low.
Encore if you want electric. Comandante if you want hand grinder.
I have since made the upgrade to Caribou pods… I wish I could find WaWa at a decent price.
The auto on and off timer is clutch.
My current setup is pretty poor and I want to upgrade. I currently have a very basic espresso machine and no grinder. I live in the UK and my budget is around $1000 (yes, US dollars, so £764 at the time of writing). Could stretch that a little bit for something special. I only drink espresso. No milk based long drinks. Given my budget and location, what would people recommend?
Preliminary research, well, if watching James Hoffmann on YouTube counts as research, suggests I could afford a La Pavoni Europiccola though I’ve never used a lever machine or a Gaggia Classic Pro and a reasonable grinder. Am I thinking about this the wrong way around though?
Traditionally, people suggest that you spend as much if not even more money on a grinder, than on the coffee machine. I tend to agree with that notion.
Personally, I would look out for a pre-loved machine, with an E61 group head. Reason being, is that there is a huge aftermarket support for those, including shower screens, baskets, etc.
Either that, or something similar to the Gaggia Classic you just mentioned or a Rancilio Silvia (they just released a V6 model). Both had been around for close to 30 years and there are plenty of support for them.
As for a grinder, it’s the whole different cattle of fish. If you want THE best grind, get a second hand commercial machine. Just keep in mind that those are massive and quite loud.
If keeping the noise level down is important, while getting a very good grind, you can’t go wrong with what I have, that is Eureka Mignon Silenzio. It may not have bells and whistles of other machines in Mignon range, but the internals are the same. It is also reasonably quiet. In fact, it may well be the quietest one on the market.
Worth keeping in mind that just like with every other hobby, it is worth spending a little bit more on a well-known equipment that has plenty of support. It does pay off in a long run, particularly when/if it comes to selling it later on.
Good luck and feel free to ask any questions.
Thanks! Noise probably isn’t going to be a massive deal but space might be. I’ve found a dealer for Eureka grinders that sells the Mignon Silenzio. Is it worth upgrading to a Specialita’ for the digital controls and slightly larger burr size? The bump in price is significant so I’m thinking probably not.
Obviously, just like with other things in life, bigger is better but not sure if it’s worth the premium. Personally, I don’t feel like I need a digital control.
Oh, do yourself a favour and get a set of good digital scales, made for brewing. I have Brewista, but there are other brands too.
Current set up. Would love to add an actual espresso machine someday, but this works for now. Have not used the Moka Pot much and need to figure out the best way to make a iced Mocha with it before fall hits!
I got this for my birthday and I really love it. It’s just a Nespresso but it makes me happy. I love that I can send the used pods back to them for recycling.
My grinder arrived!
Even with my current entry level Delonghi machine I’m getting much better results 
Not sure if anyone gave you advice as I have not read down but I just got the Cafelat Robot manual espresso machine and works great. I had a comandante from before I am using. A cheap kettle and the rest will put you under $1K for a good setup.
I purchased my Alex Dueto from Chriscoffee back in 2012, and they were good to deal with. I’ve purchased accessories from them a few times since. Anyways, they have a pretty great Labor Day sale now, on the machine I wish I could have afforded at the time.
I just ordered the Cafelat Robot baritsa version and should get it in a couple weeks hopefully. Will pair nicely with my comandante.
Super basic setup here.
Keurig for hot coffee, with the reusable basket so I can buy 1-pound bags of pre-ground coffee at the store.
Mason jar for making cold brew concentrate. 3/4 cup of whole beans, coarse ground in the Mr. Coffee grinder, seeped in 3 cups of water for 24 hours. Filter through the Rumble Jar filter. Usually produces 2 1/2 cups of concentrate. Add 2 1/2 cups water for perfect cold brew. Use medium or dark roast whole beans.
Robots are great - I posted my main home machine above but got a Robot two months ago for when (if?) I go back to working in the office. As long as you understand at least the basics of espresso and have decent technique, I don’t think any machines come even close for the price. (Of Course id you want milk drinks that could change the equation.) Easy enough prep, little to no maintenance.
I have a Kinu M47 Simplicity hand grinder to go along with the robot and either get hot water from a kettle or the other espresso machine, whichever is easier at the time.
Yes looking forward to the robot and got the extra screen, upgraded tamper and new hands since it is coming from HK. It will work well with the comandante and forte bg I have along with the bonavita kettle. Ended up getting the white since it is very subtle.
I am a researcher at heart and before I buy something I usually know what I am getting into and try to buy nice the first time. If I do sell anything typically minimal hit is taken as most stuff I buy holds its value.
I started drinking coffee about a year ago (am 43yo) and have 500g a day mostly for the taste and not the caffeine. The guys I worked with grew up in France, Holland and they introduced me to the good stuff.
If you do have any tips let me know what ratio you are using, etc.
