
I am perfectly happy using the barista express impress. I don't understand why people knock the grinder on this machine. I can dial in the grind fineness and rarely have to use the finest setting to get a great shot.
If I hadn't found such a great deal on my Barista Express Impress ($499) at Marshall's brand new (I'd recommend taking a look there) and had to do it over again, I would've done a separate machine and grinder.
For home baristas who want a single, all-in-one machine that removes the guesswork of tamping and grind dosing, the Barista Express Impress delivers consistently enjoyable espresso without requiring a separate grinder, a second counter footprint, or years of trial-and-error dialing in.
The gold standard entry into 'real espresso' with a massive mod ecosystem that lets it grow with your skills. At ~$549, it punches well above its price class and has a devoted community behind it.
The undisputed crowd favorite for anyone who wants great espresso without the learning curve. Fast heat-up, automatic milk texturing, and consistent results make it the most-recommended entry-level machine on Reddit.
A prosumer-grade machine with dual boilers and PID control that serious home baristas swear by. Recommended in the r/espresso community for its build quality and performance that rivals machines costing twice as much.
A touchscreen all-in-one machine that automates grinding, tamping, and milk frothing while still giving you real espresso control. Wirecutter and WIRED both highlight it as the top high-end pick for home use.