Hi all, looking for recommendations for a beginner machine in the £[500-600] mark. I already have a Sage Smart Grinder Pro which I use for V60s and moka pots, with plans to upgrade to something like the DF64 Gen2 in the future.
As for machines I'm considering, I'm looking at:
- Sage Bambino Plus: r/espresso's favourite, cheaper (a bonus), but I'm unsure about whether the smaller portafilter size will affect my ability to get nice precision baskets. Also no option to mod, which I'm unsure if people think that is good
- Gaggia Classic Pro E24: I always wanted a Gaggia Classic as a teenager, but I've heard really mixed opinions on the GCP. Obviously a 58mm portafilter makes getting extra bits easier, but no PID (by default) isn't ideal.
- Rancilio Silvia V6: heard its more powerful than the GCP, but again no PID and more money.
I'm open to modding if necessary (obviously if I don't have to, keeping a warranty is nice). Happy to hear everyone's suggestions!
Edit: Also open to other machines not on this list (just preferably ones I can get hold of in the UK)!