I’m currently using the DeLonghi EC860 which I bought when I didn’t know that much about making espresso. Now I realise that pressure is not great and the steaming wand doesn’t do great foam for express and the so-called automatic cappuccino system is superfluous. In the last year or soi got myself a grinder, replaced the ports filter with a bottomless non-pressurised one, and got myself a separate milk frother, and my coffee has been awesome.

Seems that the machine is acting up quite a bit lately and it may be time for a replacement. Any suggestions for a somewhat entry level machine with some additional options? I don’t want to have to figure out pressure and so on each time, and it doesn’t need to have a built in grinder. A good steaming wand would be nice. Most mornings I make a 3shot cappuccino for myself, but on weekends make another cup for my wife, and occasionally my parents if they come over for a visit (my current one seems to overheat after the 3rd shot nowadays).

Preferably not to pricey, around the same-ish price range?