I’m in the USA. I’ve had a flair classic. It was able to make better espresso than most baristas, but because of preheating and cleaning, the first shot could take like 15-20 mins.

The weird plastic portafilter grew a hairline fracture and so I can’t make espresso at home anymore.

I want something, new or used, that costs under, say, 700 usd (possibly closer to 400 usd), and is faster and possibly more automated, and makes just as good espresso, that I don’t have to fiddle with as much once I’ve gotten it honed in.

I probably don’t need a grinder because I have one of those hundred dollar hand grinders that does a pretty good job.

I also want a good steam wand on it to steam milk.

I’m considering like a sage/braville bambino, but that’s such an influencer brand that I can’t trust anything I see on it. Also considering a gaggia classic. But I haven’t used any real espresso machines, so I don’t know what I’ll like or not.

Durability/robustness, espresso quality/output, and speed/time-to-coffee are my big priorities.

Any advice is welcome!