Thanks for all the suggestions and sorry for not replying sooner, but Ive been busy researching machines

Well, I guess the more I research, the more Im starting to fall into the old trap of deciding what I "need" and what Id "like" to have sitting in my kitchen. Looking at espresso machines is a slippery slope . . .
Anyway, Ive narrowed the grinders down and am probably going to get the Baratza Preciso for around $330 - unless someone knows a better grinder for the money. To be honest, Id probably be happy with the Lelit PL043 (around $300), but the Baratza has good reviews (so does the Lelit) and seems like good value.
As for the espresso machine . . . I like the look of the Oscar (thanks InTheCup) but am wondering if the 2 litre boiler might be a bit big for my needs and would take longer to warm up (only 1200w) and waste more power? Or am I on the wrong track with it being a HX machine?
The steam wand is important - most of the coffees I make are milk-based - and this is the real reason why Im hesitating at buying something like the Lelit or Breville DB, and am now even looking at some of the better single boiler machines with boilers in the 0.7-1.5 litre range.
To be honest, its not that import that I steam and extract at the same time, but rather that I have enough steam power for 2-4 cappuccinos at a time and dont have to wait too long in-between pulling shots and steaming the milk.
Having the machine warm up quickly to operating temperature would be a bonus.
I thought increasing my budget would make things easier, but it seems to be complicating things! Im now thinking of going up to around $2000 and buying a decent entry-level stainless steel HX or single boiler. Its hard to get over the plastic Oscar body and the fact it might take a while to warm up, but I havent dismissed it yet..
Looks like I need to keep thinking things through . . .


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