(X posting here for more thoughts)

Apologies for the wall of text, but there's a story here.

For Christmas last year, I bought a CC1 and a Vario grinder combo from SCG. This was my first machine. There was obviously a learning curve, but despite taking a few espresso lessons and a lot of internet research, I still had a hard time pulling really consistently good shots. I kind of think I had a bad machine because after I did my first backflush, it started acting all kinds of crazy. I called SCG and arranged for a repair. I shipped it via UPS but unfortunately didn't insure it (let's not get into that...), and it was severely damaged by the time it got to them, to the point of it not being worth repairing. So I was stuck with a great grinder, but no machine.

This last weekend, there was a sale at sur la table, and I saw a Breville Barista Express. I talked the clerk into including it in the 20% off sale, and on a whim, bought it for $480. I've been traveling this week, so I've only had a chance to pull a few shots on it. They're ok, but I'm still fiddling around with it, so I expect they'll get better.

But now, I'm reading on here that most people are not fans, so I'm nervous. I kind of liked the idea of having an integrated grinder, because it frees up my vario to be used for other coffee brewing, which is really what I've been into for longer. I'm also very new to straight espressos. I'm picky about my flat whites after a long stint in New Zealand, but rarely drink straight espressos, outside of the occasional long black or americano.

So....my question is: is the Barista Express "good enough"? Or should I return it while I still can and get something else for the $480? I could go more expensive, and I'm a little intrigued to explore the world of great espresso, but at the same time, it really isn't a need.

Thoughts?