Hey all,

My fiancee and I are starting to save for an espresso machine--both have barista experience so want something worthwhile. My main question is in the value added for someone that loves but may not obsess over every detail.

Our original budget was 500-600 (note, we already have a Baratza encore grinder). Then after watching a few review videos, my fiancee noted she'd love to have a double boiler to steam and pull at the same time. Not a make or break but a nice to have for us.

Can someone help me with suggestions around the 5-600 range, then suggestions for decent double boilers around 1000-1200. Maybe help me understand the actual differences so I can weigh if the value added with a more expensive model would actually be worth it for us?