I need a new domestic espresso machine!

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Hi guys -this is Chrisgane's original post (see further explanation on 'Crema Trade page thread):

I am sad to post the information but my old machine is slowly dying. I have owned a domestic Saeco Nero for 5 plus years now and with minor (home)repairs has proven trusty to the end. It has produced beautiful brews with healthy crema but is suffering from irreversible bakelite(?) corrosion and is being nursed lovingly into its twilight years. I am wondering how to replace such a faithful and robust friend and is there a machine out there which will meet the same demanding standards

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This was FC's reply to Chrisgane: Not wishing to upset at all, but in my honest opinion "continuous steam" capability (as in thermoblock machines) is highly over rated and unnecessary. You only need as much steam as is necessary to properly froth 1 to a maximum of 4 cups worth of milk, which in the correct sized cups (with espresso "less is more" remember) is only as much milk as can be frothed properly in a 600ml jug. This is because these type of dometic machines themselves have only limited coffee making capacity, so there is no need to produce steam ad infinitum.   Having got that off my chest, I recommend you go for a boiler (rather than thermoblock) domestic or some other upmarket type of machine. My feeling is that most people want to step up rather than sideways, when they upgrade. A good boiler machine can be had for around $550.00, and a good matching grinder for $265.00, and from there the sky is the limit depending on your individual interest in espresso.  Or, the World Standard in domestic machines can be had for an RRP of $749.00. These types of machines make excellent espresso, dependant on the capability of the operator. The diff between these types of machine over other cheaper electrical appliance brand name machines with aluminium thermoblocks is that these will last tens of years, giving excellent service, and be repairable all the time at any domestic esp machine repairer. All metal bodies, simple engineering, inert materials (brass boilers), little to go wrong etc. Should you wish me to be more specific with models I dont mind if you contact me offlist, check the two little icons under my name at the top LHS of this post. Goodluck, FC.  

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And JD's response: chrisgane It may come back to your budget as to the type of machine you choose. Around $1100 +/- will get you a Rancilio Silvia and Rocky Grinder. Good domestic gear. However, the Silvia can't steam milk and extract espresso at the same time. Going up market you can go to something like the Diadema Junior or the ECM Giotto. The RRP of these two are around $2550. There are a number of grinders you could couple with these, starting from around $250-$300. Maybe have a look at the Crema 'For Sale' section, or send me an email for further information. Regards John