My (Delonghi) espresso machine has started leaking after descaling it - might be fixable by a disassembly but maybe not and it's a good excuse to look for a better machine anyway.
Is the current go-to affordable espresso machine still the Gaggia Classic? It'll be a used one so is there anthing to look out for? Oh, I recall that the pre-Phillips ones were better regarded - is that still the case and if so how do you tell the difference?
I had a classic for a couple of years. I loved it, but it got tiresome if making more than one coffee.
I now have a delonghi bean to cup. Loads out there on special, and adjustable to taste. While not as authentic as the classic, for the 3 or 4 coffees I have a day, it's perfect.
(disclaimer - I'm no expert. I like strong, black coffee. As long as it tastes better than instant, I'm broadly happy)
Heston blumenthal Sage in various guises.
Those Heston Blumenthal machines are very shiny and lovely, but not at the affordable point I had in mind !