I’ve got a Delonghi DEDICA EC 680. It’s my first proper espresso coffee machine, although I’ve dabbled with various cezves, a bialetti and a couple of filter coffee machines.
It can use ground coffee or coffee pads, just switch the filter. It takes about a minute to prepare the machine, make and clean up (if making an espresso). The temperature can be adjusted, although it isn’t trivial.
There is a frother/ steamer wand for milk, if you want to make a latte or something else. I’ve never used this function, as I prefer an espresso. The GF does use it, and it looks like a right faff.
For the price that I paid, I’m very happy. I’m very glad i didn’t get a pod/capsule device.