ascanio1 Thank you! I appreciate your detailed reasons.
I remember @DavecUK mentioning elsewhere a few years ago that his 80+ grandma loves Melitta. They have some deals going on at the moment.
https://www.melitta.co.uk/products/coffee-machines/bean-to-cup-machines/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInOKC4veg-gIVBGHmCh0jDQ2AEAAYASAAEgJPVfD_BwE&p=1
Oracle touch will cost you about £1500.
I never owned a B2C. However, I have had loads of coffee of all types from them including from my current work place of 9 years. They have over a dozen very expensive B2C machines reeling out espresso to all milk-based coffee. I never liked them and ended up disliking coffee completely. My view is therefore likely to be biased.
My concern with the B2C would be reliability, after warranty service + parts and the quality of the coffee from them.
I am not sure espresso to a long black / an Americano from B2C can mirror the flavours and the quality of pour overs from a V60 or a Clever. If you want a filter coffee, please get a grinder, buy some good coffee and filter accessories. Please don’t expect these machines to match the filter. They are different IMO.
Can the B2C grind light to medium? How would the coffee be if you prefer these?
The space is often a premium for most of us. You can get a compact dual boiler (Elizabeth) or Mara X. They are very fast and quiet. You can get the Niche Zero or something else as a single dose grinder. This combination will serve you guys well, if you look after them! The grinder and good water are very important. They won’t take much space. @MediumRoastSteam has this set up at home as his space is very limited.
How many coffees do you guys make with and without milk a day?
We all comprise at home. We want to put a smile on our family members’ faces as much as possible. But, with all respect, your wife might not be aware or realise she can make all types of coffee (far better than what we get from B2C or coffee shops), with a bit of practice, with the machines like Liz and a good grinder. A separate espresso machine and a grinder is also perfect compromise - your wife can make what ever she likes and you don’t have to worry about closer to filter!
I am sure Dave and other experienced members will share their thoughts and recommendations.
In the end, choose well based on the requirements! GL!!! :-)