@chlorox, there are many vintage machines available that are nice on compact yet make remarkable espresso. To name a few:

Arrarex Caravel……small basket, open boiler makes a really sweet ristretto

Pedretti Kim……..58mm pf and is also spring loaded

Bruni Brunella

I could go on! This is a really good site, full of information on vintage stuff and a pleasure to read if you want to pass a few minutes. It opens up on the Arrarex page but is easy to navigate

http://www.francescoceccarelli.eu/m_arrarex_eng.htm

He also sells a good range of spares

https://www.suddencardiacarrestuk.org/2024/02/thank-goodness-for-madeira-cake/

    I had in my past life a La Pavoni Europiccola and a Professional. You got to be careful around them, as the boiler is essentially exposed and uninsulated. I would not recommend having a video meeting and try to pull a coffee at the same time.

    They also overheat very easily if left idling or when pulling multiple shots.

      dfk41

      Thanks for the suggestion. A vintage machine may be an option at the price point I’m.lookkng at though.im leery of the self maintenance and repair needs of that course of action.

        DavecUK

        Could u give alimk to your review of those two machines? I looked at this forum but couldn’t find rhem.

          pjw

          That would be an option certainly if not for the price tag!

            I am in the early days of Argos ownership.
            I have only used it in direct format so far but will change to spring later in the week.
            I also own a CT1 and a Caravel.

            At this stage I think the CT1 just edges out the Argos for ease of use and the Caravel comes third due to shot size.
            On the other hand the Argos can steam and is a fraction of the price of a Strietman.
            The Caravel is very good but small shots.
            All three warm up very quickly, the CT1 and Caravel can be expedited by filling with water from a kettle.
            You would be waiting a year for an Argos unless you get lucky and find someone selling theirs(one lucky sod on HB did this).

            I would be happy with any of them for your situation.

            I am awaiting a tamper for my Caravel. I have not had one for this machine, using the back of a spoon. Hopefully it will arrive tomorrow! Then I just need my son to come and I will make som videos. You can strip a Caravel down in 30 seconds. There is virtually no maintenance. You fill with water, turn it on, leave it for 5 minutes to come to temperature, then a further 10 to 15 to warm through (or flush water). When you want to pull a shot, stick a temperature probe into the boiler, switch it off, then pull your shot. I wait till it drops to 95!

            https://www.suddencardiacarrestuk.org/2024/02/thank-goodness-for-madeira-cake/

              dfk41

              I use an exhaust valve from a Toyota 2H diesel engine.
              If you have a engine workshop nearby they should have a bucket full of old valves and one should fit.

                  Thanks for the posts dfk41 and Amberale

                  Caravel is a gem You can brew very accurately - pop a temp probe like a Thermopen into Lambettthe heating water which isn’t pressurised. Portafiler is tiny. There is no spring so you control extraction pressure. Result is a nice ristretto Two sips at best. Mine sits on the hall console table as it is a work of art - think Lambretta in an espresso machine.

                  Mine has a bespoke dosing ring