Understood on the milk thing guys. The ones I'm looking at have a cleaning cycle for the milk tubes after every use. Thats sort of a must have if you're going to have one.

Heck - even my steam wand would get some goo on it on my Francis - but part of htat was because I liked to sweeten the milk before steaming. Made really nice sweet foam in the cappuccinos....

I know the milk bit seems frivoulous - but I really don't want to be frothing milk while I am half asleep in the morning. Too many motor skills and the screechy sound makes me grumpy.

Top of your budget but we have been using our Jura C60 daily for over 3 years now with zero issues.

We started with a slightly used Brera and when it gave up after a year, we went with the Jura.

https://www.amazon.com/Jura-15006-Impressa-Automatic-Coffee/dp/B00I8MYD5U/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1537210015&sr=8-3&keywords=jura+c60&dpID=51DWIpIIeaL&preST=_SY300_ QL70_&dpSrc=srch

If you're Ok with a refurbished unit, this appears like a good deal. I've owned a lesser Saeco model with no complaints.

https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/saeco-gran-baristo-espresso-machine-with-removable-bean-container-b-class-refurbished

<iframe width="1280" height="720" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jolZKmtgfXQ" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

UPDATE:

I decided to move forward with the Delonghi Magnifica. Met most of my criteria and was able to buy it locally as a plus. THe best part was that when I went to buy, a manufacturer rep was there demoing the very machine AND I got a $200 spiff discount on the spot which paid for an extended "no questions asked" replacement warranty and $120 back in my pocket. BONUS!

Set it up, ran it through a few cycles.. So far so good. I'll find the settings I like and report back. Thanks for all the insights!

Chris

Thanks, I have some coming.

Congratulations, it sounds amazing.
I’m glad to see you moving on after reading about how Francis got goo on your wand.

Isn’t it always Francis?