I recently upgraded to the Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS Espresso Machine as a replacement for my trusty Gaggia Classic Pro and Baratza Sette 30 grinder setup, which had served me well for the past four years. Switching to the Barista Touch has been a game-changer for my home coffee routine.Ease of Use:One of the standout features of the Barista Touch is the seamless integration of grinding, dosing, brewing, and milk frothing all within a single semi-automatic machine. The intuitive touchscreen interface makes managing each step effortless, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools.Improved Workflow:With the Gaggia Classic Pro, I often struggled with controlling shot length and had to manually stop the machine, which was less than ideal. The Barista Touch allows me to effortlessly pull long shots and automatically stops after the desired time, providing a more streamlined and hassle-free experience.Grinding and Portafilter Handling:Unlike my previous setup with the Baratza Sette 30 grinder, where I frequently needed a dosing funnel to get the grinds perfectly into the portafilter, the Barista Touch handles this process flawlessly. I no longer have to hold the portafilter while grinding, resulting in a cleaner and more efficient workflow.Consistency and Quality:While the espresso taste remains on par with my old setup, the Barista Touch offers a higher level of consistency. Long shots now result in fewer wet pucks, and I consistently end up with dry pucks in the knock box after every shot. This consistency is crucial for maintaining the quality of each espresso.Value for Money:If you’re in the market for a sub-$1,000 espresso machine and grinder combo, the Breville Barista Touch is an excellent choice. It combines functionality, ease of use, and reliable performance in one sleek package, making it a worthy investment for any home barista.Conclusion:Overall, the Breville Barista Touch BES880BSS has significantly enhanced my espresso-making experience. The seamless operation, improved consistency, and thoughtful design make it a standout choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home coffee setup. Highly recommended!