Coffee

Does your existing grinder do espresso? if not you may need to also factor that in.

Another factor is whether you're okay with a manual machine that can't froth milk. (E.g., Flair, Uniterra Nomad, Wacaco Picopresso, Cafelat Robot). If you're just doing straight espresso or you don't mind picking up a separate milk frothing device like a nonfoamer, this can save you quite a bit over a machine with a boiler and pump. However, the workflow will probably be more fuss.

For a full machine sub $500 I think a lot of folks go for something like the Breville Bambino or the Gaggia Classic. Some modding may be required for best results on the Classic.

(My espresso setup is an 1zpresso J-Max and Uniterra Nomad)

If you like tinkering, maybe you could get a gaggia and mod it later with https://gaggiuino.github.io/ if you want to go to the next level.

I absolutely love my Flair even more than a more expensive machines because you can totally geek out on different pressure profiles. But, I was describing it to a friend and he thought it was way more trouble than it’s worth. He wanted something more convenient.

Are you looking for a traditional machine or a superauto?

Breville/Sage Barista Express. Buy it second-hand for an even lower entry point.

I’d get a moka if I drank espresso.

The Rancilio Silvia is a indestructible, reliable machine that will fit perfectly.

Gaggia Classic. You can probably get by with your Timemore C3 for a while. If you are upgrading and sticking with a handgrinder, there are grinders in the 1zpresso and cheaper Kingrinder ranges that will have a much wider range for espresso grinding.