I've been using a Pavoni EP Millenium for a little over a year now (Baratza Vario grinder) and as much as I love it, want to add something that is a little more convenient and consistent -- mostly for weekday mornings. I mostly drink straight espressos but would venture into latte land if the machine had good steaming capabilities. My only real priorities is to run the machine on a timer so it's ready when I am (I wake up at ~6:30 and am out of the house by 7:15) and I like a PID because of the extra control it seems to allow.

Size isn't a major consideration as there is a fair amount of counter space, but smaller is always better.

(From everything I've read, I should be set with the grinder, or at least I'd have to spend a lot more to get only marginally better performance.)

I use a La Spaziale Vivaldi II with my Vario. It sounds like it would meet all of your needs.

Plumbing, or no?

No plumbing.

I did a plumbed in Izzo Alex Duetto II, the best decision I have ever made.
Most of the down falls were with the tank on the Izzo Alex Duetto II (They will be fixed in the next shipment though). I have nothing bad to say about the Izzo Alex Duetto II.

That said my 2nd choice was a Vivaldi II (not the mini)

As I said before, plumbing in the machine was the best choice I have ever made.

Normally threads are not supposed to be cross posted with CG.

That said, I came from a Pavoni and expected I'd like the extra control of a PID. After reading millions of threads and testing a bunch of machines I found I liked an HX better than a PID DB. There is nothing wrong with a PID, but I feel like you get more value for your money when you get an HX at a given price than a DB PID. My bias though is that temperature control down to .1 degree has much less affect on coffee's taste than many other factors. In other words HX's and DB's are both great and are both different, but there are advantages to each and it is a matter of individual taste for which one is better than the other.

Then again, I can't think of an HX between 2k and 3k that I'd much rather have than ones like the Elektra Semi that come in below that, (if you stretch your budget to buy an Elektra T1 that changes for me) so if you want to spend that much on a machine and you think you'd like a DB, then machines like the Vivaldi are a good choice.

PID compared to what? A DB PID compared to an HX? Or a PID compared to a pstat?

A good DB PID doesn't allow that much more control compared to a very good HX, but is somewhat thriftier in terms of water use, and hence more convenient if you're not plumbed in. In your price range, the pour-over DBs usually have better steam capabilities than pour-over HXs.

It's just not that hard to control a good HX's brew temps. Especially not after you've been using the same machine for a few weeks. And please remember that "the morning after score" is something you'll have forgotten very early in the machine's life cycle.

The $2500 and under price point seems to have an embarassment of high quality DB PIDs including the Izzo, Brewtus, La Spaz, VBM DD, etc. They're all very good, and if used in such a way as to optimize their capabilities will each brew exceptional coffee.

Choose something you can get serviced, which has all the conveniences you want (such as a big drip tray, plumb-in capabilities if that becomes possible for you, a reservoir which can be filled without removing the cup tray, etc.), and perhaps an E-61 group if you believe they have some special juju. Buy something you find attractive and which you enjoy touching (and wiping down). If you don't want a big, square, shiny box with an e-61 hanging off the front you don't have to have one. If that's what you want, you've got a few possibilities.

If you're getting a rotary pump, you probably want some degree of pre-infusion. You probably already know that the principle advantages of a rotary are how they handle plumbing in and lower noise. Their disadvantage is their very fast pressure ramp up. Hence, the need for pre-infusion, or something like it. The alternative is serious barista skills and an always-attentive barista. The first isn't impossible, the second is tough to find in the morning.

Good luck,
BDL

Do not know where you are in NY, however it's worth mentioning that Chris is in Albany. You can stop by the showroom by appointment.

I am expecting the arrival of my Mini Vivaldi II tomorrow. Could share opinions if you are interested, as it is a bit under your budget & not plumbed.