The Cremina + Vario is my set-up, and I have absolutely no interest in an "upgrade". The beauty of the Cremina is its diminutive footprint, and the Vario also falls into the space-saver category. Not sure you'd be able to find such a capable duo that takes up less space. For me, and my smallish-kitchen, that's a plus.

One thing that I've done with my Vario is to get a small piece of a mountain-bike inner-tube that I stretched and slid over the PF-fork on the "portaholder". That gives me a convenient shelf to set my basket on, and grind directly into. This way, I keep the PF in the machine while I'm preparing the basket for a shot. Once done, I remove the PF, slide the filled-basket in, and start-a-pullin'.

Also, I'd strongly recommend getting a 49mm dosing funnel from Orphan Espresso. They're about $18, which may seem steep, but I think they're worth every penny.

Even after writing what I just did, my go-to grinder when using my Cremina is a restored hand-crank mill. They just seem "right" for a lever-machine. And they're completely capable of getting the most out of the Cremina.

I've got several grinders which all provide excellent results with the cremina: Mazzer Mini Man, Baratza Vario, and PeDe and Trosser hand grinders.

I've spent the last few days playing with a Eureka Mignon. It clumps like crazy, but this has no effect in the cup. For a small flat burr grinder it dials in easily, gives a great taste profile and good mouthfeel with the Cremina for a variety of beans while holding a fine setting well for consistent results. If you don't want to go for one of the monsters, it's a solid little grinder that compliments the Cremina aesthetic and form factor and should last for years.

michaelbenis wrote:. . . a solid little grinder that compliments the Cremina aesthetic and form factor and should last for years.

Another grinder which for my money fits that description to a T is the Mahlkoenig ProM, albeit above the OP's stated price point.

The photo isn't great but perhaps illustrates adequately.

That is a great looking grinder for home, to bad it is such a pricey one!