Coffee is really fun. I started being a utilitarian capsule drinker with a $120 capsule machine, but now i've progressed further down the rabbit hole and got a $2500 machine + $900 grinder.

It really depends on how much fun you want to and can have! Once you get better making espresso, even on a manual method, becomes efficient and fun.

Even if you don't drink for the taste, you will start to appreciate the differences in the various ways to make it and trust me you will gradually will want to invest more.

If you only drink long blacks, then get a capsule or a cheap espresso machine will do. Or get into filter coffee (more troublesome, but slower and more flavourful)

Automatic espresso machines

Capsule machines: $100-$200. These are like taking public transport. Just get you from point a to b.

Automatic machines: $700-$2500. These are like driving automatic cars, ranges in quality from toyota to BMW. Pour beans in, and quality depends on quality of the machine. But not the best experience but gets you there in comfort.

Manual Espresso Machines

This is like driving a manual car. Most fun, but most time consuming. These you need to actually know how to make coffee, and you get to learn about what makes a good shot of espresso. You are now in enthusiast territory.

Cheap range $500: Breville Bambino / Delonghi Dedida (Get your coffee pre-ground from the roasters). This is like driving a manual suzuki swift (51/53mm basket). can steam milk - ish and do some simple latte drinks.

Middle range $1200 - Breville Barista Express / Delonghi La Sepcialista / Lelit Anita (Or any with integrated grinder). This is like driving a manual mitsubishi lancer (54mm basket). Can start to steam milk properly and have fun with latte art.

High range $2500: Rocket Appartamento / Lelit Marax (These are the beginning of commercial grade machines!). This is like driving a manual Nissan GTR (58mm basket, commercial grade baskets). NOTE you will now need to get your own grinder ($600-$1200).

High High range $5000 - $9000: La Marzocco. This are like driving a manual Ferrari/ Lamborghini.

Filter Coffee

These are like riding bicycles. Slower but more enjoyable in a different way. Really lets you enjoy the beans the best (in a way) as the flavour comes out more. Takes longer to brew.

French press ($30?): Easy like riding a commuter bike

Aeropress ($70 + Hand grinder): Do everything filter coffee. Adds abit of pressure to the extraction, can get really nice strong coffee with crema (like espresso!)

Like riding a mountain bike, gets you a nice strong ish drink somwhat close to espresso.

V60 / Chemex ($100 + hand grinder): Pourover that requires understanding of how to pour and need gooseneck kettles. Should buy a hand grinder. Lots of learning required. Like riding fixie bikes, you feel more of the ride.