De'Longhi Stilosa

Pros

• Anyone who says a Stilosa can't make excellent espresso is a snooty snoot. Note that you will want to buy a bottomless basket and portafilter, so factor that in your budgeting. You already have a tamper and WDT tool with this purchase....
• Absolutely. It's a great machine. I have the one that's a minor step above it, metal body, and I love it. It's easy to use and makes solid drinks.
• I picked up a Delonghi Stilosa on marketplace for $50 and have been using that to primarily make cortados and lattes.
• The machine punches above its price point when it's new. I say buy it and invest in a good grinder and you will have some tasty espresso
• Hmm... that Stilosa is a pretty highly rated machine for the cost.

Cons

• You might want to consider DeLonghi Stilosa or ECP series.
• The Stilosa is fine, but it's fairly difficult to steam milk with (I haven't done the rancillio mod with the wand), and I don't like how liquid continues to come out after I stop the shot.
• If you really can't, go for delonghi ecp series or stilosa.
• If you will be sticking with your Encore, you won't benefit from the better quality of the Bambino, and a DeLonghi Stilosa or ECP series will be good.
• or a few Delonghi Stilosas or ECP3420s ranging from $29-40 ($150-$180 new)