As with any hobby/ addiction, spending the time to learn about the equipment and the people involved can make a huge difference in the amounts of money spent...and the enjoyment of the products consumed.
There are shysters everywhere and being able to find a person that can help navigate the jungle out there is a win. Most 'old timers' on the coffee forums will answer an email or two. Still it is necessary to do a good bit of reading in the forums you enjoy to find the difference in quality of the posters.
Like with razors; how many of have a "junk drawer" half full of misguided buys. I do. Aided and abetted by retirement, I had a lot of time to spend on the hunt. Before that it was coffee and espresso machines. I thought razors would take up less room. Hah !!!
I am now down to a good electric "Moka Pot" and an Olympia Cremina, supported by a Vario grinder... That from an all time high of three cafe professional machines and three grinders plus a profusion of coffee makers. Did I say addiction???
In passing, the quality and freshness of the coffee that you buy is way more important than the machines which you use to make your brew!
Home work can keep the wallet and household happy!
Enjoy the hobby!
~Richard/ Espressme