Baristina is not good - What can I get that's still easy to use/clean/compact?

Not news to anyone here (and despite the poor reviews) I was enticed by the Philips Baristina’s ease of use and compact size.

Compared to other machines I’ve seen, it’s remarkably small, and the price was excellent (~$250). It’s also very straightforward use. Even family members who just want to press a button or two can get their morning espresso without any fuss.

The problem: the coffee itself is underwhelming. Shots are watery, lack depth, and the crema is basically non-existent. Temperature starts off hot but cools quickly. Nothing is specifically broken, it just doesn’t produce espresso the way I hoped.

*I’m now looking for alternatives, ideally under $500, that are:

*Easy to use (preferably no complicated settings)

*Easy to clean/maintain.

*Compact (I have counter space but I don't like clutter)

*Primarily focused on decent espresso shots (I’m less interested in milk drinks, lattes, or coffee drinks)

Any recommendations from the sub? Are there any machines that hit a better balance of convenience, size, and quality for espresso shots under $500?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!