I have a drip brewer (Moccamaster), mocha pot, Senseo, french press, Keurig machine, aeropress, pour over setup, e61-based espresso machine (a heat exchanger), and am upgrading to a dual boiler espresso machine. I also have a Nespresso machine.

Each can make very good coffee and none of them taste bad in comparison to any others.

But if your budget is $1000, I would avoid the espresso category because you also need a grinder and a great grinder is probably more than a budget espresso machine and more important for consistent and good shots.

Not the OP but I did try a lot. Couldn't get anywhere near a consistent brew. Switched to Aeropress and haven't looked back, since.