Manual coffee machine user here.
I prefer the manual machine because I can control the level of coffee strength to use in the basket and also got a good technique of milk frothing going on too.
The machine I use at work is a cheap breville at the moment which has helped me to learn. I use beans from
www.coffeeworks.com.au in far north Queensland who have a large variety of bean flavors and roasting techniques.
I am in the process of looking for another manual machine for home soon.
The bean grinder I use is a burr grinder, not a blade grinder. The burr grinder is able to finely grind the bean to allow the natural oils to be released better during the brewing process and therefore providing a better, stronger flavor.
Ive tried the stove top kettle, plunger types, instant, premixes, pods, you name it. I'll always be a manual coffee creator over auto machines.
My 2c worth.