Espresso makers?

[Kipper is King]

I like a good espresso and I am thinking of making them myself.

That being said, I have no idea what machine to buy, or if I even need a machine (are the stovetop ones any good?). I hope to spend only $150 or less.

Could anyone suggest any models or offer some advice? Thanks.

[GreenTeaFrapp]

You're looking for at least $200 for an entry level machine like a Gaggia.

But for espresso the biggest factor in the quality is the grinder. A good grinder with an entry level machine will produce a better espresso then a state of the art machine with pre-ground beans.

The cheapest grinder that you could use starts around $150.

[MacDougalbry]

Further to the previous post, you need a burr type grinder. Usually, this means you have to go for an expensive grinder, though recently London Drugs has been carrying a cheap burr type grinder from Salton. It will grind to the right consistency but it is slow.

The other important thing is to get a maker that uses a pump. The cheap ones all use steam pressure alone.

[enthused]

My boyfriend introduced me to this website http://www.coffeegeek.com/

Because well, he's a coffee geek, and all I know is that I like to drink it. But maybe you can get a few tips from it... it has some reviews on different espresso makers and stuff.

[Kipper is King]

Originally Posted by enthused

My boyfriend introduced me to this website http://www.coffeegeek.com/

Because well, he's a coffee geek, and all I know is that I like to drink it. But maybe you can get a few tips from it... it has some reviews on different espresso makers and stuff.

Wow! That is a really helpful website! Thank you!

[4X4]

I was absolutely addicted to espresso ("cafe") when I was in Italy. So before you go spending hundreds of dollars on fancy machines, try this...

1. Go to an italian store and buy a stovetop espresso maker. A decent one should cost about $30 - $50. A smaller one will get you 2 or 3 shots. A larger one, 4 or 5.
Don't forget to buy some good espresso (I prefer 'Kimbo').

2. Fill the water so that it's just below the metal filter, and pack as much espresso into the filter as possible.

3. Brew and shoot

4. Jump in your 5-speed and get to work in record time.

edit**

http://www.espressozone.com/espresso-makers.html

I've got the one on the third row, second from the right. 'Bialetti Moka Express'.

Mmmmm... I can't wait until morning.

[Flames_Gimp]

i hate the the stovetop espresso machine, never tastes the same as a pump driven machine IMO

[Kipper is King]

I heard that the stovetop models do not produce any "crema" because thay have no pressure. Is this true?

The only espresso I have evr had has been from cafes with nice machines.

I'm a university student though, so while an espresso machine would certanly be a great investment (makes studying for finals so much easier!), I can't break the bank!