Espresso Homepage

Question: Can you recommend a good home espresso maker?

(Posted by: sunnie on 2010-03-05 09:56:31)

I'm overwhelmed by all the options out there. I'm looking for one that is relatively simple to operate and clean, but something that makes good espresso based drinks, without breaking the bank. Can you recommend a good espresso maker for home use? Please mention why you recommend it, also.

Posted by: Tom ツ on 2010-03-05, 10:10:00

I would love to recommend the Dualit espresso machine I had for years, but when it finally died, I switched to the stovetop version that homes in Italy use I bought the Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker. I have the 6 cup version, but you can buy them smaller or larger too. I got the 6 cup version for under $30 If you highlight Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Espresso Maker and paste it into the Amazon.com website you can find a good selection.

Posted by: singletrack65 on 2010-03-05, 12:07:19

"Breaking the bank " means different things to different people, but I'll go from personal experience. The best espresso machine I've ever used has been my current one: a Rancillio Silvia coffeegeek.com/ reviews/ consumer/ rancilio_silvia. It's not cheap, but it's as good as many machines that cost 2-3x as much. I can go from flipping on the power to pulling a shot in about 5 minutes. Many commercial models take more than 10 minutes to get ready. For proper espresso you need fresh ground coffee, so I use a Rancillio Rocky for that. Both are easy to use and easy to clean. I also have a moka pot, but only the Bialetti Brika bialettishop.com/ BrikkaMain.htm will make espresso with the signature crema. I bought a Vev Vigiano vev-vigano.com/ stainless steel moka pot because I don't like the idea of aluminum in contact with acidic contents. It makes a rich coffee (better than any coffee machine), but it's not quite the same as the espresso machine. One big advantage of a moka pot, though, is that it doesn't require quite as fine a grind as espresso so you can get along with a cheaper grinder.