Jura makes a very nice machine, but it's about $2000. That (more than) a little out of my price range, but we have one at work, and it's fantastic.
Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
21–25 of 25 posts
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#22If you don't care about steamed milk a Rancilio Silvia (check out the videos on YouTube for technique).
If you do drink coffee with steamed milk a machine with a double boiler will makes things easier. Get an E61 machine like a La Vibiemme. Don't skimp on the grinder I have a Mazzer mini, but that's probably going a bit far...
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#23The DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker makes beautiful espresso because of its 15-bar pump (most models in this pricerange have lesser pumps). Only 90$. I've had it for a while and it's awesome. Haven't been able to make very good capuccino yet, but I'm told that's a matter of milk-frothing technique :) Affiliate link: http://amzn.to/bmCMbK Regular link: http://amzn.to/bTsI8d
Try the 20 oz Rattleware frothing pitcher. I tried five different frothing pitchers and none of them made very good foam except the 20 oz Rattleware, the 12 oz and 32 oz Rattleware do not make good foam for me either. It always amazes me and I think my technique is improving but I always go back to the 20 oz Rattleware. Only makes enough for 2-3 cappuccinos but then the DeLonghi is only good for 2-3 espressos at a time.
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#24This is the only espresso machine I've owned, but I really enjoy it. One-button lattes and cappuccinos are very nice. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NAATK2/ (DeLonghi EN670.B Nespresso Lattissima) (Edit: If you're not looking for automatic, you can probably scratch this one from your list.)
This is the one we use at work and it works like a breeze :). Very easy to use and you can vary flavors without cleaning the machine, which is as far as I know one of the main cons for automatic machines.
Re: Ask HN: What is a good espresso machine?
#25This is the only espresso machine I've owned, but I really enjoy it. One-button lattes and cappuccinos are very nice. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NAATK2/ (DeLonghi EN670.B Nespresso Lattissima) (Edit: If you're not looking for automatic, you can probably scratch this one from your list.)
Aeropress (http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/kitchen/8e3a/) btw is another cheap and handy solution.