Espresso Machine Recommendations

mandysmear

I have decided my next purchase is going to be an espresso machine.  Nothing too hi-tech.  I'll only be using it for lattes and straight up espresso. 

Anyone have any experience?

danieliza1127

STOP DOUBLE POSTING!  GOSH!

(just kidding, but I am going to delete the duplicate, just fyi) 

alixzafiris

I don't have a clue, but I really really want this one. I saw it at BB&B on the weekend and drooled, plus it's relatively inexpensive as far as espresso machines go.

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.ca/product.asp?SKU=17118374&RN=4278&

bel138

Do want to do capsules or bulk ground? We were too lazy to learn about tamping and pulls and all that junk so we got a Nespresso le Cube. Expensive, but easy and makes a good shot. We bought it with credit card points, or I couldn't stomach the cost.

mandysmear

Bulk ground.

SarahPLiz

FI's groomswoman gave him a Nespresso 2 Christmases ago. It was pretty darn wonderful, and i even used it to make tea. However, you have to order the Pods online because no stores (or at least no stores around here) carry them. He hasn't ordered anymore, so its sitting in the cabinet.

A friend of mine has Krupps, I think, and buys all the pods at BBB. She said its wonderful.

T1+T2

We have the one below and so far, it's working out just fine.  I actually really like that it's so low-tech because there aren't too many steps to mess up.  Good expresso is more about finding out what specific combinations you like (water to coffee) and using good expresso coffee - rather than the machine (I think). 

http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Coffee-ECM160-Espresso-Machine/dp/B000U6BSI2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1271267158&sr=1-1

katanne9

if you're looking for a decent poor man's version, I own this one:

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/kitchendining/coffeeteaespresso/espressomakers/PRD~116855/Hamilton+Beach+Cappuccino+Plus+Espresso+Maker.jsp

I couldn't afford to spend more. You can use grounds or pods. I've been happy with it!

mandysmear

Thanks everyone.  And thanks for deleting my dup Danieliza! 

locorainbow

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/180-2888120-5877958?asin=B000BO04YW&AFID=Froogle_df&LNM=|B000BO04YW&CPNG=appliances&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

locorainbow

sorry, i posted before i could say anything. i have the espresso machine above from target, and i really like it. it wasn't too expensive.

janedoe1113a

We have a Tassimo which makes pretty much everything, including espresso and lattes.  I love it. 

danieliza1127

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_espresso-machine-recommendations-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:3be68b10-0138-44c6-9125-81773fddb9e2Post:7b798ae6-0425-475a-bdcc-d88d473728b7">Re: Espresso Machine Recommendations</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks everyone.  And thanks for deleting my dup Danieliza! 
Posted by mandysmear[/QUOTE]

Oh no problem, I was just teasing ya. 

ickletarakins

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_espresso-machine-recommendations-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:3be68b10-0138-44c6-9125-81773fddb9e2Post:8329db0d-9eea-44c2-af57-3787ef6c5352">Espresso Machine Recommendations</a>:
[QUOTE]I have decided my next purchase is going to be an espresso machine.  Nothing too hi-tech.  I'll only be using it for lattes and straight up espresso.  Anyone have any experience?
Posted by mandysmear[/QUOTE]

I bought one for my (then boyfriend) fiance for Christmas one year. After a LOT of research I chose a Breville. I spent about $250 (there are several models, most between $200-500) and it is now a year and a half old and still going strong. It's easy to use and makes a great espresso.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_espresso-machine-recommendations-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:3be68b10-0138-44c6-9125-81773fddb9e2Post:a536bdf6-936f-48b1-bef0-ce168a8f06af">Re: Espresso Machine Recommendations</a>:
[QUOTE]Do want to do capsules or bulk ground? We were too lazy to learn about tamping and pulls and all that junk so we got a Nespresso le Cube. Expensive, but easy and makes a good shot. We bought it with credit card points, or I couldn't stomach the cost.
Posted by bel138[/QUOTE]

I've heard that one is really good, but I'm SO into buying my own beans and grinding my own coffee that I don't know if the trade off (having to buy THEIR coffee in capsules) is worth it.

And I've had several small (like $50) espresso machines that are all craptastic. I'd really like a nice one.


locorainbow, your sig pic looks like my birthday cake last year.

Moneypenny424

I have a combo espresso/coffee maker by Krups that I LOVE!  It is awesome.  My parents always had a Krups espresso maker when I was growing up that worked well.  I rarely use the coffeemaker side.  I grind my beans and make myself a latte every day!

http://www.amazon.com/Krups-XP5240-Espresso-Machine-Precise/dp/B0028Q5MUW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&qid=1271270313&sr=1-4

I think De'Longhi is supposed to be good too.

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=235622&CategoryID=24734

mandysmear

Thanks Penny!

I definitely prefer to grind the beans myself and don't really like pods.  Not sure I could bring myself to get a tassimo.

Moneypenny424

I can also tell you NOT to buy the Cuisinart coffee grinder with the removable bowl.  After a few uses, the bowl gets stuck and you can't take it off anymore--you should see me prying it off with a screwdriver!

AlexiaANDRobert

If you don't necessarily care for an electric one, my parents make their coffe EVERY DAY with one of these:

http://www.cubanfoodmarket.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=TKACC_PROD&Product_Code=CAF006&Category_Code=20302

mandysmear

I definitely like being told what NOT to get.  Awesome Penny. 

Alexia, I have a great coffee pot/machine, I want something I can make lattes with.  I want a frother and all that jazz.  Thanks