A few users were disappointed that the Saeco Spidem Villa has so much plastic in it for the price.  Despite the simplistic design, however, they still found the machine easy to use and maintain.  Also, if you want to brew a second cup, you may need to bleed the machine in order to let off some excess steam and avoid an overheating warning
If great café style taste is what you seek in an espresso machine, you can brew your own cup with great convenience with the Saeco Spidem Villa.

Features:  1250 watt super-automatic espresso machine is easy to operate; does everything – grinding, dosing, tamping, brewing, and dispensing – at the touch of a button for no mistakes; built in grinder; adjustable doser; steam and hot water wand; get fuller flavor with the pre-infusion system; one year warranty.

Read more on the Saeco A-SP-SV Spidem Villa Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Silver at Amazon.

The adjustable built-in grinder is quiet, long lasting, and shuts itself off when done.  You can easily enjoy your favorite beans, and when you want something different, use the bypass coffee doser.  The cup warming surface holds up to six espresso cups, allowing you to enjoy the pleasure of pre-warmed cups.  The Touch2Cappuccino feature allows you to make two cappuccinos at once.  Two boilers allow you to make steam or hot water while you are brewing for faster service.

Best of all, the machine is easy to clean with a removable brew group and nanotechnology that keeps milk from adhering to internal components.

This machine is top of the line, and it features a price tag to match.  However the price is certainly worth truly delicious, exceptional, professional-style coffee drinks at home.

Features:  ultra automatic espresso machine; adjustable built-in ceramic disc grinder; cup warming surface; Insta Steam system for steam or hot water while brewing; Saeco OptiDose allows you to adjust coffee strength; color touch screen makes machine easy to use; touch lift technology adjusts for any cup size; easy clean system.

Read more on the Saeco Primea Touch Plus Ultra Automatic Espresso Machine – S-PTP-SG at Amazon.

Capresso 302.01 Mini-S 4-Cup Safety Espresso/Cappuccino Machine

The Capresso 302.01 Mini-S 4-Cup Safety Espresso/Cappuccino Machine is the perfect espresso machine for a first time espresso machine owner.  The Capresso comes with an instructional video that makes it very easy to use, even if you have never before made espresso.

In addition to deep, full-bodied espresso, the machine also brews a cappuccino so rich in flavor, you would swear it came from the coffee shop down the street.  

Unlike other less expensive machines, the Capresso makes a hot cup of espresso.  However, you must ensure that you steam the milk long enough to become tepid, and tjat it does not cool cappuccinos.  Also, unlike other machines, the Capresso will accommodate a full sized frothing pitcher to produce rich foam. 

For those on the go, one point to consider is that the Capresso will not make steam and espresso at the same time.  As there is no warm up switch, you do have to watch the machine to make sure that you get the right amount of espresso.

Nonetheless, this is an excellent way to introduce your home to the beautiful wafts of espresso or cappuccino, regardless if you are a new or veteran brewer. 

Features:  Dual frother that allows you froth cappuccinos or steam lattes: 3-way switch lets you choose between full pressure and maximum steam output: carafe is dishwasher safe and holds up to 4 cups: instructional video makes it a breeze for first time brewers: one year limited warranty.

Lello 1375 Ariete Cafe Prestige Coffee Maker

If you are looking for an excellent machine for the money, the Lello 1375 Cremissimo Ariete Espresso/Cappuccino Maker is the one to buy.  Whether you enjoy a bold espresso, a rich cappuccino, or a smooth latte, this machine delivers.

The machine is solidly built of stainless steel, upgrading its appearance to that of a much more expensive machine.  The 950-watt heater warms up quickly, and you can use the steam feature to froth and pull a shot without waiting.  The warming plate on the top of the Lello Cremissimo allows your cups to be nicely heated by the time you are ready to pour.  In addition, a pop-up float near the back lets you know when the drip plate needs to be emptied, saving you the hassle of always checking under the plate.

As for disadvantages, they are few are far between. Some users do not like the “Thermocream” design that makes a “cream like” cream on top of every cup, since it hides whether or not you are brewing your espresso properly.  Others have had some issues with the Portafilter leaking.  However, as a whole, this machine satisfies even the pickiest of coffee and espresso drinkers.

Features:  950-watt espresso/cappuccino machine; ThermoBlock 15-bar pump-driven system creates constant pressure for a richer tasting coffee; removable water reservoir can be refilled anytime; warming area warms up to 9 cups at the same time; one year limited warranty.

If you have a passion for coffee, though, this might be just the machine you need, and would probably even work well in a small coffee house.

Amazon reviewed it and said it is “an excellent machine for the exacting home barista, the Capresso C1500 is engineered for maximum user choice and meticulously consistent results. Built with an 18-bar power pump, the C1500 grinds, tamps, and brews a shot of espresso in 50 seconds. It also automatically froths milk or delivers hot water without the waiting period of lesser machines, thanks to its dual 1450-watt ThermoBlock heating system. In addition, a six-setting solid steel conical burr grinder and a two-step pre-infusion cycle ensure optimum flavor, perfect crema, and ideal aroma.”

Read more on the Capresso C1500 Fully Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center with FrothXpress and Claris Water Care System at Amazon.

The La Pavoni PA-1200 is the perfect machine for both the beginning espresso drinker to the experienced coffee aficionado. The La Pavoni heats up quickly, so it is great if you need a caffeine pick-me-up before heading out the door in the morning. The brass boiler, brass head, and filter holder keep the La Pavoni Pa-1200 ready for use. The steam function allows for a rich froth for delicious cappuccinos.

Some complaints on the La Pavoni PA-1200 include the noise from the grinder, which can be loud and bothersome. The grinder can also be messy, if you do not keep the filter tipped backwards; the reservoir can also be a little tight to refill. However, these complaints are greatly outweighed most users’ agreement that the La Pavoni makes the most authentic espresso of any machine.

Features: stainless steel baskets; built-in conical bur grinder and coffee press for ease in operation; 16 bars of pressure for the richest tasting espresso; 100 oz water reservoir allows you to make a little or a lot; removable drip trays for easy cleaning,; marine brass boiler for an authentic espresso taste.

Visit Amazon.com for more on the La Pavoni PA-1200 Napolitana Stainless Steel Automatic Espresso Machine.

DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker

As coffee connoisseurs know, higher quality coffee machines are pump-driven instead of steam-driven. The pump-driven espresso maker hits higher pressures for a richer, fuller-flavored espresso.  For the money, the DeLonghi EC155 Espresso Maker does its job quite well, and indeed delivers a rich, full-bodied espresso.

Fans of the DeLonghi EC155 say it produces a rich, flavorful espresso with a thick, tasty cream.  The machine warms up quickly, allowing you to pull your first shot within minutes of turning it on.
Another feature that makes the DeLonghi EC155 so popular is that it is Easy Serve Espresso certified.  If you do not want to go through the hassle of grinding and tamping, you can use ESE certified pods to get an aromatic cup of espresso fast.

For some espresso connoisseurs, the holder for grounds was too small, especially if you desired a larger cup.  Some users found the frother situated too low to the counter for a frothing pitcher to fit comfortably, and the wand is shallow if you want to froth an abundance of milk.  Nonetheless, if you want a dynamic, deep cup of espresso quickly, this is a great machine for you.

Features:  15-bar pump driven espresso machine: durable stainless-steel boiler: 2 thermostats so that you can individually control water and steam pressure for each serving: self-primes: accommodates both pods and espresso: adjustable swivel jet frother: removable 35-ounce water tank: one year warranty.

Many consumers felt that the Bialetti Mukka Express brews a tasty cappuccino that rivals any coffee shop.  In fact, many people loved the coffee so much that they were disappointed that it only makes two espresso cups at a time.  In three to five minutes, you will have a delicious, smooth coffee with a rich froth, which makes the machine fast enough to brew an espresso on the go.

You do need to use caution when heating the milk, as turning it up to high can cause overheated milk to leak out.  Some consumers also expressed difficulty screwing the lid on tight enough to prevent leaks.  If you are new to using a stove top espresso maker, be sure to read the instructions carefully the first time that you use the machine.  Overfilling the water or milk will cause the pot to overflow and leak.

If you want to enjoy coffee shop quality espresso at home, this machine gives you that great taste speedily with great convenience.
 
Features:  stove top latte and cappuccino maker allows you to make delicious café-style drinks at home; can make espresso at the same time it steams milk; holds two cups for double shots; super easy to clean – just rinse and you are ready to go again.

Read more on the Bialetti Mukka Express Cappuccino Maker at Amazon.

Amazon had this to say about it: “Re-create the flavor of authentic Italian café drinks with the Café Roma espresso maker. Style-conscious coffee lovers will treasure its attractive, stainless-steel housing that conveniently sits on a countertop. Espresso enthusiasts will delight in the 15-bar Thermoblock pump which forces water through coffee grounds at the ideal pressure to create delicious, rich espresso shots. The machine also produces an abundance of crema–the light brown liquid that sits atop an espresso and characterizes a well-pulled shot–via its dual-wall filter system. Filters synchronize with heated and pressurized water to perfectly extract and caramelize coffee oils, resulting in a velvety, flavor-packed crema that will impress purists and novices alike.”

Read more details from Amazon on the Breville ESP8XL Café Roma Stainless Espresso Maker.

Mr. Coffee ECM21 4-Shot Espresso Machine and 8-Cup Coffeemaker Combo

If you do not want to choose between bold espresso and rich coffee, then the Mr. Coffee ECM21 4-Shot Espresso Machine and 8-Cup Coffeemaker Combo offers you plenty of variety and options.

The thoughtful design ensures convenience during usage and cleaning.  The removable water reservoir is easy to detach and replace, or you can fill it simply by pouring water.  The reservoir markings can be read, even after insertions, so it is easy to fill it up with just the right amount.  The showerhead swivels outward to change the coffee filter easily, and the carafe lid opens wide enough to clean, but not so wide to create leakage problems.

For those who prefer their coffee extra hot, there were some complaints regarding temperature.  While the frother makes rich foam, some users would like it to be a little higher to accommodate a taller pitcher.

The Mr. Coffee ECM21 makes coffee and espresso at the ideal temperature to drink right now.  With a little practice, you will be able to whip up creamy cappuccinos and bold espresso with the ease of any barista.

Features:  an espresso/coffee machine that allows you to brew 8 cups of rich coffee and 4 cups of bold espresso; brew strength setting allows you to get the exact strength you want; variable steam control makes for perfect froth or steamed milk; filter basket and water reservoir remove for easy cleaning; carafe is dishwasher-safe; one year limited warranty.