Home Use Expresso Machine

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good home use expresso machine? We would love to get our son-in-law one for Christmas but, not being coffee drinkers, we are not sure where to start. He likes to tamp his own grinds and not use the pods. Robin, if this needs to be moved to the Kitchen Forum, please do so. Just thought I would start here for the most exposure. We are not interested in a $3000 machine but are willing to pay what it takes to get a decent one. Thanks.

I got this for my wife who is a starbucks junkie after a cheaper one crapped out after a month or two. This thing is built like a tank for the price.
http://coffeegeek.com/reviews/consumer/rancilio_silvia/dsblv

A company called Nuova Simionelli makes a very nice home machine called Osacar for around $900 It is a restaurant quality machine. Self contained water tank so you can use it anywhere you have 110volt outlet. Comes with single and double porta filters. It has REALLY good steam which I think separates it from other home units.

We bought one in starbucks and it is awesome it has not once broken down and we've had it for 3 years of very high use.

I have a Francis Francis X5 espresso machine that conked out after about two years. I've heard that the Rancilio Silvia is the best machine for home use.

My very expensive La Pavoni Europiccola made the best espresso I have ever had, but stopped working after about 5 years, so I don't recommend it.

[Robin Garr]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good home use expresso machine? We would love to get our son-in-law one for Christmas but, not being coffee drinkers, we are not sure where to start. He likes to tamp his own grinds and not use the pods. Robin, if this needs to be moved to the Kitchen Forum, please do so. Just thought I would start here for the most exposure. We are not interested in a $3000 machine but are willing to pay what it takes to get a decent one. Thanks.

We got a Krups on an after-Christmas sale for about $250 at the store then called Shillito's, so you can see it's been around for quite a while. It's pretty much a stripped-down model, but it's certainly reliable, pulls a pretty, crema-topped shot from either tamped ground espresso beans or Illy pods, and has a very basic little milk wand that steams up a decent latte.

I still give Heine's a lot of my business, but if I make even half of all the skim and 2% lattes I drink at home, it easily paid for itself in the first year.

I also hear good things about the Rancilio Silvia, though, and if the Krups ever does go around the bend, that's likely what I'll get to replace it.

The best coffee in New Albany is in the kitchen of my house, and also my friends Jon and Ed.

That's because we bought home Saeco models from Tommie Mudd at Caffe Classico.

Call him immediately.

The best coffee in New Albany is in the kitchen of my house, and also my friends Jon and Ed.

That's because we bought home Saeco models from Tommie Mudd at Caffe Classico.

Call him immediately.

I second these machines. We purchased one last year at Costco and it is amazing.

Tommie's your man...

The Rancilio Silvia is very sweet but expensive, they are basically a La Marzocco, which is an Italian made, top of the line industrial espresso machine ,but half the price and with different wrapping.

Tommie can probably get you a nice Saeco though.

Sounds like someone is in for a xmas to remember.

This is a great website for comparing different espresso machines.

http://www.wholelattelove.com/espresso.cfm

I also have a Saeco, purchased from Costco, and I love it. Make sure you get a machine with a bypass doser so you can make decaf. Everyone we have over loves the shots we pull... of course they're free so why would they complain?! I don't think you would be disappointed in a Saeco... I'd check Costco online, too... often they have discounts on their machines.