Espresso machine?

[SuzyQue]

My daughter is asking for an inexpensive espresso machine for Christmas. I know nothing about them so any help would be greatly appreciated. ~~

 

[DawnM]

The cheaper plug in machines are really not all that great. If you do some research online at CoffeeGeek.com you can look at reviews.

I would suggest a stove top model. The Mukka Latte has pretty good reviews for being an inexpensive machine.

Dawn

 

[DawnM]

Oh, they do have an electric model.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=mukka+

 

[JoiseyMom]

If you buy inexpensive, then you are getting what you pay for. If you want to learn about machines go to http://www.1st-line.com/education/fundamentals.html

This link talks about expresso and what you need to make a good shot. Never realized how much went into it before!!

If you want to go inexpensive, but a good machine, you might want to try craigslist, if your DD won't mind used.

 

[LoveDals]

I have the "Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker" and love it. I have had 2 machines over the last 4 years besides this one (both were Delonghi) and they were not as good as this one and cost at least twice as much. I got this one last year on black Friday at Target for $24.99My model is no longer available. The one that replaced it sells for about $39.99.

 

[SuzyQue]

Thanks everyone! Any other opinions? ~~

 

[lukenick1]

I also have a Mr. Coffee Espresso machine and let me tell you it is GREAT! It makes me a better latte then starbucks. Thats no lie! It has the milk frother wand and it is a pump style. I highly recommend it and it was only $59 on Amazon.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Depends on what type of drinks your daughter plans to make, espresso or cappuccino/latte.

I happen to like and use the Bialetti pots listed by a previous poster. The Mukka Express (stove top or electric) is a great maker if she plans to make drinks for herself with milk at least half the time. It eliminates the need for a separate milk jug and frother and makes a drink in about 4-5 minutes. Even better she can use her favorite coffee/espresso blend. It appears from the link posted above a few are on sale. These are not the least expensive machines out there, but they make a higher quality of drink. The link below has a video demonstration:

http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/5279260/

 

[lukenick1]

Here is a picture of my machine and my delish latte!