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.  T

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.

Read more on the Capresso 302.01 Mini-S 4-Cup Safety Espresso/Cappuccino Machine at Amazon.

For a cup of coffee that rivals an Italian café, the Saeco A-SP-SV Spidem Villa Super-Automatic Espresso Machine delivers.  With fantastic rich and bold taste, this machine receives rave reviews from users.
 
The machine is easy to use – just add your beans and water, and you will get a smooth espresso.  The steam valve and frothing wand is easy to use and keep clean; it only needs to be primed the first time you use the machine.  The interior of the machine is also easy to keep clean, while A 15 bar pump gives you authentic full flavored espresso.

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.

If you are looking for a machine that is easy to use, clean, and makes a smooth, tasty espresso, the Capresso 121.01 Ultima Semi-Automatic Coffee and Espresso/Cappuccino Machine is the one for you.

The nice thing about the Capresso Ultima is that it does not require the messy tampering and cleaning that a traditional machine does.  It is a fraction of the cost of the more expensive fully automatic machines, but is nearly as simple to use.  It has a strong 18 bar pressure system, creating, perfect, full-flavored espresso every time with an excellent cream.  The frother does spill some water in the first couple of seconds of steaming, so for small amounts of milk, have a spare dish handy to catch the extras.

The biggest complaint on the Capresso Ultima is that it can be difficult to clean thoroughly.  Cleaning between cups is fine, but after time, the machine may develop an odor if it is not cleaned and de-scaled thoroughly.

However, for its overall performance in usage and taste, this is a great value for a delicious cup of espresso or cappuccino!
 
Features:  Brews 1-1/2 to 12 ounces of espresso or coffee in seconds; automatically tamps coffee and discards grounds for virtually no mess clean up; removable water tank; double brewing spout allows you to fill two cups at the same time; steaming wand froths milk for smooth cappuccinos and creamy lattes; one year limited warranty.

Read more on the Capresso 121.01 Ultima Semi-Automatic Coffee and Espresso/Cappuccino Machine at Amazon.

If you want a fuller-bodied coffee that is bold and rich in flavor, then you need the Bodum Chambord 4-Cup Coffee Press. Coffee made in a press is fuller in flavor than with a filter drip system, creating a stronger cup.

With a superior press, tiny particles of coffee pass through the screen and into the coffee you drink. You may even notice them on the bottom of your cup. These particles give the strong, full flavor that true coffee connoisseurs desire. The Bodum Chambord does require more work than a traditional coffee pot, as you must boil the water and pour it over the grounds. However, if you want strong, rich coffee, the effort is certainly worth it. As an additional perk, the dishwasher safe glass beaker is easy to clean.

The biggest complaint with the Boden Chambord is its size. As a 4 cup press, it makes 5 oz cups of coffee. If you drink more, you may want to go with their 6 cup version.

Features: 24-ounce capacity makes four cups; durable stainless-steel frame for years of use; heat-resistant borosilicate glass beaker is easy to clean and durable; dishwasher safe so clean up is a breeze; coffee presses are thought by coffee lovers to make the best cups of coffee.

Read more on the Bodum Chambord 4-Cup Coffee Press at Amazon.

If you are looking for a compact machine for your morning espresso, the Delonghi EMK6 Alicia Electric Moka Espresso Maker is an ideal choice.  Designed to be used in small spaces, such as offices, it makes a tasty espresso quickly.

Reviewers love the fact that the Delonghi Esclusivo is so compact.  You do not need a stovetop, and it works great even in the office.  Yet even with the small size, you will get a piping hot cup of coffee.  For true espresso fans, it is a step down from a pump-driven machine, but most users were pleasantly surprised at how flavorful an espresso this tiny machine can make.  Many also loved that the maker could be moved from the power base.

Some users did have a problem with the upper chamber cracking and leaking.  However, most were able to return the product under the warranty for a full replacement.
If you are looking to enjoy a great cup of espresso, but have limited space, then this machine fits the bill conveniently! 

Features:  compact countertop espresso maker works great in tight spaces; cordless operation with detachable base let you make espresso on the go; transparent container leaves no guesswork when coffee is done; automatic shut-off for safety; keep warm function keeps coffee steaming; cool touch handle make serving easy; makes 3-6 cups of espresso.

Read more on the Delonghi EMK6 Esclusivo Alicia Electric Moka Espresso Maker at Amazon.

If you are looking for the ultimate gift for the coffee lover in your life, the Senseo HD7890/65 Single-Serve Coffee Machine Gift Pack is perfect.  It offers everything you need to introduce friends and family to the convenience of coffee pods.

The machine utilizes coffee pods that come in a wide variety of flavors.  The pods are easy to use and fast, so you can have a single cup in your favorite flavor whenever you would like.  Coffee pods do tend to be somewhat more expensive than loose coffee, so it may not be ideal for the person who drinks several cups a day, or those on a budget.

The machine allows you to adjust the strength, enabling you to enjoy your coffee exactly as you like it.  Reviewers loved the value of the gift pack, since many of the accessories get expensive quickly when purchased separately.

Features:  Gift pack features a single-serve coffeemaker that brews coffee using convenient, pre-measured pods; 2 pod holders; removable water reservoir; option to brew one or two cups at once; stand-by function; one hour auto shut off for safety; removable parts are dishwasher safe for easy clean up; set includes 2 bags of coffee pods, 2 pod canisters and an insulated travel mug; 2 year warranty against defects.

Read more on the Senseo HD7890/75 Coffee Pod System with Holiday Gift Pack–PARENT at Amazon.

If you really enjoy café shop coffees – but not the price tag that comes with drinking them daily – then the Jura-Capresso 13215 Impressa S9 Avantgarde Automatic Coffee Center is the machine for you.  It will allow you to make delicious, café-quality coffees, but at a much more affordable per cup price.  

The Jura-Capresso is so easy to use that you will enjoy tasty drinks in minutes, just like any coffee shop baristas.  For those who are not too picky on how the nuances of their coffee, the presets are easy and fast to use.  However, you may also use the manual setting if you want to adjust the froth to just the way you like it.

If you are trying to justify the higher price tag, keep in mind that this machine can be fully automated – saving you time and hassle.  It also has fine-tuned control over heating, pressing, and filtering to allow you rich, decadent coffees every time.  The machine also helps keep itself clean, and it monitors the levels of ground, beans, and water so that you do not forget anything.

Some users thought the plastic finish looked less expensive than the price tag, but the taste of the coffee made up for any looks the machine might be lacking.

Features:  solid steel burr grinder with 6 fineness settings; two Thermoblock heating systems for no heating down time; four one touch programmable beverage buttons; removable water container; automatic frothXpress Plus siphons, heats, froths, and dispenses milk.

Read more on the Jura-Capresso 13215 Impressa S9 Avantgarde Automatic Coffee Center at Amazon.

For the ultimate in convenience, a super-automatic machine is the way to go.  The DeLonghi ESAM6600 Esclusivo Gran Dama Digital Super-Automatic Espresso Machine offers a wide variety of features for brewing tasty, rich coffees – all at the easy touch of a button.

Users switching from manual to a super automatic are amazed at the technology.  Tap a few buttons, and you instantly have delicious lattes, cappuccinos, and more.  No more struggling with grinding, measuring, or tamping.  With the removable brewing system and automatic cleaning function, clean up of the DeLonghi Esclusivo Gran Dama is a breeze. 

Because the machine is so easy to use and clean, it is perfect for coffees at any time of the day – be it a morning cup of joe, an after dinner cappuccino, or a beverage for entertaining friends.

This is a fantastic machine and one worthy of favorable consideration. With that said, some users have experienced minor problems with the milk pitcher function.  In some cases, the pitcher stuck, and in others, the machine refused to recognize it.  Other users felt that the milk frother did not bring the milk to a hot enough temperature, which cooled the finished coffee product down considerably.

Features:  1350 watt fully automatic 15 bar espresso machine makes brewing your favorite coffee drinks a breeze; Thermoblock technology allows for optimal heat distribution and perfectly heated drink; integrated conical burr grinder and direct-brew system allow you to use your favorite beans without fuss; digital programmable menu settings; dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup.

Read more on the DeLonghi ESAM6600 Esclusivo Gran Dama Digital Super-Automatic Espresso Machine at Amazon.

If you are a serious coffee aficionado, you should only enjoy the very best.  For a professional grade coffee center that you can use at home, the Solis Ultra One Touch Cappuccino & Espresso/Coffee Center will allow you to serve coffee shop style drinks in minutes.  The One Touch Ultra lets you simply press a button to almost instantly enjoy rich, decadent coffee.

The Solis Ultra One Touch features totally automatic espresso and coffee brewing.  The machine automatically grinds beans and dispenses coffee.  Plus, you can vary the water volume and coffee weight to create the perfect strength and flavor coffee, suitable specifically for your individual desires. You may also set the temperature, ensuring that you never have to worry about coffee that is too hot or too cold.  The fully automated milk frothing system draws the milk from the cooler, steams and froths it, and pours it right into your cup for the perfectly foamed cappuccino.

The multi-function digital screen makes it easy for you to program the Solis Ultra One Touch, while preset buttons allow you to choose the size and strength of your coffee.  Another popular feature is the pre-ground coffee funnel, which allows you to sample flavored coffees or decaf blends without changing the beans in the machine.

The biggest downside to the machine is the cost.  At around $3,000, it is marketed for true coffee aficionados.  However, once you experience the taste and the convenience, it is a machine worthy of its weight in gold.
 
Features:  completely automatic espresso and coffee brewing; automated milk frother; multi-function digital screen; preset buttons for cup size; pre-ground coffee funnel; pre-infusion brew system cycle; coffee grinder; 2.4 liter water tank; 16 bar pump; coffee bean storage hopper and dump box; stainless steel boiler; adjustable dispensing nozzle; heated cup stacking surface; swivel base.

Read more on the Solis Ultra One Touch Cappuccino, Espress & Coffee Maker - Free Shipping at Shop.com.

For the next generation of espresso coffee machines, the Saeco Primea Touch Plus Ultra Automatic Espresso Machine – S-PTP-SG is a fantastic model.  This Italian made machine brews fresh, delicious coffee with only a touch of the button.

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.