Hi all, I am new to this forum and am looking for some help on purchasing my first espresso machine. About a year or so back I tried espresso for the first time and since then I have been hooked. The only problem is im getting tired of driving to Starbucks once or twice a day during work which is 10 minutes away. So I decided it would make sense for me to buy my own espresso machine. I don't care about the frother, as I don't really drink cappuccino or other drinks that require it. I did see Alton Brown say good things about this machine http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=Saeco+Aroma+Espresso&cid=4057565188646878712&ei=m5xpTNKgF4ayMvb3_doI&sa=button&ved=0CAkQgggwADgA#p but i'd prefer to spend less as its just for my office. In the past I have seen the kuerig style espresso machines I think nescafe is the brand which I like the idea of because its quick and easy but I figure I am giving something up for that style. Anyone have any recommendations? Thanks in advance.

-Eric

Well.... since you actually like starbucks, they do sell instant now.

Now Roeland, that really is not very helpful.

Eric, you will not find that this crowd uses Nespresso type machines. I will say that if you want an easy to use machine that can produce a not terrible espresso, and you don't want to spend a lot for a setup, a Nespresso could be the way to go. Get to a Williams-Sonoma store and try them out. You can also buy refurb units from Nespresso.

Most here don't think *$ serves espresso. If the baseline is *$ swill, a Keurig or Nespresso will do nicely.

OTOH, if you're about to enter the asylum, you may want to aim a little higher.

Hi Eric,

This is one of the most helpful guides out there. I'd suggest that you read as much as possible.

http://www.coffeegeek.com/guides/howtob...ssomachine

If you like (or can actually tolerate) star bucks espresso than nespresso makes sense. Once you taste what fresh beans from a great barista can make you'll never go back. Most on the forum emphasize the importance of a grinder over the machine. If this setup (grinder + machine) isn't what you are looking for nespresso may be the best bet out there (but far from ideal)

itr324 wrote:Hi all, I am new to this forum and am looking for some help on purchasing my first espresso machine.

Welcome, Eric, to HB. You've certainly come to the right place.

itr324 wrote:About a year or so back I tried espresso for the first time and since then I have been hooked. The only problem is im getting tired of driving to Starbucks once or twice a day during work which is 10 minutes away.

Some of the comments may seem a bit harsh, but if you seriously "got hooked" on Starbucks espresso, just wait to you taste real espresso!

itr324 wrote:So I decided it would make sense for me to buy my own espresso machine. I don't care about the frother, as I don't really drink cappuccino or other drinks that require it.

Yes, well, a) you might in the future; b) you might want to make a drink for someone who does; and c) with the exception of open boiler manual lever machines, every machine has a steam wand. (More below.)

itr324 wrote:I did see Alton Brown say good things about this machine Saeco 00347 Aroma Espresso Machine, but i'd prefer to spend less as its just for my office.

Yes, well, neither Alton Brown nor the Food Network is infallible. I'd pass . . . .

itr324 wrote:In the past I have seen the kuerig style espresso machines I think nescafe is the brand which I like the idea of because its quick and easy but I figure I am giving something up for that style.

Others have already said that if you genuinely like character of Starbucks' espresso, then a Nespresso or K-cup (Keurig) will be neat and easy, especially in an office environment. That said, K-cups and the like can get very expensive, very quickly. But they won't make a mess in the office. That said . . .

itr324 wrote:Anyone have any recommendations?

As Ian has already pointed out, you may want to aim a little higher. What about your home?

If you are serious about only wanting to make espresso, you could keep an eye on eBay for an Arrarex Caravel like this

It's an open boiler design, so you couldn't steam milk with it even if you wanted to! Get one of these babies for your house and enjoy real espresso!

Then again, perhaps not. You'll hate your Nespresso/Keurig . . .

Cheers,
Jason