First Espresso Maker

[TXSmokey]

Has anyone ever used one of these Mr. Coffee espresso makers?

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mr.-Coffee-Espresso-Maker-Stainless-Steel-and-Black/13729285

I'm thinking about getting one for my first espresso maker. I don't want to sink several hundred dollars in an espresso maker and find out its not worth the trouble.

[nutcracker]

Hi Richard

I think with espresso two things make the most difference ( for flavor and crema)
- recently roasted freshly ground beans - which means you need a grinder
- a machine with high pressures - I would spend a few extra bucks on a starter machine like this:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hamilton-Beach-Espresso-Maker/14706532?action=product_interest&action_type=image&placement_id=irs_top&strategy=PWVUB&visitor_id=89374616629&category=0%3A1085632%3A1093706%3A1093707%3A1093710&client_guid=44ad1cc8-37f8-4a7d-9658-7fdfe07c9063&config_id=2&parent_item_id=13729285&guid=c5fde97b-fb4e-4aea-90a9-876902ec8999&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&findingMethod=p13n

Regards

Neil

[TXSmokey]

that looks like a much better machine, I haven't seen it before.
Thanks

[mosesbotbol]

Waste of money. You'll never make anything to write home about. Better off with a Bialetti until you can buy a proper machine. Been there and done that.

[Porch Dweller]

You can always go for one of these: http://www.espressozone.com/bialetti-moka-express-stovetop-espresso-maker?gclid=CMXI8qnPzcACFSMV7AodbQoARA

My wife's side of the family is Cuban and that's what they use for making Cuban Coffee, which is basically espresso without the steam and pressure. :D Plus you can pick one up for $25.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41VWNP6ZTPL._SY355_.jpg

[the nub]

try looking on Craigslist or Kijiji

you can often find ok pump machines for $50-75. At any given time you could probably pick up a brand new Starbucks machine for less than $100.

[ApexAZ]

I agree the moka pot suggested above is the best place to start. I'm saving for a $2000 machine that I'll buy used for a bit less (hopefully around $1500). The reason being is they really hold their value, so I won't wast time buying something cheap that will likely not produce good results and just frustrate me. If I decide it's not for me then I'll just sell it for close to what i paid.