Cappuccino/Espresso Machines

Jeff W · #1 04-02-2006, 12:14 AM

I'd like to start making cappuccino at home. Does anyone have recommendations for a good one at a reasonable price? I have no experience making cappuccino. I'm looking for a balance between ease of use and quality of the cappuccino.

Right now I'm looking at the Hamilton Beach 40729.

Also, the Braun Tassimo.

Barry · #2 04-02-2006, 12:39 AM

Live it up a little. Spend a few extra bucks and get one of the automatic machines. Push one button and it grinds, measures, tamps and makes a perfect expresso. Those also usually have more efficient steam nozzles too.

*TT* · #3 04-02-2006, 12:53 AM

The Tassimo is hot, but makes [censored] steamed milk. Dollar for dollar the best one I found was the mid-priced espresso machine from Starbucks.

TT [img]/images/graemlins/club.gif[/img]

Bartman387 · #4 04-02-2006, 02:02 AM

I've thought about these as well, but aren't they just a [censored] pain to clean and what not? Or have they improved it? All I used to hear is that it wasn't worth the effort.

Tony_P · #5 04-02-2006, 02:05 AM

I use this for espresso"

Sponger. · #6 04-02-2006, 02:12 AM

Jeff,

I don't think you watch this show, but there was an episode of pimp my ride where they put an espresso machine in a girl's car. Just something to think about...

obsidian · #7 04-02-2006, 02:16 AM

Check out CoffeeGeeks.com.

Jeff W · #8 04-02-2006, 03:01 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Live it up a little. Spend a few extra bucks and get one of the automatic machines. Push one button and it grinds, measures, tamps and makes a perfect expresso. Those also usually have more efficient steam nozzles too.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm not a connoisseur yet(I just started drinking cappuccinno recently), so it seems innapropriate to drop $500 on a good machine at this point. I'm hoping there is something that is affordable but makes a good cup of cappuccino without requiring too much skill/effort.

mdaark · #9 04-02-2006, 07:02 AM

Mr. Coffee Pod Pump Espresso Maker - ECMP40 $59.99 from target.
It has a pump. Makes great espresso. It's under $100.

The DaveR · #10 04-02-2006, 10:39 AM

Jeff, Espresso generally sucks in New York. It is also generally very good in Northern California, and, from what I've heard, in LA. Dunno about San Diego, but here is an article full of things to keep in mind when you make your own.

Basically, I think it makes sense to find a good place and go there.