(Steve Pope) wrote:
> Any thoughts on the following:
>
> I'm in the market for a compact-model espresso machine,
> one that reliably produces high-quality espresso, in
> small amounts (say one or two espresso cups at a time).
> It does not need to have an integral milk steamer or
> coffee grinder (although separately, I'm interested in
> knowing what sort of grinder is best, as I know my
> current coffee grinder cannot grind the stuff fine enough).
>
> Any idea what I should buy among currently available
> models?

No matter how much you spend nothing will perform better than this:
http://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-Moka-...4527692&sr=8-4

Next you need good water (coffee is 99.999pct H20) without good water
no matter how much you spend on coffee it will taste like crap.

You need a decent burr mill, how much you spend depends on your
budget... after a point (about $150) they don't get noticably better
no matter how much more you spend.

Of course you can always go cultish-egoist, just open your wallet,
open your cheeks, spread em wide.