Steve Pope wrote:
>
>
> 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?


I have tried several over the years. The best hs been a Krupps and Braun
was a close second. Krupps was also the best value. An appliance repairman
convinced me it was not worth spending a lot of money on one because they
all screw up eventually and they are hard to get parts for. No use
spending $500 or more on one when a $150 machine will do the same job
because the extra money does not guarantee better coffee or a longer life,
just a more expensive piece of trash when it quits.