Espresso/Cappuccino recommendations

[kaya]

A redundant question, but I am in a bit of a hurry to order an espresso/cappuccino machine for a wedding gift. Can anyone please help recommend one? Price range is $400-$500.

Also, if someone can recommend a link where is the best place to order one?

Much appreciated!

 

[shadow745]

Who will it be for? What style of coffee or coffee based drinks do they like? Do they have a decent grinder?

 

[kaya]

It's for my cousin. I know she loves drinking Starbuck's. I don't know if she has a grinder or not, but if need be, I can also purchase this (can you recommend?).

I'm not a coffee drinker, so all this is new to me hence why I'm turning to this forum for help! Thanks!

 

[shadow745]

Well for the average coffee drinker I'd recommend something like the Starbucks Barista machine and matching grinder (conical burrs) that can be found at $bux often. The machine is a rebranded Saeco and the grinder is a rebranded Solis Maestro. You might find a closeout deal on both. Of course there are much better machines and grinders out there, but for the money you intend to spend this would be a nice combo. Later!

 

[shadow745]

One more machine just came to mind. I was at a Linens N Things store here in North Carolina yesterday and noticed they had a Francis Francis X1 Trio machine for $499, which I believe is a fantastic price. That machine has some nice features and is an ESE pod only machine, which your cousin might benefit from. No grinder needed. Just a thought.