New To Espresso

[lynn02]

Well a friend of mine got me hooked on going to Starbucks. I'm looking into getting a home espresso maker. I don't want to spend a fortune on a machine but I also don't want to waste my money on a cheap one either. Please keep in mind I'm a beginner, so something that is easy to use and easy to clean would be great. I would appreciate any suggestions or any information on what I should look for.

 

[CCafe]

Set your sights around the $400 to $600 range for a unit that will produce good shots.

 

[LiftOff]

The grinder is more important than the machine. $400 towards a Rancillio Silvia and another $250-$400 for a good burr grinder.

You will never get good espresso from a $2,000 espresso machine if you are using a $50 grinder. But, you will get decent/good espresso from a $100 espresso machine and a good grinder (Mazzer/Rocky,Macap etc.).

It kinda stinks...but it's the truth!