sad to report, but good espresso like at a coffee house is a no-go for $100
or even $200

the cheapest real espresso machine that is any good is about $400 called the
Rancilio Sylvia, and considered a breakthrough at that price!
http://www.coffeegeek.com/reviews/co...eviews&Order=0

at least there are some great manual grinders from Zassenhaus that are under
$80

if you want an electric one, the cheapest suitable for espresso is the
Innova I-2 for about $175

all this may sound expensive and crazy, but remember, you local coffeehouse,
if they make great espresso or latte or cappuccino etc. probable spend at
least 10 times this amount, so maybe looked at in that light, the prices
above are a bargain



> wrote in message
oups.com...
> This is my first time posting, but I have done some searching and am
> not sure exactly what machine I want. On epinions.com , the Delonghi
> machines received good reviews, but are bashed on here. I also read on
> here the newer Briel machines are not very good. I am left wondering,
> what is a good machine that can be had for at or under $100 (before
> shipping)? Of course, this is eBay price, so the Delonghi Bar32 and
> machines like that are in play, but I don't see a whole lot of options
> at this price. I will use the machine mostly for espresso, so a decent
> frother is important, but I'd like to be able to taste a good espresso
> from it now & then also. Yes, I've read about the importance of a
> grinder too, so in advance, thanks for that advice and thanks for
> any other suggestions.
>