As a beginner or novice, you should understand the difference between a quality pump-driven espresso machine that will make a flavorful espresso and a steam driven espresso machine that can never make the quality of espresso that you, your guests, or your clients would expect and enjoy.

There are many types of espresso machines on the market today. We market many makes and models that we feel confident to satisfy your different needs and stand up to rugged daily use. We believe the following pump-driven models are good introduction units to start making espresso in your home and units that will remove the "mystique" in making espresso and cappuccino on your own. Our basis for recommending these machines are 'ease of use' and simplicity! (no particular order) and the good news is that there are many of them!

La Pavoni

La Pavoni is the oldest espresso machine manufacturer of the world. Since 1905. They not only produce fine home models, but also commercial units that are installed around the globe.

La Pavoni Lusso Espresso & Cappuccino Machine (ABS Plastic Body)
A pump driven machine that is capable of producing a quality espresso beverage using either freshly ground espresso coffee or espresso pods (pre-measured ground espresso coffee packaged in a sealed paper filter and vacuum packed with nitrogen to maintain freshness). The pods can be used until you become familiar with grinding, tamping, and brewing ground espresso coffee. The La Pavoni Lusso also includes an automatic milk frother to automatically froth your milk for cappuccino. You can use the automatic frother until you learn how to steam and froth milk the old fashion way - with the regular steaming wand and steaming pitcher. Great for the Novice Barista!

La Pavoni "Pisa" Espresso & Cappuccino Machine (Chrome Plated Steel Body)
Another pump driven espresso machine like the Lusso above, except with a chrome plated steel body and a jukebox look!

Capresso

Capresso's machines are truly designed for the beginner. They have pressuized filter baskets for those occassions when the coffee is not ground right or the tamp was not applied correctly.

Capresso Ultima
For those that prefer to have a neat and clean counter top, the Capresso Ultima is a very good choice - after extraction, the expired coffee grounds are placed into an nternal dump box - this is cleaner than trying to knock the grounds out of the filter handle as found on the other machines.

Ascaso

For more than 40 years in the espresso world, Ascaso has transformed to build not only a reputation on quality, which is unheard of with espresso machine manufacturers in Spain, but also a reputation in building world-class leadership in espresso machine manufacturing.

Ascaso Basic
For those that want a very capable espresso machine without breaking the bank will love the Ascaso Basic. By using abs plastic rather than precious metals, Ascaso was able to put it's true and tested internals in a very affordable package.

Ascaso Arc
A step beyond the Basic is the Arc. The ARC was designed as a medium price espresso machine that excels at making espresso drinks including lattes, mochas, cappuccino and all of your favorite coffee house drinks.

Ascaso Steel Uno Versatile
Cheftalk.com states, “It has been several months since we received the Ascaso and we are now quite proficient with making good espresso and cappuccinos. The experience has truly made me appreciate great tasting espresso so much more. In short, we are extremely happy with the Ascaso Steel Special Edition. It is a fantastic machine that is not only beautiful to look at, but also very well made and easy to use."

Le'lit

We've worked directly with Le'lit to create what we feel is the best home espresso maker in the market.

Le'lit PL041QE
The PL041QE features a full stainless body, a 7.4oz brass boiler, and 1050watt heating element. It's ready to go in about 10 minutes, making it one of the fastest heating machines in it's class. For the price, it's nearly impossible to beat.

Isomac

In business since 1977, Isomac is the secret GEM for home-model and semi-commercial espresso machines made in Italy!

Isomac Maverick
A super version of the standard Giada, including a fold-in manometer and a holder in stainless steel. You get your steam quickly and the steam spout holds a high pressure. Left-over espresso and other waste ends up where it is supposed to be, in a drip tray made of stainless steel. There is also a manometer for the pressure of the boiler, a large cup heater and a small but terrific detail for design lovers - classic pin breakers.

Saeco

Today, Saeco is a world leader in the manufacture of espresso machines and other household products. 1st-line Equipment is proud to recommend Saeco automatic espresso machines as our customers' first choice when seeking convenience and the love for good coffee. We even find Saeco traditional pump machines to be world class - they not only offer excellent value, but we offer them at the best prices - guaranteed! Saeco has even recently introduced 2 quality coffee makers with stainless steel thermal carafes listed below. Enjoy the pleasure of a Saeco from 1st-line today!

Saeco Nina Bar

Saeco Nina Cappuccino

Saeco Gran Crema