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.

Capresso EspressoPro
For those that like to become a little more pro, this Capresso unit not only features the filter handle, but also has the automatic milk frother with a milk container that is easily removable to store in the refrigerator.