Espresso Makers
1) De'Longhi Alicia Moka Espresso Maker
$60, shopdelonghi.com
(For the couple with a small kitchen)
UPSIDE Inexpensive; light and extremely compact; quiet; see-through pitcher; parts screw back together to prevent loss of pieces.
DOWNSIDE Produces no crema; no milk frother for cappuccino.
2) Breville Café Roma Espresso machine
$230, brevilleusa.com
(For the espresso aficionado)
UPSIDE High-pressure pump and precision heating for rich espresso and good crema; works with single shot, double shot or pods; 6-cup warming tray.
DOWNSIDE Expensive; noisy and cumbersome.
3) Mr. Coffee Steam Espresso and Cappuccino Maker
$50, target.com
(For the frugal family)
UPSIDE Inexpensive; compact; cord storage underneath machine.
DOWNSIDE Flimsy plastic construction; produces no crema; steam produces bubbly froth instead of smooth foam; must release pressure before opening to refill water.
4) Krups Precise Tamp Mechanical Espresso Machine
$300, krupsonlinestore.com
(For the gadget-happy espresso fan)
UPSIDE Automatic espresso tamping and brewing cutoff; high-pressure pump and precision heating for rich espresso and good crema; works with single shot, double shot or pods; 6-cup stainless steel warming tray.
DOWNSIDE Expensive; noisy and cumbersome; nonremovable filter basket makes it difficult to tell if machine is clogged.
5) Hamilton Beach Espresso Maker $100, hamiltonbeach.com
(For the cappuccino lover on a budget)
UPSIDE Inexpensive for its features; works with single shot, double shot or pods; 4-cup warming tray.
DOWNSIDE Noisy; espresso not hot enough; steam produces bubbly froth instead of smooth foam; short cord.
USE YOUR ESPRESSO MAKER TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
Espresso-Braised Brisket with Peas and Onions
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*Prices and other details were accurate when we published this article in April 2010.
