My espresso craving is fully satisfied by the Nespresso capsule machine; the classic type, with capsule patent expired, not the newer Vertuo type. Original Nespresso capsules are 5-6 euro per pack of 10; non-originals from Illy or Lavazza are even cheaper at about 40 cents per shot.
Entry-level machines are as cheap as 100 euro, for 200-300 you will get semi- or fully-auto, plus some features like milk frother. The primary advantage here is reproducibility and ease of use: insert the capsule, check the water level, push the button, and here you go.
Some espresso aficionados with 1000 EUR machines and 400 EUR grinders tried to impress me with their setups. Still, I honestly cannot taste the difference unless they use special Arabica roasts with unbearable acidity, which sadly has become increasingly popular nowadays.
The new spinning Nespresso is a lot worse than the original. Rotary extraction makes a watery americano with foam, not crema. The original is really nice to find in Euro hotel rooms, but most Euro hotels have quality espresso machines in the lobby.
Entry-level machines are as cheap as 100 euro, for 200-300 you will get semi- or fully-auto, plus some features like milk frother. The primary advantage here is reproducibility and ease of use: insert the capsule, check the water level, push the button, and here you go.
Some espresso aficionados with 1000 EUR machines and 400 EUR grinders tried to impress me with their setups. Still, I honestly cannot taste the difference unless they use special Arabica roasts with unbearable acidity, which sadly has become increasingly popular nowadays.