Frank Key's Cafe supplies

If I buy a $30-$40 espresso machine, will I be compromising on quality?

I want to buy one of my good friends an espresso machine for Christmas, but I don’t have a whole lot of money to spend. If I buy a $30-$40 model, will I be severely compromising on quality? How good are these machines? Here’s some of the machines I’m looking at:

Well, they might (emphasis on ‘might’) produce decent coffee, but they won’t make espresso.

If you’re on a budget (who isn’t) get one of these to make real espresso with the signature crema:

http://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-Brikka-Stove-Espresso-Maker/dp/B00066N8E8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1260057595&sr=8-2

http://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-Brikka-Stovetop-Espresso-Maker/dp/B000HCNRVU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1260057688&sr=8-3

Or, if you really have to stay under $40, this one makes a good espresso, but without crema:

http://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-Express-6-Cup-Stovetop-Percolator/dp/B000CNY6UK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1260057778&sr=8-4

From the descriptions on your links, these three will probably produce more pressure than any machine in your budget. I use a moka pot almost daily & it’s delicious.

Mr. Coffee Espresso Machine ECMP50

Mr. Coffee Pump Espresso / Cappuccino Maker Machine ECMP40 Mint in Box Black $68.50

RSVP Terry's Tamper $5.25 Designed by a professional barista, this tamper is made of heavy cast metal and compresses espresso like nobody's business....

Cuisinart SS-700 Single Serve Brewing System, Silver - Powered by Keurig $165.95 Perfect for both personal use and entertaining%2C this single%2Dserve home%2Dbrewing system offers consumers fresh gourmet coffee%2C tea%2C hot cocoa%2C and more in under one minute%2E Choose either 4%2C 6%2C 8%2C or 10 ounce from the icon on brewing size options%2E Using Keurig K%2DCups%97featuring over two hundred varieties of pre%2Dmeasured%2C premium brand coffee and tea%2D%2Dthis brewer%92s i...

De'Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso and Cappuccino Maker $79.99 The DeLonghi Espresso Maker has a patented dual-function filter holder for use with ground espresso, this unique filter mixes air into the brewing process to produce a perfect crema. Distinguished by it's caramel color, the crema is the essence of authentic espresso. The filter also accommodates E.S.E pods. This great Espresso machine offers a swivel jet frother that makes cappucccino, latte or an...

Delonghi BCO130T Combination Coffee Espresso Machine $300 The Delonghi BCO130T Combination Coffee Espresso Machine has the features that you expect from a quality espresso coffee brewer by Delonghi Espresso Machines.

Saeco Royal Coffee Bar Espresso Machine $1999.98 The Saeco Royal Coffee Bar Espresso Machine provides the utility that you expect from a quality espresso coffee brewer by Saeco Espresso Machines.

Lavazza Espresso Point Espresso Machine $875 The Lavazza Espresso Point Espresso Machine features the options that you expect from a quality espresso coffee brewer by Lavazza Espresso Machines.

Grindmaster 1700 Espresso Machine $3490 The Grindmaster 1700 Espresso Machine has the utility that you expect from a quality espresso coffee brewer by Grindmaster Espresso Machines.

Grindmaster 1750 Espresso Machine $3698 The Grindmaster 1750 Espresso Machine features the utility that you expect from a quality espresso coffee brewer by Grindmaster Espresso Machines.

Grindmaster 2400 Espresso Machine $4480 The Grindmaster 2400 Espresso Machine provides the utility that you expect from a quality espresso coffee brewer by Grindmaster Espresso Machines.

Delonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso Coffee Machine $1386 The Delonghi ESAM3300 Magnifica Super-Automatic Espresso Coffee Machine features the options you expect from a espresso coffee brewer by Delonghi Espresso Machines.

Aerobie AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker $44.99 The Aerobie AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker coffee machine features the utility that you expect from a quality espresso coffee brewer by Saeco Espresso Machines.

Saeco Aroma Espresso Machine Black $300 The Saeco Aroma Espresso Machine Black coffee machine has the features that you expect from a quality espresso coffee brewer by Saeco Espresso Machines.

Saeco Royal Professional Espresso Machine $1500 The Saeco Royal Professional Espresso Machine has the features that you expect from a quality espresso coffee brewer by Saeco Espresso Machines.