I have a stove top espresso pot like my greatgrandmother had. It's the only kind I've ever liked at home. It doesn't take up a lot of space and it's easy to clean. It was inexpensive; it will never break and if I dent the grounds-cradle, I can replace it cheaply. Same with the rubber ring. Cheap and easy to replace.

I find the brew consistent and really rich. The crema is better when I follow these complex instructions, but when I don't, I still have a good cup of espresso, assuming my grounds are still fresh.

The stove-top espresso pot is the way to go. Delicious.

Although not an espresso machine, I wouldn't be without my Aerobie Aeropress for a quick cuppa. It makes the smoothest coffee I've ever tasted.

I used to have one. I found I rarely used it, but it was cheap and didn't do a very good job.

Seems like the cheap ones don't foam milk very well, which may or may not be a dealbreaker for you.

Aerobie? Like the frisbees? Wow, how 'bout that?

1) Aeropress thread. Technically, it may not be espresso but it makes darn good latte's anyway!

2) The CostCo machine you want is the Gaggia Baby (Great machine - Great price)

3) If you want Gaggia quality insides for less look for the Carezza. (I've got three better-than-new ones to sell for $150 ea, plus shipping, if anybody's interested.)

4) Espresso/machine questions are better asked at CoffeeGeek.