Im trying to figure out how to use this small, pump-style espresso maker… it runs fine, but after about 4 sec. the espresso comes out thin & watery… why are there 2 sizes of the insert cup thingy that holds the grounds? how/when do i use the steam tube? can i make a cappuccino?

I’ve been looking for a cheap, entry-level, espresso machine.
So far, I have found the following three:

1: Mr. Coffee ECM160 4-Cup Steam Espresso Machine

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000U6BSI2?ie=UTF8&tag=cvwakib-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000U6BSI2

2: Mr. Coffee ECM250 4-Cup Espresso/Cappuccino Maker

http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Coffee-ECM250-Espresso-Cappuccino/dp/B001KBY9E6/ref=pd_sbs_k_4

3: Capresso 303.01 4-Cup Espresso and Cappuccino Machine

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QTVXCI?ie=UTF8&tag=cvwakib-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001QTVXCI

Which one do you think is best? If you know of any other ones that are under 0 please tell me.

EDIT: I will be using this just abut every morning.

The little pods, if I make 1 small cup of "espresso" (I don’t know how authentic this machine is), how many oz. should I drink? & do I dispose of the pod after? Is is single use?

Also, if I drink 6oz (like a small coffee cup am is that an overdose of caffeine or is it just similar to regular strong coffee).
thx

I have an iq espresso&capuccino machine but no instructions to use it and would really like to work it Model no is cmiq77cq031595 cat sk201

I am shopping for a Christmas present for my gf. She loves ordering cappuccinos and a variety of lattes, so why not make some on her own. I want to get her an espresso machine, but I am afraid that my budget won’t allow me to get a really good one. My budget is about 170 to 200. I don’t mind spending more. If spending another 0 means getting a really good quality espresso machine that exceeds the performance of the models which I am looking at (0-200 price range), then I’ll definitely consider going to that price range.

Gaggia 12700 (looks great, but not sure about its performance, I am leaning towards not getting this model) Price: 0
Capresso Espresso 115 – I think it provides the best bang for the buck. Hopefully it will last for a while. I bought this one for a gift so far, but can simply return it back to bb&b. The thing that bothers me about this model is that it’s “plastic-feel,” and if it will actually prove to pass the test of time. Price: 0
Delonghi EC702 – This model looks solid and has good ratings. I am actually leaning towards this model right now. But I tend to change my mind every day or so. Price 0

I really can use some expertise, particularly from anyone who owned or used an espresso machine. What brand/models am I overlooking? Oh, one more thing, it is imperative that the espresso machine with a really good frother, and make solid crema. I honestly do not know much about what makes good espresso, but am learning. Could use the help!

Thanks in advanced.
Sorry for all the grammer mistakes. I am at work. LOL!
DeLonghi ECO310BK 15-Bar-Pump Espresso Machine looks really good. It’s about more than the Capresso I currently have, but if its that much better, why not spend the extra cash? Thoughts?

I am buying an espresso maker for my gf for christmas. I was caught between two of these:

I got this espresso machine yesterday:

http://www.jlhufford.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=capresso-cafe-espresso-115

But I’m thinking of returning it and buying this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-EM-200-Programmable-Espresso-Stainless/dp/B000O3PS5K/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I6RB8TMJMG1IN&colid=397AJJTILP813

I found this cool espresso machine that looks kind of like the stove top machines, but it is electric. It says Caffe Espresso by Benjamin & Medwin on it. It’s missing the coffee guts parts, but I can’t find anywhere that carries it (so it is probably out of production).

I have an espresso machine that will only work if I unhook the green ground wire that’s on the inside of the appliance. As soon as I hook the ground back up, it trips the GFCI outlet. It seems completely dry on the inside and looks clean and without corrosion. Any suggestions?
Thank you ‘Steve & Katrina’ for a well-thought-out explanation. Roadrunner 58 got a thumbs down for giving an incompetent and useless answer that was entirely unhelpful.

I have run cold water through it 3 times; I have run cold water & vinegar through it twice and made 2 pots of coffee.
It is a Black & Decker 12 cup automatic. Anyone any ideas?

Was thinking about getting this one:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10091331&catid=