Silvia  -- no model number, just Silvia -- is made by Rancilio. It is generally regarded as the "best in show" espresso machine. See below for "best in group" winners. At $500, she's about mid-range on price.

She's a semi-automatic, which means you'll need a separate grinder and you need to know about tamping and such. Miss Silvia, as she is frequently called, might need a little "getting to know you" time, but once you two are well acquainted, she might easily become your best friend

Super Automatics

The Gaggia Syncrony Digital  ($900) got an average 5.8 out of 6 with 88 reviews on WholeLatteLove.com.

Automatic/Semi-Automatic

Breville ESP8XL  ($250), works almost as well as Silvia at half the price.

Manual

La Pavoni  ($500 to $800) is the go-to brand; there aren't that many choices.

• Stovetop machines  are an older, more traditional way of making espresso.
• Hard to maintain temperature, so they can burn the coffee.
• Pressure never gets high enough for proper espresso brewing.
• They may not make a great cup of espresso, but some machines will make espresso good enough for a cappuccino .

• Manual pump machines  can make good espresso.
• Gets pressure high enough to properly extract the coffee.
• Requires considerable finesse to get the timing right (don't want the pull to be too long or too short), but once you get it, these machines will produce great espresso.

• Semi-automatic  and automatic  machines are fairly similar.
• Use a pump to standardize the pressure through the coffee grounds.
• This standardization is key to consistent espresso.
• Automatic machines also control how much water is used, virtually guaranteeing flawless espresso every time with very little work on your part.
• Requires you to measure and tamp (or compress the coffee grounds into the filter) before brewing.

• Super-automatics  are the foolproof way to make perfect espresso every time.
• Instead of requiring you to measure out a scoopful of grounds, you simply add whole beans to the machine.
• When you want a cup of coffee, the machine will grind exactly the right amount for you.
• All you need to do is keep it full of filtered water and beans, clean out the grounds when the machine is full, and occasionally clean the other parts of the machine.

Delonghi EC155 Espresso Machine 

This pump driven espresso machine comes with two thermostats that enable you to control water and steam pressure separately. A swivel jet frother, adjustable steam emission, and removable drip tray make this machine the utmost in performance and convenience.

Saeco 00354 Aroma Stainless Steel Espresso 

This is a more traditional model that will give you just the features you need with no confusing extras. Easy to use and perfect for a home with limited counter space, this espresso machine will make quality drinks in no time.

Cuisinart EM-200 Programmable 15-Bar Espresso Maker 

This model comes with 15 bars of pressure and can be pre-programmed to make specific cup sizes of espresso. Comes with a steam wand, tamping tool, and even a recipe book.

Saeco S-PR-SG Primea Ring Espresso 

This tiny model is super automatic and has a click wheel function that makes it easy to select menu options. It is also designed with an integrated system to prepare 2 cappuccinos or lattes  at once.

Mr. Coffee ECM21 4 Shot Espresso Machine and 8 Cup Coffee Maker Combo 

This machine truly has it all. Designed to make coffee and espresso, it comes with brew-strength settings, steam control, and removable parts for easy cleaning and use.

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