Cappuccino Coffee Espresso Maker

I have two Sunbeam coffee machines with these things, and there is nothing in the manual for what they do.

Am browsing online for one. For those experienced
in home espresso/cappuccino machines, whats
your opinion?

im a barista and for christmas i wanted to get my parents an espresso machine.
i know how to make the coffee and all that but i dont know what im looking for in a good eespresso machine!
so does anyone know a good brand or model i can check out??? i dont want to spend over $300 if i dont have to.

In this first part of an eventual two part series, Gail talks to us about some of the lower-end single boiler espresso machines available. Discussed in this video are the Ascaso Dream, Gaggia Color, Francis Francis! X7, Saeco Aroma and Breville Die Cast espresso machines.

Gail talks to us about the importance of temperature surfing on any single boiler espresso machine — it not only makes for an improved shot, but it also means your boiler will be regularly refilled and you’ll have better steam performance and boiler longevity.

So, I am absolutely in love with espresso (oddly, I cant stand the taste of coffee), but I would love to be able to make espresso whenever I please and not have to pay BIG BUCKS for those tiny DoubleShots. Ive been looking into machines and while there are many $100+ ones, I was curious if anyone out there has one around $60 and under that works great, what it is and where I can find one….

Please help. This, sadly, would make my week… =p