Just a short note before we lead off: this review is based on consummer opinions (most cited brands) and technical characteristics (durability, user friendliness, boiler capacity, awaiting times, price).

Our choices for most cited names are: Gaggia Espresso & Cappuccino Machine, Saeco Via Veneto (both of them are semi automatic espresso machines), the semi professional Pasquini Livia 90 and the semi automatic Rancilio Silvia.

The Gaggia Coffee

• the carcass is a plastic and metal combination, which makes it a bit touchy
• the internal components are metalic, thus more durable
• 3.5 oz. boiler capacity
• extraction time is 15 secconds
• steam ready in 35 secconds
• steams 8 oz. of milk in 95 secconds
• priced around $300
• ESE pod system (Gaggia patented) can be added

Saeco Via Veneto

• Saeco's fame is due to beeing the exclusive-supplier for Starbucks, under the brand-name Estro
• this home use model features a whole-plastic case
• stainless steel, 5 oz. capacity boiler
• extraction time is 18 secconds
• steam ready in 35 secconds
• it takes 60 secconds to steam 8 oz. of milk
• pod system can be added
• can be purchassed at $200

Pasquini Livia 90

• this is a semi commercial model, most cited by intensively-home users and an office-customary
• stainless steel case
• 1.5 litters capacity boiler, copper-manufactured
• extraction time is 20 secconds
• instant steam
• it takes 25 secconds to steam 8 oz. of milk
• one touch system
• priced at $1,350

Many espresso lovers are fond of the semi automatic espresso machine Rancilio Silvia. Its popularity overlaps by far other models from the same manufacturer or others. The reason is durability, user-friendliness, reasonable waiting times and the quality of extraction. By the way, there's a funny story about the Rancilio line, that names its three semi automatic versions by famous women. One of them is Audrey (after Audrey Hepburn), the seccond is Nancy (inspired by Nancy Reagan), and the last one is Silvia. But inspite of beeing the most famous of all three, nobody seems to know who was the celebrity that inspired Miss Silvia...

Let's have a look at Silvia's features

• metalic components and case;
• 12 ounce boiler capacity
• steam ready in 20 secconds;
• it steams 8 ounces of milk in 45 secconds;
• brewing period is 20 secconds;
• the grind size is very important to propper extraction; many recommend using a quality burr grinder, like Rancilio Rocky
• the price comes near $500

You may have guessed by now that we saved what we consider the best espresso machine for last. Yes, our choice is Rancilio Silvia, the mistery-lady of home espresso machines, that returns on investment in about one year and seems to be the most durable of all four. The learning curve using this machine is medium to high, as it forces you to thoroughly consider the home-roasting and home-grinding processes. But in the end your efforts will be highly rewarded.