Melitta Espresso and Cappuccino Maker

I've had this little machine for at least a year - I've kept myself in espresso makers with steamers for cappuccino since I bought my first one a long time ago at a flea market. I was living in the San Francisco Bay area and had developed a taste for fancy coffee - even then, it cost a fortune when bought by the serving and I lived across the street from a good vendor.

I figure each machine has saved me thousands of dollars every year. That first machine cost, I think, $20, and this one, brand new is only about $10 more!

It came with a video I've never looked at - I think it shows you how to steam and foam milk, and instruction book. There's also a rubber nozzle for the steamer that truly does take steaming and foaming less an art form and more something you can do every morning with ease.

Of course, the thin-glass carafe broke within days (why do so many espresso machine makers use such fragile glass), so I used a cream pitcher. This works like a charm since I actually steam my milk in the cup I'm going to use.

The machine is easy to clean and I suspect I'll be using it for years to come.

Buy one now.