Espresso Machine recommendations

Aeropress.

Nespresso is very good. No mess, and the pods are recyclable. I use it for all my espresso drinks, and a french press for my coffee. However, Nespresso has the Vertuo line for the American market. The difference is that it also makes coffee like a Keurig (using a different size pod).

The pods are hermetically sealed unlike keurig, so the grinds taste nice and fresh. Also, just a much better quality than keurig. And you don't have to scoop out/measure/tamp down/etc like a traditional machine.

Another big selling point for me was cleaning. It requires less cleaning than a keurig, and because the water is hotter, it gets scaling at a slower pace than a keurig. I'd say I de-scale once every 4 to 5 months.

Just bought a nesspresso machine for the occasional drink. Like the simplicity of the single use. If I used it everyday I would get something else as the pods are expensive.

I picked up the original line instead of the new venturo line due to more after market options

Jura start saving now

Best espresso like coffee from a machine at $150 pricing point is Nespresso, in the original line pods. I just gifted one to a friend and it cost $150 including the aeroccino milk frother, delivered.
Best espresso like coffee from a non machine at $150 is brewed in a stovetop moka pot....the bialetti brand is the tried and true version. It's what most Italians use to make coffee at home.

Neither produce what purists would consider true espresso. But that just ain't happening at $150.