I think around 1996, I purchased a Krups il Primo for a few hundred dollars. It still works today and the coffee tastes so much better than from my Bialetti. Parts are still available on eBay. Anyway, not fancy but it makes great tasting espresso and is very affordable.
OT: Espresso machines
I know this is off topic for the A'gon, but I thought my fellow gear enthusiasts had an opinion. I'm looking for a simple, narrow espresso machine. Reliability is important. I have a Nespresso Vertuo which I really like but lately I've been roasting my own coffee and wanted a more traditional machine.
Opinions?