Hi there - have just cut-and-pasted this from my post in a similar thread asking for advice in the have your say thread. We did a review of domestic machines in our winter 2005 issue of Crema. Basically, I would look at one of the Sunbeams or the Saeco Via Venezia in the $400-$450 price bracket; would also consider the Gaggia Classic, although be aware that it has an aluminium boiler (unlike the VV). The choice of the next step up [around $650 - $750] would have to be the Rancilio Silvia or the double boiler Sunbeam, although we didn't get to test this [and it seems from other threads that some units have had steam wand problems]. After that, if you could spend the bucks, it's pretty much on to the ECM Giotto, the Unico Splendor, the Isomac (Mondiale) and the Expobars of this world. But of course, these are in the $2300-$2,600 price bracket. This is not meant to be an 'official' recommendation - different users want different things from their machine - however, it's sort of what i would go for, if i was looking for a manual domestic machine at the moment. the other thing (as ACG has alluded to) is a good grinder will make a big difference, so suggest you incorporate that into your calculations. Hope that helps. -A
