Espresso Machines > 400 GBP to 499 GBP Espresso Machines

Advantages: Spout delivers hot water for making other beverages (e.g. cup of tea) quicker than a kettle for 2 cups
Disadvantages: Making many cups of coffee (i.e. above 4) it is quicker to use a kettle

Machine was purchased under a special offer as part of our kitchen from Wickes. We reviewed a number of appliances and they all seemed much of a muchness. Machine does what it should do, and with practice will make coffee as good as Starbucks. Point is that you need to practice and understand how to make the coffee to get a good cup (which would be the same for any machine. Use a metal jug to froth the milk and when the jug has just got too hot to ... Read review

Advantages: well priced, very easy to use
Disadvantages: steam arm is temperamental

I bought the Delonghi EC330S after realising I was slowly emptying my bank account paying for numerous Starbucks' every week (even more after they opened one a two minute walk from my flat). Definite plus point in its appearance, it looks stylish and fits in well in modern kitchens especially. It does make good coffee, and although you need to warm the machine up, once you're used to doing this it really isn't a hassle. Although the previous reviewer ...
...either buy coffee beans and a grinder or buy fresh coffee ground for espresso machines, as pods don't really make the most of having a machine such as this. A disadvantage of having this product are the steam arm is very temperamental and sometimes just doesn't emit much steam (despite being thoroughly cleaned). Also, if you want to make more than 3/4 cups at a time don't bother. It isn't so much the hassle, it's the steam arm - it can't cope with ... Read review

Advantages: Makes excellent espresso, cappuccino and latte coffee
Disadvantages: Needs to be cleaned and maintained regularly

...usually get them from a Gaggia stockist (their own stores are few and far between), or alternatively from the Gaggia website. We like our machine, it's been very reliable, and it makes an excellent cup of coffee every time, with the only difference in taste being if we change our brand of coffee at any time. It produces an impressive crema layer on the top of each espresso, not unlike a miniature glass of Guinness in appearance, and while I had ...
...of a long-winded performance, in fact it's very simple indeed. Given the right circumstances, I'd happily buy one for my own home, and having become used to drinking well-made espresso coffee and cappuccino, it really is quite sacrilegious to go back to the blandness of the instant variety. Recommended without hesitation. Footnote: A quick look around the internet tells me that the Baby Dose is currently on sale at around £225 - more information ... Read review

Advantages: Great espressos and regular filter coffee
Disadvantages: Espressos sometimes are not hot enough

...the range of things this Krups do. Is very easy to read, and bring amazing pratical information, that will help you to be the most renowned coffee maker among your friends. There you'll learn how to work with the Steam Function, that combined with a Cappuccino accessory, makes perfect cappuccinos, café crème, or whatever you wish! Another good thing, for those who like the ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) system, this is ready to receive those paper ...
...maker! I use it only to make decaf to those who don't need the caffeine. Very easy to clean and to refill with water, attention I wouldn't recommend you to use tap water, coffe my lose qualities. Although the price is not as low as it could be, I recommend this product very much. I'm a happy user for longer than 1 year! ... Read review

Advantages: Takes Pods as well as Ground Coffee, has removable water tank, great value for money
Disadvantages: Won't take a mug, takes a while to warm up, pods not easy to come by

The Delonghi EC330S is very stylish and would look good in any kitchen. I found the best thing about this machine is that it takes pods as well as ground coffee, and the water tank is removable so no need to take a jug to the tank to fill it up. The cup warmer is a pleasant addition. I am however disappointed that it won't take a mug, so a large cup is ideal if you want a cappuccino. Also it does takes a while for the machine to warm up, and the ... Read review