I don't want an espresso maker because I would be shaking like treeleaves in a storm by midafternoon. I am surrounded by really good coffee houses, so I go out for this.
Since I am single I prefer to make one cup at a time. There are cheap ways to do this I know. My way is not the cheapest, but it is very good and also handy. The Senseo coffee maker from Phillips. I got mine on sale at Target for about $40 as I remember. If you have a guest it will make two cups. Of course you can cycle it as often as you want. Just be sure there is water in the resevoir and a fresh pod in the maker.
With this you are never drinking stale or burned or cool coffee.
Ha