Ok, looking for a simple, reasonably priced espresso machine, I want no bells and whistles, no milk frothers or anything. I just want it to make good espresso. I use an Aeropress now, it is great and consistent, but just fancy a machine…

little stovetop not good enough?

Yeah, they are good, but want a standalone machine.

A stovetop does not make espresso. Doesn’t generate the necessary pressure.

Gaggia classic off eBay?

rok

these look interesting, had one cup from a freinds and it was pretty good.

most decent espresso machines will have a steam function (unless you get pod only machines).
Best bet is gaggia classic. Ebay (and ebay warehouse) were selling them for £170.

those ROK things look ace

I didn’t know my stovetop wasn’t espresso (and I’ve been on here since pre hack!)

I didn’t know my stovetop wasn’t espresso (and I’ve been on here since pre hack!)

To hot (boiling not 93°) and nowhere near enough pressure (9 bar) to make espresso