Pity you people don't like a
teasmade to get you going in the morning, it's nearly as vibrant a community as the Empeg.
I'm for the best possible espresso machine, anything under £300 comes out weak and tepid, I sat in the dealership and tried all the machines - a Gaggia did it: With a matching grinder sitting next to it, that seems to help the taste greatly.
I use the stove top in the motorhome, in fairness, it tastes as good, but it's inconvenient (Except on warm days when you can walk to the sluice between cups!)