Terminology:
Espresso machines comes in 3 main categories:
Super automatic: means you push a button and get a latte. There is lots of automation, some programability and its an all in one, do it all machine. You put water in the reservoir, beans in the hopper and you are ready to go. Some of these machines you use those little prepackaged pods instead of loose beans. Some not so great things about these machines are that if one things breaks the whole thing is broken, lots of the grinders get jammed up by oily beans so stick with a medium roast and it can be hard to get a really great shot of espresso. Not to say its not good, it just won't be easy to get a great one. This type is good for someone who isn't as picky about flavour and loves the all in one type machine.
Semi automatic: With this type of machine you will need to buy a separate grinder. You grind and tamp your beans, attach the filter then push the button to brew. Pretty much all the rest is the same, just that the beans are ground in a different machine.
Manual: I have no idea who would want one of these machines but with this type you actually pump and extract the shot yourself. With this type espresso brewing becomes more of an art than anything else. Apparently if you can perfect it though, you will never get a better shot.
Tamper: Its a small heavy little hammer you use to push the grinds into the filter.
Some of the machines that stood out among the many ...
Super automatic:
Saeco Talea. A great thing about this one is all of the reservoirs are on the sides. So you don't have to pull the machine out from under the cupboard to refill. Not so great...it looks a bit too plasticy for my liking.
Miele. They make quality products, and this one is no exception. Downsides though are it needs to be built in and you have to spend extra time cleaning it because the milk runs through the system.
My choice if you have the room!
La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II. Has options for plumbing in and dual boiler system for steaming and brewing at the same time. Only trouble is...its big!
Rancilio Silvia
This machine gets rave reviews and is fairly reasonably priced. It takes a bit of tweaking to get your shots perfected but is a great machine at a good price.
Saeco Aroma
This is similar to the machines that Starbucks used to sell, called Barista. They are a great, small footprint machine. Another benefit...the cheapest!
If you are going to buy a semi automatic the MOST important thing is the grind of the coffee you are brewing. You can have the absolute best beans, best espresso machine and it still puts out bad shots..why? Possibly the grind! A good grind for espresso is to adjust the machine till its grinding the beans and they are just about to clump together. Also they recommend buying the best you can afford for a grinder, here is one that I really like and have had good results with. All of the reviews, message boards, forums I read all talked about the importance of the grind. So take it seriously!
Rancilio Rocky Doserless (doser is a little add on that gives you set amounts of grinds in your filter)
Lastly, here are my favourite beans...
If you are interested in researching...here are some websites I used. There are lots of youtube videos on using these machines so if you are stuck, youtube it!
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