The Le'lit PL041 is a great little machine. We've been using one for about 18 months and bought it used. Parts are available, but you probably won't need them--it's pretty bulletproof. The only downside for a small machine is the non-standard diameter portafilter, but that's a pretty small niggle.
I PIDd mine and it's a big improvement. Search for "PID espresso machine" for info. Basically you add a digital temperature controller that really addresses the biggest problem with small machines, temperature stability.
DO NOT neglect the importance of a good grinder. I'm currently using a commercial one that's bigger than the espresso machine, but which I got for $200 on CL. That was a crazy deal, but those kinds of deals come up. Look for something from Mazzer, Nuova Simonelli, etc.
The Kyocera hand crank grinder (about $40) is the best way to go if you can't afford or can't dedicate the counter space to a real grinder. It will do a nice, consistent grind (the key), but is pretty slow. Changing the grind is lame-o since it takes a couple of minutes to do a new batch.
You can get away with a cheaper espresso machine if you have a good grinder. Your espresso will be absolute garbage if you get pre-ground coffee and the cheap grinders just can't do the job. Hard truth: if you can't afford to buy both a good grinder AND an espresso machine, then you can't afford to have espresso in your house.
You wouldn't buy a pair of Lotus 138s and then try to ski them with rental boots, would you?
BTW: coffeegeek.com and home-barista.com are the TGR of espresso.
ride bikes, climb, ski, travel, cook, work to fund former, repeat.
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