Good In-home Espresso Maker

I have one from Williams-Sonoma it's the Nespresso brand, not too big and it steams the milk. I really like it. I got it as a gift from the hubby so don't know the cost?

I bought the starbucks barista and have had it for years and it works awesome. It is kind of pricey, but in the fact that we have had if for 9 years with regular use is worth the price in itself. I had one of the presses break about 5 years into it, but starbucks gave me a new one for free.
It is about 10 inches wide and about 15 inches deep and works great for small places. The steamer works awesome.
We really really love it and would never go with another machine.

My folks have a Capresso model that they love. I believe stores like Peets and Kobos carry them. They aren't an in-house brand (like some of Starbucks stuff--although I won't knock them as I haven't used them) at those stores. I love my Capresso grinder--I'm a french press gal myself. My folks had their Capresso for a long time, and when they replaced it, they bought another one. AND my stepmom is VERY particular about her espresso, and the drinks she's made for us when visiting have been wonderful. (Seems to be relatively right for your needs too, sizewise. Not a big machine.)

I have the basic Mr. Coffee in-home espresso maker. I love it. It is very basic and I know they make a more advanced version but its ease of use is the main reason I love it. You can brew 2 servings at a time and steam milk for both by filling the water reservoir(sp?) completely. It is pretty narrow and takes up minimal counter space. I prefer this espresso maker to ones I had in the past because it is easy to use, compact, and makes a consistent cup of joe! I know you can buy it for around $80 at Target. I never use my coffee maker anymore because this is just as convenient and much more satisfying. Good luck with your search, I don't know how I lived without mine. :)

I have been making lattes at home for almost 20 years now, since we moved to Seattle when I was 12. I was also a barista for a year and a half. I have had many, many different kinds of latte machines. I am back to buying the $30 Mr. Coffee type espresso machines. It's crazy, but they work just fine, mine always last 2 - 4 years (making at least 2 lattes a day), and are small and cheap enough that I feel like I get my money's worth out of them. I think the supplies are really the key. We get our syrups/white chocolate etc... at Cash 'n Carry and I have also found that using water without chlorine in it really helps the coffee flavor - we used distilled water.

I absolutely love my Starbucks Via Venezia. It was about $200, and while it isn't the all powerful more expensive version that they sell (for $400), it has worked wonderfully for us. It's relatively easy to clean (make sure the steam wand is fully taken apart and cleaned about once a week to avoid it sticking when you try to clean it), makes a very nice shot of coffee (with some fabulous crema), you can put a short cup underneath, but it also uses shot glasses. You can put a mug or pitcher under the steam wand (which is very easy to master) and make great froth or just heated milk if you so choose. I'm VERY pleased with it, and find that my coffee is actually sweeter and smoother than I can get at any coffee shop. Makes me MUCH more likely to make it at home than at the stand half a block from my house!

We have a Cafe Roma from Breville. It was a gift so I'm not exactly sure how much it cost, but I LOVE IT! We've had it for about 3 years (one of which I was prego, so it didn't get a ton of use). I don't think it was too pricey compared to some and my dad is the one who gave it to us, he always does tons of research before buying these sorts of things. Anyway, it's compact, steams milk nicely (takes a little time), and brews a damn good shot!

I have a Krups that I've had since 1990. Seriously. I don't use every day, but I use it for several months straight, then it sits for a while, then I use it for several months straight. It has a pump, so it can steam milk on demand. That feature is really nice, because otherwise you have to time it so that you steam milk while pressure is built up from brewing an espresso shot. I like lots of steamed milk, and having the ability to just have a steamer or cocoa is pretty nice.

If you are willing to spend the money for quality then go to your local Starbucks and see what they have. They make quality products without much markup (the markup is in the coffee) and they will answer any questions you have AND they will take back the product for full refund if it doesn't work for any reason (though save the receipt).

We have a Senseo, which is about as close as you can get (minus the steamed milk) without spending a lot of money. We got eco-pads that are reusable and allow us to use the coffee we like, not the pads they sell for it. If you buy a cheap espresso maker, it won't last. The seals go quickly, and they are difficult to clean. That said, we also have one of these http://www.espresso-machines-and-coffee-makers.com/vietna...
and it makes WONDERFUL espresso. You can grind the beans yourself or buy it pre-ground. Again, though, no steamed milk. We just scald the milk on the stove.

Good luck. It's been a while since I've looked for one, since we are so happy with the ones we have. Maybe they make better ones now, but I know you pay for quality with things like this.