Richard, Thanks for asking! Screening out the capsule / super-automatic machines (which are not what I'm looking for), we are left with a few machines by Gaggia, FrancisFrancis, and Breville: Gaggia - Espresso Dose, Baby Twin, Classic Espresso, Baby Class, New Baby FrancisFrancis - X1 Ground Breville - Espresso Machine (?), Cafe Roma Espresso Maker Out of that selection, I am most intrigued by the Gaggia Espresso Dose machine - because of its claim that "The Dosage button allows the machine to memorize the preferred amount of coffee that goes for 1 or 2 cups of espresso." I've also always (since I can remember!) loved the LOOK of the FrancisFrancis machines - but again, I'm looking for the ability to create a short Italian-style espresso rather than a more voluminous American shot (apologies as I'm SURE I lack the vocabulary to properly express this!). I really appreciate your advice - even if it is that you don't think ANY of these will do what I want and I should save up for something entirely different further down the line! Thanks! Linnea