Espresso machines tend towards greater complexity these days, and that’s not necessarily bad. Technology brings improvements. Time-tested techniques, though, sometimes don’t need fancy gadgetry. Take espresso. You make it by forcing water though finely ground coffee. The Strietman ES3 Espresso Machine ($1700) relies on a piston that pumps water though the coffee, which you engage via a lever, and presto! Espresso like the monks made (not sure if monks made, or make, espresso).
Hook the copper-on-birchwood machine to your wall and save some counter space. The machine also features an onboard electric water heater, letting you heat water to an exact temperature. And temperature is the key to good espresso.