Cappuccino Machines in Italy.......
 

I never thought to look while there and see the brands that are used. Does anyone recall any particulars or have one they are happy with?

If you mean to make cappuccino at home, I am very satisfied for what was a gift that I received on Christmas: Mukka Express by Bialetti.
Easy to use, easy to maintain and, I presume, cheap enough to buy.
Look at its webiste page: http://www.bialetti.it/it/catalogue/....asp?id_cat=69
If I misunderstood you question, I aplogize.

Vincenzo

Vincenzo, yes to make at home. I looked at reviews here but thought going right to the source would be worth a look. Thank you, I'll check that website, Lisa

Real cappuccino can only be made with real espresso machines. Like this one for example, which has been providing me with excellent coffee for many years already: http://www.brugnetti.com/it/prod.php?id=simona

The Capresso Jura for my taste is the one to get.

Here's a good website if you want to became a coffee maniac.

http://www.wholelattelove.com/

Thank you everyone. I will take a look at each one. Franco, did you buy your brugnetti in the US?

Bialetti is the one every Italian I know uses. We have had Bialettis for many years and they work like a dream.

Crate and Barrel,William-Sonoma and Chef's Catalogue all have great cap machines-just depends on what price you want to spend. We spent close to $400 on the cap machine for our house and love it!

ljc4creb,
Remember that 'right at the source' they use 240v.

Henry

The voltage problem can be solved with an adapter. But no, ljc, I didn't buy the machine in the US. I suggest simply asking the company if and where their machines can be found in America.

We have used our Bialetti for years and loved it, but recently got a Nespresso machine as a gift. We're in heaven. :)

We just bought a Nespresso machine, too. We once had a "real" espresso machine, but came to the realization that they really aren't meant for 1 or 2 a day home use-they can be a real chore/expense to keep going...we love the Nespresso.

~Liz

Liz, I guess it depends on the machine's quality. I've been using mine for about 15 years now, and never had any problems so far, neither chore nor expenses, apart from the obvious consumables (gaskets and so on) once in a while.

I have a Saeco Viena Deluxe machine which I saw at a relatives house in Germany. When I came back home i went on line and found it in Macys, also they had them in Best Buy "on line" spiegel. I love it, I've had it for 4 years now and it is the best, it makes the best cappucino.

I have a "real"Espresso machine. Makes my daily two cups of Espresso no problem. Make Cappucino for my DIL when she is here.
The Bialetti Espresso maker makes espresso, not Cappuccino - you still need something for the milk.
Nespresso machines are expensive - the portions of coffee are far more expensive than buying loose beans and grinding it your self.

I am lucky to have a really good coffee importer in the next town. i am working my way through his list. Favourites so far are Papua New Guinea, and Ethiopian Organic. Sadly I can't afford the Sumatra Aceh Kopi Luwak (€60 for 50g)
www.goldencoffeebox.nl, also in English ;)

Well, thank you everyone, just the info I needed to get researching. I wonder what the hotels and B & B's use.

The Bialetti Mukka is a stovetop model that *does* make cappuccino. It's easy enough to find in the US if you Google it.

You can get the Bialetti Mukka Express for $90. at Crate and Barrel.

I have seen them at Marshalls and TJ Maxx for $25-gave a couple for gifts recently.

We're speaking of the ones that make cappuccinos. The smaller bialetti's do not and they are much cheaper.

"The voltage problem can be solved with an adapter."

Just to be clear, the solution is really a converter. An adaptor just makes the plugs match. If you are going to do this, don't skimp on the converter, as most are not really intended to power items for the long haul. I would even go so far as to speak with an electrician to make sure that it isn't a completely stupid/dangerous idea.

I did quite a bit of research before I purchased a Rancilio Silvia espresso machine for my husband for Christmas. He really loves it, and it appears to be quite well made. We have used cheap machines for the last 10 year, and its a pleasure to have a great Italian made machine.