I want to buy my first expresso machine so I can make Latte's myself at home. I am looking for something inexpensive (under $200), and that is fairly easy to use. Any websites that have reviews, or suggestions from PERSONAL use would be very much appreciated. Thank you!

Recently i bought a portable expresso machine. The water tank in the machine is made of plastic and I am wondering if the plastic is durable enough when water is heated. Will the plastic be bad for people's health?

someone gave me a very old ekrups expresso maker. in the water tank which appears to be stainless or metal, there is all this white residue. comes out through the maker like flakes. what is it? is it dangerous? how can i remove it?

I know there is a way to make 1 w/ an expresso maker and all that, but I want a way that I can do it w/o 1. Maybe like the ones at starbucks. Can I make it w/vanilla baking liquid?

If not please explain the difference.

I am considering buying an expresso maker designed for capsuled coffee portions as I find the idea very convenient. I have read through some web sites and they recomend gaggia brand as teh best. Which would be the best model? Would you recommend another brand? Any further advice?

Expresso +capuccino maker

My dad got me an expresso maker from the thrift store. There is no manuel. I figured out most of it, except how to you use the steam spout which I am thinking makes some froth or steams milk. it looks like this http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Coffee-ECM20-Steam-Espresso/dp/B0002L34KK.