You can make an espresso without unnecessary extras with a basic piston machine. It takes up less space on your counter compared to other piston machines. The piston machine only has a few buttons that operate the machine. You don't have many settings, so you can make an espresso without any difficulty. For the tastiest coffee, buy a separate bean grinder or use pre-ground coffee beans. You can froth your milk with the steam wand and turn your espresso into a cappuccino or latte.