Accck! My Espresso Machine is Dying!!!

I heard it coming. That sound that tells you that your beloved appliance is on life-support. This morning as I made my grande,low-fat, peppermint mocha the steamer would scream in high gear then sputter and slow, almost stopping altogether until it would sputter up to full steam again. It did this several times during the steaming process and even after letting my milk steam for several extra minutes, my mocha was still lukewarm, at best.

Cringing at the unexpected expense, I resign myself to the fact that I will be at the not-so-local Tar*jay or Freddies this weekend looking at replacement machines. Over the last 10 years I've gone thru about 3 Mr Coffee espresso makers. They usually last me around 3 years, give or take. They are cheap, they do a fair job, if not excellent. I've been ok with that. But now I'm wondering if it isn't time for an upgrade. I'd like to get a machine that would last 5-7 years of daily use before the motor gives out on me. I'll probably get online and see what kind of reviews are out there. I know my sister in law has been happy with her top of the line machine, but I know it is most likely out of my price range.

Or I could just start drinking coffee with my husband? Doctored up of course! Not as good in my book, but it might get me through a few weeks til I can make a better decision than rushing out and buying the first machine that looks like it'll do.

So what would you do in my shoes ... or my coffee cup?

Til next time ....