I have a cheap domestic espresso machine, and agree: aeropressed coffee is nowhere near espresso. I find it pretty close to what "Italian" coffee kettles do (this: http://ravistationery.com/images/office%20automation/morphy%...) albeit milder, not as acid or sour as this one. I have not used it much, but I like having my Aeropress, even though it requires quite more coffee than other types of machines.