For people who like to take time over their coffee, the DeLonghi BAR32 is affordable and one of the most flexible machines there is if you're very particular about how you like your espressos and cappuccinos.
The DeLonghi BAR32 is pump driven rather than steam driven, which makes a difference to the taste and texture of beverages, and uses an ESE filter holder to make the perfect espresso. What impressed me most about the DeLonghi was the steam wand, which is very effective and has the perfect amount of pressure to gently froth milk to make a good cappuccino. It takes a little while to get used to unless you've worked in a coffee shop before, but once you've mastered it it's easy to make complicated drinks very quickly.
The DeLonghi is nothing special in terms of speed or capacity, holding enough water to make around 4 cups or twice as many espressos, but the neat drip tray and retro styling of the machine makes it a nice tool to have in your kitchen. Instead of buttons, the DeLonghi has two dials and is surprisingly simple to use without making horrible mistakes with your coffee. It's also an appropriate size without dominating the room that it's stored in.
One warning about the DeLonghi BAR32 is that the more complicated the drink you want from the espresso maker, the more effort you have to put in. It has filters, and obviously with the steam wand you have to froth your own milk, so if you prefer to just press a button for your coffee then it probably won't be suitable for you. However, if like me, you like to put care into your beverages and you don't want to spend a fortune, the DeLonghi is great value for money and gives you as much control over your drinks as you could want.