<p>Perhaps the OP could ask her friends or neighbors to borrow some of the equipment for a trial. People who love good coffee might own several (unused) devices and be happy to convert a friend. For instance, my parents who love coffee have dozens of coffee makers, resulting from gifts and a now aborted collection of Italian espresso machines and makers. </p>
<p>An alternative is to visit a local coffee shop that sells equipment. They are usually offering samples made by various equipment.</p>
<p>The bottom line is that one does not need to spend a fortune for a coffee maker. It is a bit like the razor business. The real cost is in the coffee, especially if you start using capsules and pods. It will take a full competitive market such as in Europe to break the quasi cartel prices maintained in the US. The good news is that the challenges to Nestle’s patents and hegemony are bringing new prices for the equipment and capsules. But that is another story.</p>