Originally Posted by sloinker
If you buy a machine you need to filter the water or you will eventually plug it up to the point of failure, even if you do the cleaning process from time to time. Buy a filter pitcher. Those stove top espresso machines make a putrid brew imo.
I had a relatively inexpensive pump machine I got on sale, but I think not using filtered water killed it. It made good espresso for a while, but then it decided it wasn't going to pump anymore although the pump was making the right noises. Never tried a moka pot, but I've seen those around.