For anyone who wants to make high quality coffee in their own home there are a few necessities which must be purchased to make the whole process successful. Obviously you will need to find some good coffee, which means whole beans that you grind yourself just prior to use, not some jar of rancid freeze dried material that is good for nothing. You can find awesome whole coffee beans on the Internet these days from boutique roasting houses who will send you out your package as it comes out the roaster, you can't get much fresher than that!
When you have sourced your excellent beans all you need is to get the required equipment which would be a coffee grinder and an espresso machine. Both these elements in the coffee making process are also available Online, where you will find them at a better price and with a much better selection on hand. If you are spending a few hundred dollars you will want to get the best possible after all.
The espresso machine is most people's favorite part of making coffee because that is what you see the Barista using down at the bar and we all want to be able to make coffee as well as that. A really good espresso machine is worth paying extra for as, if it is well built, it will last you many years and will impress both yourself and your friends with its abilities in producing exceptional espresso and cappuccino. Bezzera is one company that I particularly like, though the old favorite Gaggia is certainly worth a look.
The last part in the coffee making equation apart from the skill of the barista is the best burr coffee grinder you can afford. Many people scrimp and save when it comes time to buy coffee grinders, but without a good one you are going to be destined to drink mediocre espresso as the machine won't be able to make up the difference.
The bottom line is that to enjoy great coffee at home you have to invest wisely in all the parts of the chain and when you have done so, learn to use your equipment properly. In no time at all you will be pumping out espresso that any Barista would be proud of.