Does anyone have any good tips to look for in buying a good espresso maker? ?

Question

I'm wanting to spend $100 or less.

Answer 1

Personally I like the stove-top kind.  The reason I like them is that I take mine with me everywhere, when I travel, when I am visiting someone else who doesn't have an espresso maker, even when I camp (you can use it on a small propane burner).  I had a lovely one that was made in Italy but I can no longer find the rubber gaskets (until I visit a city next month where I know I can get them), so I purchased another more light-weight one.  You can even get them inexpensively on eBay.

I would never be without my morning espresso.  :-)