Espresso machines in Toronto are by no means a niche industry; we're a fast moving city fueled in large part by our gargantuan consumption of caffeine. But, if you're anything like me, you're particular about your coffee. Not just any run-of-the-mill (albeit economical) Black and Decker drip model will do; rather, it needs to produce a quality shot of espresso and be visually stimulating, which often requires going beyond your neighbourhood Canadian Tire or Wal-Mart.

Zuccarini
Zuccarini not only offers imported Italian espresso machines, but also bears a long history of serving Toronto caffeine addicts since 1954. In fact, they claim to have begun the influx of espresso machines into Canada--with a Gaggia, no less--and have continued to do so through a family-run operation. Their stock has expanded to include Elektra, Nuova Simonelli, Franke, Pasquini, and it all comes with an in-house warranty guarantee.

Nella Cutlery
Nella Cutlery is better-known as a supplier of food equipment for restaurants, and their selection of espresso machines certainly steers more readily towards a busy cafe than a lazy Sunday morning at home. But if you're looking for an efficient, multi-tasking espresso machine, check out their selection of Saeco two-cup brewers, or the one-cup Saeco Xelsis, a beautiful piece of machinery ready to prepare your favourite espresso-based beverage.

Faema
Faema has been bringing espresso and cappuccino to Canada for over 50 years, and they have the stock and presentation centre to prove it--you can even opt to test your machine before purchase. While they also offer coffee machines, Faema's passion is espresso. You'll find both traditional and super-automatic models from brands such as Giotto and Jura, espresso grinders, beans and accessories--all of which will fetch a (very) pretty penny, but just add up the many Americanos and cappuccinos you've enjoyed around the city, and it doesn't seem so bad.

Green Beanery
The Green Beanery is known primarily for their wide variety of beans, non-profit origins and ethical approach to coffee, but they also offer espresso machines from a long list of well-known brands, including Bunn, Krups and Saeco. You can easily lose track of time wandering through their Bloor and Bathurst store--in which Bodum figures largely. The Green Beanery's devotion to coffee preparation is evident in their selection--from pod coffee makers, to French press, to cold brew, and even in their sale of copper Turkish coffee pots ($60). You'll also find coffee grinders, roasters, and of course, their renowned stock of green coffee beans.

Espresso Planet
Espresso Planet boasts a near-intimidating selection of over 1,000 products spread over their massive 5,000 square feet of showroom, from simple drip and filter coffee machines, to cleaning supplies for your coffeemaker, to pump-driven and super-automatic espresso machines. They even have single-serve espresso makers available both as portable systems and porcelain cups. You'll also find an array of sauces and syrups such as Monin caramel sauce and the Torani line of syrups used in many Toronto coffee shops. As a bonus, their prices are consistently below market.

La Strada
La Strada carries a large selection of higher-end espresso machine brands such as Saeco--the purported inventor of superautomatic machines--as well as Gaggia, Jura, and fire-engine-red, gorgeously retro Francis Francis models. They also offer maintenance and repair for your espresso machines, demo model and out-of-box specials, machine cleaning products and other accessories.

Consiglio's Kitchenware and Gift
Consiglio's offers a wide array of top-of-the-line espresso machines--ranging from Gaggia, to Delonghi, to Bugatti--in both manual and superautomatic varieties. You'll also find matching accessories for your brand-name purchase, such as cup warmers and coffee grinders as well as ceramic and stainless steel stovetop espresso makers, and even a selection of turkish froth pots.

Nespresso
Nespresso coffee and espresso machines rely on pre-measured capsules which ensure a flawless brew every time. Many of their machines--such as the vintage-inspired CitiZ for $269--can produce both short espresso and lungo, and can be adjusted to fit a macchiato glass. Models such as the Latissima ($599) feature a cup warming plate and a removable milk container for storage in the fridge. Also, each machine comes with a 1-2-year warranty.

Bonus:

Home Coffee Solutions
Home Coffee Solutions is included because we didn't want to neglect you coffee lovers. This is one of the more economic and accessible coffee purveyors on this list. They carry both Keurig K-cups and Tassimo T-Discs--although if that's your cup of tea (har har), you should also consult Singlecup.ca --as well as coffee brewers that run the gamut from Nespresso to Illy to Breville. A wide variety of coffee and tea accessories (with Bodum represented disproportionately), milk frothers, carousels, and Illy-branded housewares round out the selection. They have two retail locations within the city.

Photo by Madhava Enros on Flickr