Designed by iconic Italian master Gio Ponti, the Europiccola Lever-Style Espresso Maker is as much countertop sculpture as appliance. La Pavoni devotees tend to be fanatic; check out Lair of the Chrome Peacock, by Kazys Varnelis of Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, the definitive guide on the care and maintenance of the Chrome Peacock.

Above: The 8-Cup Chrome Euro EPC-8 Model, with a capacious nickel-plated brass tank and a Bakelite screw top, is $758.90 at Amazon.