[Isabo]

I've never even heard of Salvatore and Rancillio.
I use a Gaggia at home and a Saeco at work.
They are both ok quality and cost around 100 euros. When the limescale build up beats me, (despite using bottled water and regular cleaning), I just buy another. I've had them professionally serviced at about half the cost of replacement but it's not worth it when you include the hassle of sending one away and being without my personal caffeine fix. I also keep a moka and a napolitana as emergency back-ups. Those are really a different kind of coffee but some people, eg my husband Armando, prefer it. Like many Italians my husband has a miniature moka he sometimes takes with him when travelling abroad. Italians often have heavy caffeine addictions and can't face life abroad without their kind of coffee. Similarly I have American friends that bring maple syrup when they stay with me.
I don't understand the cost of the Salvatore as an espresso machine is made from quite simple components, I take mine apart to clean sometimes. That being said if it made a better coffee as a coffee addict and a lover of quality kit I would certainly consider one. I also love the American Robochef mixer and they cost the earth compared to a usual one but they are certainly built to last.