Exactly what DH said!!
Courton, I am a coffee snob! So probably shouldn't answer this thread.. However if your husband is doing a barista course I don't think Pod machines or thermite will make the grade.I have a mini mazer grinder and a rancilio slyvia. Our first machine was a sunbeam, which produced quite good coffees. They are recommended by Choice magazine on a regular basis, and now used by our son. I have quite a few stove top and manual machines - newest arrival is the presso Rok.All good coffee takes time.
I have a Nespresso Pixie. We like our coffee but are not connoisseurs at all. We buy each new flavour that comes out and enjoy most of them. Recently bought some Hazelnut, Macadamia and also a Hawaiian one. Very nice. DH only likes instant so I have one of these a day..