It's been years since I owned one, so I'm not qualified to make a current recommendation on models/brands. However I do know that you need more than just "steam pressure" to make true espresso. You need a minimum of 9 BAR/135 PSI (some people say 14 BAR) to do it right. The cost of the pump and storage vessel (if it's not hand-pumped) to achieve that knocks most of the department store machines out of the running.

I agree with VI who recommends buying a refurbished CHF 1500 machine for CHF 300, rather than a new department store model for CHF 300...