I've tried many different kinds of coffee makers. The two I use the most are my Rancilio Silvia ($685) (modded with a PID temperature control system) and a Bialetti Moka Express Stovetop Percolator ($26). The Bialetti happily accepts any kind of ground coffee (from coarse grind to nearly-powered Armenian coffee) and produces strong tasty coffee in about two minutes. My Bialetti has been abused (the handle and lid melted off when my daughter it on the burner unattended for about 45 minutes) but I repaired it and it is serving me well: 
