The BEST espresso maker out there, September 7, 2009
After doing a whole lot of research I finally settled on this Gaggia machine. I never owned a Gaggia before. I had a Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker (the 20 something dollar ones...) and I also had the stove espresso makers that I just got sick and tired of after a while, so I decided to go for the upgrade. The Nespresso is a clever product, but...read full review
After doing a whole lot of research I finally settled on this Gaggia machine. I never owned a Gaggia before. I had a Mr. Coffee Espresso Maker (the 20 something dollar ones...) and I also had the stove espresso makers that I just got sick and tired of after a while, so I decided to go for the upgrade. The Nespresso is a clever product, but let's face it, it's not real espresso - it's chemistry with a mocca flavor. Plus I could never see myself just sticking with their Nespresso cofee pods - I am a "illy one week, lavazza the next" type of person. I've had the nespresso - it's quite tasty cofee, I must admit - but it just lacks that real espresso kick for me. So, I went online and did hours of research. I settled on this machine and eagerly waited for it. Some of the reviews in here scared me off a bit, but I decided to give it a shot anyway. I also got the burr grinder since lots of folks recommended it (not the Gaggia one, but the 90 dollar version). So finally, the box arrived and I got down to business. I put some El Salvadorian espresso coffee (medium grind), and the first cup was pretty darn nasty. It's ok - everyone knows that first cups are part of the learning curve! The second one was bad also. I packed it so tight that the lever didn't want to turn itself into position. It's part of the trick with this machine - never pack the coffee all the way to the top. Make sure you leave some room. It took me about 3-4 tries to figure it out, and I must be honest - I thought that the machine was the worst coffee investment I ever made. Once I started packing the coffee (so tightly) 3/4 of the way through it could squeeze itself into position. I only use the large espresso holder - the other two that come with the machine don't really pack a punch (tried them also, but the coffee was weak). All of a sudden I had a cup of coffee, but no crema, so I was still mad at my skills. Then came the real a-ha moment. I got my burr grinder and ground a very good quality coffee (again from El Sal, but better than the first version). I used the fine grind setting (not the very fine - the Gaggia didn't really take the fine grind well). So, I pack it tightly, turn the machine on, wait a few minutes for the green light to shine, and ASI ES - pure crema with a strong cup of coffee. This machine is amazing once you try it a few times. I strongly recommend the burr grinder - without it you're not getting the best out of it. Now I have two strong espressos before going to work, and then another two afterwards. So, I can't get no sleep and I wanted to write this review about my new best friend from Milano. minimize
A Fair Review From a Esspresso Fanatic, November 5, 2008
This machine is not for beginners as they will most likely get pretty discouraged at the first dozen of pulls that they do. It does require some expertise to get a perfect shot (ESE Pods make it a little easier. Very straight forward in terms of setup and use. It does require tinkering with the amount of coffee and setup but that's expected of any ...read full review
This machine is not for beginners as they will most likely get pretty discouraged at the first dozen of pulls that they do. It does require some expertise to get a perfect shot (ESE Pods make it a little easier. Very straight forward in terms of setup and use. It does require tinkering with the amount of coffee and setup but that's expected of any semi-automatic machines.
The machine warms up quickly so you can get a quick shot if you know the steps. If you don't put in correct amount of coffee and right grind level it will either be too bitter or too weak and/or no espresso "krema".
It's also very stylish it blends in nicely in the kitchen. It does produce fabulous shots and will last you a long long time if you care for it. The machine is a little messy and can require some patience but for the price you really do get the Gaggia's finest inner workings. I would say in the price range it gives the best overall quality of craftsmanship and delivery of espresso.
It has a nice CD guide for beginners but you really need to dedicate some time to learning the whole process. If you are a type of customer that just like to get a quick shot then I would recommend saving up just a tiny bit more and get a Super Automatic (e.g Saeco S-SPV-BK Spidem Villa Super-Automatic Espresso Machine) its around 400-500 bucks but it grinds the coffee and prepares the espresso for you perfectly and neatly every time. A good buy for the money if you really want to learn the esspresso pulling process this is the machine for you. minimize
Excellent Product, Highly Recommended, June 9, 2008
I'm now on my second machine, and with proper cleaning and care, these things last really quite long. This particular machine has a much better steamer than any other espresso machine I've ever used. The espresso it produces for the value is well worth the price. I highly recommend this product.
Religious faith, June 4, 2008
I bought this machine a year ago. It was a matter of religious faith. If I would pray hard enough it would work. I stopped 'believing' yesterday when, while TRYING once more to make myself an espresso, the machine started to make a loud noise as if it would explode in a few seconds. I didn't want to risk my integrity once more, so I finally threw...read full review
I bought this machine a year ago. It was a matter of religious faith. If I would pray hard enough it would work. I stopped 'believing' yesterday when, while TRYING once more to make myself an espresso, the machine started to make a loud noise as if it would explode in a few seconds. I didn't want to risk my integrity once more, so I finally threw it away.
minimize
Not perfect, but a solid machine that you'll like, March 5, 2008
I've had this unit for about 10 weeks now. I've made over 100 shots of espresso in that time.
Pros:
- Plenty of pressure. Has no problem extracting a double shot of espresso in 25 seconds provided you have your grind setting correct.
- Serious steam wand pressure. Easily takes 8 oz. of milk up to 150 degrees...read full review
I've had this unit for about 10 weeks now. I've made over 100 shots of espresso in that time.
Pros:
- Plenty of pressure. Has no problem extracting a double shot of espresso in 25 seconds provided you have your grind setting correct.
- Serious steam wand pressure. Easily takes 8 oz. of milk up to 150 degrees (and would easily go beyond if I let it) in under a minute, with a lot of foam (can easily double or triple the milk volume in that time).
- Easy to use. One button to start warmup, one button to draw the shots of espresso, and one button to produce steam for the wand. Dial to adjust steam amount. 15 seconds from pressing the steam button to having lots of pressure available at the wand.
- Produces nice espresso. With fresh beans and the right grind (burr grinder a must; you -will- get poor results with a blade grinder), really nice shots with lots of crema. The temp is right, it's not watery and it's not bitter/burnt. With old beans or a poor grind, still makes average to good shots.
- Perfect Froth wand. Purists hate this and insist that you should change out the steam wand with a standard one (which will work fine - check out forums on wholelattelove for the recommended replacement part). However, I actually like the froth wand. While I do like taking the purist approach to frothing sometimes, on some mornings I just want a pitcher full of froth without having to think about it, and the Perfect Froth wand will deliver that every time.
- Cleanup easy. Can clean up in a minute (bang out the coffee puck, rinse head under water, pop off Perfect Frother, rinse that, blast of steam out the wand, wipe the wand down, rinse out frothing pitcher, done.)
- Warmup time. Ready to use in as little as 5-6 minutes. By the time I've ground the coffee, got the milk out, prepared the frothing pitcher, found my mug, put a flavor shot in it, and run a blank shot through the unit (to get fresh water in the pump and heat up the head and glasses), it's pretty much ready to go. If you have time, give it 10 minutes to be sure, but works with 5-6 in a pinch.
Cons
- Can be drippy. I empty the drip tray twice a week, that's with making 2-4 shots per day. Doesn't really bother me.
- Water tank could be larger. Refill every 3-4 days. Slightly awkward to slide full tank back into place and manage the intake tubes. (Not really a big deal, may splash a few drops of water on you)
- Perfect crema device - could never get it to fit in the head, but haven't needed it. Unit generates good crema as-is.
- Casing not as sturdy as it could be. It does flex a bit as I'm tightening the head. Filter head handle has a little play in it.
- Tamper is cheap plastic. I bought an aluminum one from Amazon.
Of the cons, the only ones that concern/annoy me are the slightly small water tank size, and to a lesser extent, the sturdiness of the casing. The other things are either to be expected, easily remedied, or easily ignored. People complain about the unit being drippy, but I'd rather have that than a unit with too little pressure - it's the residual pressure that causes the drips. That's what a drip tray is for. Espresso is a slightly messy hobby, it comes with the territory.
Overall I am extremely happy with the unit. The internals are identical to units much more expensive. Results are consistent each time. The unit isn't fussy; it's fairly forgiving if I rush it in the morning or use older beans.
This is a great unit to graduate up to from an entry-level unit, when you start to get serious about making espresso and espresso drinks. For the price, the quality can't be beat. I researched units for about six months before I bought, and I am very happy with the decision.
Final note - you definitely also should consider getting a burr grinder if you don't already have one. You can't generate the consistency and fineness of the grind with a blade grinder, and if you buy pre-ground beans, that'll work in a pinch but you'll lose a lot of flavor and crema within minutes of grinding. Since buying this unit and a burr grinder, I now buy my espresso blends from local roasters directly because I finally have a unit where the quality of the beans does show through. minimize
Description: FREE SHIPPING. The high wattage dual heating element boiler has about the quickest heat up time in the industry. The 55 watt pump has power to spare, and is mounted on vibration resistant rubber mounts.
(26 total reviews)