Jura-Capresso 13548 Impressa J6 Automatic Coffee and Espresso Center Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had this machine for about a week, and bought it at my local Sur le Table store. This was my first automatic machine and I am still totally freaked out at how expensive they are. That being said, the machine makes amazing coffee. It's also really cool to make tea and hot soup with the hot water feature. The machine works well overall (knock on wood) and I expect to keep getting amazing coffee for years to come.

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An excellent choice for anyone who appreciates great-tasting coffee, this automatic coffee and espresso center grinds, tamps, and brews in under 60 seconds, making it easy to enjoy espresso, cafe au lait, cappuccino, latte macchiato, ristretto, and other cafe-style coffee drinks from the comfort of home. The machine comes equipped with a quiet, commercial-quality, solid-steel conical burr grinder with six fineness settings for any type bean; a high-performance 15-bar pump for high-pressure brewing and perfect crema; and a fast-heating 1450-watt stainless-steel-lined Thermoblock water-heating system, which means it can produce one cup after another with no downtime in between and no old-water purging necessary--remaining water gets discharged automatically and each batch starts with fresh, cold water. Even more, the machine delivers unlimited amounts of steam to heat and froth milk, and it comes standard with two interchangeable frother systems: Dual Frother Plus for traditional (manual) frothing and steaming with two settings for steaming only (latte) and frothing (cappuccino), and a frothXpress automatic frothing system, which siphons cold milk, combines it with steam, and delivers any amount of frothed/steamed milk directly into cups.
The user-friendly appliance offers not only powerful performance, but also a simple, elegant design with easy-to-use controls. Its front ring-shaped panel includes six pre-programmed one-touch beverage buttons for one espresso, two espressos, one coffee, two coffees, hot water, and steam. Pushing the integrated rotary button allows for entering 11 different programming options. Use the rotary dial to over-ride the strength and cup size while brewing (with no effect on the pre-programmed settings). There are four coffee strengths for the one-cup buttons, two coffee temperatures, three hot-water output temperatures, 1/2-ounce to 8-ounce cup sizes for the single-cup coffee buttons, 1/2-ounce to 8-ounce cup sizes for the double-cup coffee buttons (total of up to 16 ounces of coffee), 1/2-ounce to 15-ounce cup sizes for the hot-water button, and 2 to 120 seconds for the steam button. All functions and settings can be clearly viewed in the alpha-numeric LED display.
Though compact in size, the unit provides a large 71-ounce removable water container (good for up to 45 espressos) and a 9-ounce (250-gram) bean container with an electronic sensor to prevent running out of beans. Other highlights include a pre-ground coffee funnel function that automatically overrides the grinder (ideal for decaf or flavored coffee), a two step pre-infusion cycle for maximum aroma, ceramic valve technology for hotter coffee and more crema in the cup, height- and width-adjustable dual coffee spouts (Butterfly design), a Clearyl water-filter system, and a concealed storage compartment. Accessories include a measuring scoop, cleaning tablets, a Clearyl filter, and a water-hardness indicator strip. Housed in elegant Piano Black with a heavy-duty chrome platform and small footprint, the coffee and espresso center measures 16-1/2 by 11 by 13-1/4 inches and carries a two-year limited warranty.

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Gaggia 8002 MDF Burr Grinder with Doser, PARENT Review

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(More customer reviews)Real espresso is a combination of freshly roasted beans properly ground and pressed at high pressure using 200 degree water. When you do that, you produce something so delicious it'll blow your mind if you love coffee. When purchasing equipment to do this at home, the most crucial of these three factors is in many ways the grinder. You need to be producing a very exact, very fine grind that doesn't include larger chunks (it'll mess up the pressure, because water will "channel" here) nor coffee dust (which will end up in your cup). And you kinda' want a grinder that won't break.
There are surprisingly few grinders sold that meet these requirements. Some espresso drinkers try to get by with one of the only two grinders under $150 which can sometimes manage this: the Solis Maestro and the Capresso Infinity. Whether you succeed will depend a lot on whether you got lucky, and you got one that happens to be put together well. Both make use of plastic parts which will fail over time. Some people buy the Solis Maestro Plus for $150 -- it's heavier than the Maestro, but otherwise no better: you're really wasting your money. The next step up is the Gaggia MDF. It usually sells for around $200, and the Amazon price tends to fluctuate, actually coming in under $200 some of the time with promotions, which makes it a wonderful bargain, though that may be hard to fathom for folks used to a $20 whirly blade grinder. The MDF used semi-commercial grade steel burrs in a semi-commercial (and hence longer lasting) burr set. It will produce the even, fine grind necessary for espresso, and when paired with another Gaggia, or a Solis or Rancilio or FrancisFrancis machine, you're ready to be a home barista and blow the minds of your friends. If you've got a bit more money, I'd recommend the Rancilio Rocky, which typically sells for $280: it's quieter and more rugged, but uses the identical burrs to the MDF. Up from there would be the Mazzer Mini for around $360, which should last you 20 years if not a lifetime. Most people who get into home espresso eventually end up with a Mazzer someday, and you could save yourself some time and money by just starting out with one. But the MDF is probably the best bargain going for being a true home barista. If you're terribly on a budget, Vaneli's Maximo is inferior but useable, and sometimes sells here for low prices.

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With 34 grind settings, this home grinder provides exceptional results for anything from espresso to drip to French press. The unit's commercial-strength 120-watt motor, in combination with its gear-reduction system, provides exceptional torque, extremely quite operation, and reduced static build-up, while its 50-mm tempered-steel grinding burrs deliver precision-ground beans, quickly and efficiently. With each pull of the plastic lever, the grinder's convenient doser dispenses 1/4-ounce of coffee from the ground-coffee container directly into the filter holder. Pull the lever once for one cup of espresso, or twice for two cups. Constructed of impact-resistant smoked plastic, the ground-coffee container for the dosing section has an 8-ounce capacity, and the large 10-ounce bean hopper is made with a sealed top to ensure bean freshness. The burr grinder measures 20 by 14 by 14 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

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Rancilio Silvia espresso, lattes, cappuccinos maker (silver) Review

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(More customer reviews)This machine is the perfect blend of quality, durability, and ease of repair for a home machine under $500. It makes espresso that rivals any you can buy at a coffee house.
I've been making home espresso for 25 years and have used many different machines of various prices which all died. I bought one for $250 from Starbucks which died in one year. They told me parts were not available. This machine is practically bullet-proof. I've had it for over 5 years and it is still running like new. Sure it hurts to spend this much on an espresso machine, but how many $250 machines will you go through? Learn from my mistake(s) and get a good one.
All the parts inside are commercial or semi-commercial grade. Anyone who works on commercial espresso machines can work on this one, and the parts are readily available. It's all stainless and cast iron. Very nice.
It has a 3-way solenoid, which you want, trust me. The 3-way solenoid lets pressure escape from the basket when you switch off the pump so that the coffee grounds fall out of the portafilter handle in a solid little disk instead of a soupy mess.
You DO NEED a good grinder made for espresso to use this machine. The pump puts out a solid 9 bar, which means most grinders can't get the coffee fine enough. A burr grinder is the only way to go. This makes the grounds fine enough that a shot will take about 20 seconds to make. Any less time for a shot and it means your coffee is too coarse. If you don't want to buy a grinder right now, there are some good preground espresso coffees in a can (such as Illy), but it will go stale fast. You'll want the grinder.
If you want great espresso, and a reliable machine, you can't go wrong with the Silvia. Take a bit of time to learn proper technique and you'll be happy with this one.

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Gaggia 87003 Espresso De Luxe Espresso Machine, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)I loved it for the ease of use and my latte was as good as Starbucks. I used lowfat milk with excellent results and lots of foam. I was really sorry when it stoped working exactly one year after purchase. It's not a cheap equipment so I expected it to last longer.

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The Gaggia Espresso Deluxe is a performance orientated machine offered at a low price. It boasts the same quality espresso and steaming capabilities as the higher priced Gaggia machines. No other espresso maker will bring you the pump power, heating capacity, brass components, and pure results at this price. Gaggia has been tested and approved for use with the world famous Illy pods. Unlike other brands that give you only one option, Gaggia gives you the flexibility of choosing between a commercial or pressurized style filter basket. The unique Perfect Crema Device allows this flexibility. Gaggia is in the process of rolling out a new Turbo-Frother wand replacing the metal frothing wand and sleeve. Your Gaggia may have shipped with the Turbo-Frother wand or the frothing wand. Both are designed to help you get great froth with minimum fuss. The Espresso Deluxe comes with the added bonus of an automatic frothing attachment that will drop pre-frothed milk directly into your cup. The controls are simple and have all the necessary temperature ready lights. Use this machine to its fullest and each cup will be creamy, tasty, robust, and rich with flavor. This includes two stainless steel filter baskets (one and two shot), coffee tamper, and 7g measuring scoop.

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Gaggia Syncrony Compact Digital Super Auto Espresso Machine - 9004 Review

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(More customer reviews)I received this espresso machine for Christmas 2007, and have been extremely pleased with its performance. I've had absolutely no problems....once I learned how to use the machine properly. Note, there are a few websites that offer video tutorials on how to use this machine that are very useful. Note, I use this machine every single day...typically going through 14 shots of espresso (at least) since there are several coffee drinker in our home. We have almost entirely abandoned our previous coffee maker...not because we didn't like it, but because this machine is so wonderful. Here are a few insights:
1. This machine typically makes 12-14 individually ground espresso shots before you will need to empty the hopper. It's pretty easy and no big deal to do this. The grinder works flawlessly, and the hopper typically holds about a 1/2 to 2/3 pound of beans.
2. I have tried to use ground coffee with this machine, which doesn't taste anywhere as good as the beans. When I first got the machine, I tried using some "fine ground" espresso in the little door on top to make a cup of coffee. No espresso would come out the machine....it took a long time to figure out that it was clogging up the filter. I used slightly coarser ground beans with excellent results.
3. There are two buttons for making espresso - I refer to them as the regular and large size buttons. You can adjust how much water each button will automatically dispense very easily.
4. The steam attachment on the side of the machine works very well for both steam and dispensing hot water.
5. There is an automatic decalcification light that comes on to let you know to run the appropriate cleanser through the machine. I've figured out this light turns on based upon the number of cycles of espresso that are made versus actual need. No big deal....it's a good reminder light for maintance.
6. The water tank is pretty straight forward and lifts off for filling, although I prefer to lift the top off of it and refilling via a large glass/pitcher.
7. This machine is mostly made of plastic, but it's very solid and well made. The tray beneath the espresso dispenser is made of metal, along with the steamer nozzel.
8. I highly recommend watching one of the instructional videos for this machine. It does require learning very basic steps, which are explained well with the included instructions (they are outright cryptic). This is a very easy machine to use once you understand the controls.
9. If I could add a feature it would be a counter mechanism - because some days I lose track of my caffeine intake and I'm simply curious as to how many shots we've really made in total.
I've made at least 2000 espresso shots with this great machine. Overall, myself, my family, and my friends have all enjoyed it...and everyone wants one. I've converted many diehard regular coffee drinkers to more flavorful espresso. You decide....this machine isn't cheap. But some luxuries are wonderful if you can afford it.

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By combining the latest technology with sophisticated style, the innovative designers at Gaggia have created the Syncrony Compact Digital - a truly impressive espresso machine. This sleek machine is equipped with two boilers - one stainless steel-lined thermo block brewing boiler and one aluminum steaming boiler - to speed up the initial heating process and regulate the Rapid Steam System feature. The Rapid Steam System allows you to move from brewing to steaming with little down time, making it extremely easy to create luscious cappuccinos for your guests and look like a professionally trained barista. The designers at Gaggia also made sure to include a stainless-steel Pannarello frothing attachment, which will enable you to froth and steam milk fabulously every time. The Gaggia Syncrony Compact Digital's functions are controlled by seven push buttons and an LCD digital display that provides easy programming of all the options found on this state-of-the-art espresso machine. Featuring five temperature settings, an on/off timer and clock, and three coffee volume settings, the Syncrony Compact Digital is the ultimate in flexibility and customization. Additionally, pre-ground decaffeinated or flavored coffee can be added through the bypass doser - a quintessential feature on any super-automatic espresso machine. Specifications: LCD Digital Display guides you through the brewing process and provides alerts and programming information for: Cleaning and descaling based on water hardness Setting water temperature Pre-infusion and pre-grinding Counting the cups brewed Utilizing the automatic timer and energy saving mode Three programmable push-buttons brew based on the liquid volume you choose Automatic ground coffee dosing is adjustable from 6 to 9 grams Removable 44oz water reservoir Five temperature settings Conical Burr Grinder with 18 adjustable grind settings 7.5oz bean hopper capacity and 9 gram bypass doser Easily removable Brew Group Dual frothing accessories i...

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Gaggia 11400 Achille Lever-Operated Espresso Machine Review

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(More customer reviews)I received this beautiful espresso machine in June. It is a stunning work of functional art. Out of the box it had two problems: a leak in the boiler water level gauge and the steam valve would not turn off completely. I called the number given for service and reached Importika, the importer of the machine. The people I dealt with were not timely in responses to phone calls and e-mails. I had to be persistent beyond reasonableness to receive the necessary approval to send it in for service. I was told repeatedly that they would notify me when the part arrived from Italy. They never did that. I had to contact them. Then I had to pay $50 for shipping. The only service center that had the part was on the east coast, I live on the west coast. The west coast service center did not have the part. That repair took 3 1/2 weeks from the time it left my door until it returned. In early December the machine started dripping uncontrollably from the showerhead. Again, I had to deal with the same people at Importika. Again, I had to be the one to continually contact them even though I was told several times that they would contact me. They never did. Finally, they told me it had to be sent in for repairs. Since this was the second time it was being sent in for repair in 6 months, I made two requests of them. First, I asked that they send to me a prepaid shipping label, and secondly, that they replace the machine with a new one. These requests, in my experience, are not unreasonable, especially given the over $1,000 price tag. That was at the end of December. It is now Feb. 7 and they have not responded. For the cost of this machine, I expect exceptional service if it is needed. I have NOT received exceptional service. I would not even call it acceptable. The machine has stopped dripping in the mean time and I'm hoping that it has miraculously cured itself.
The machine makes wonderful espresso. I've made espresso for years with other Gaggia machines and it took weeks of experimenting to get the correct combination of grind fineness and tamping pressure. Once I had it figured out, it makes the best espresso I've had from a home brew machine. I use Illy Caffe beans. Using it will build your biceps.
In summary, it's a fantastic machine with a couple of realiability issues and absolutely awful customer service for after the purchase repairs. Cross your fingers that you won't need to do so.

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The designers at Gaggia know a good thing when they see it. Just one look at this lever operated espresso machine and you'll journey back to the golden age of espresso, when Gaggia founder Achille Gaggia was king. This vintage-looking espresso machine is a real throwback, and with its cylindrical body, stainless steel housing, and domed water reservoir, the Achille is sure to grab your attention. To operate the Achille, simply raise the lever on the front of the machine and a piston inside the group is raised, allowing water under pressure to infuse the coffee in the filter holder. When you lower the lever, the pressure causes the piston to force water through the coffee and into your cup. And with the Achille's easy-to-use Turbo frothing wand, your friends will not only be impressed with your old-world brewing skills, but also with the decadent, creamy froth you are able to create. When you have a Gaggia Achille on your counter, it makes a bold statement: you are serious about making coffee. The Gaggia Achille comes with both single and double shot filter baskets, as well as a tamper.

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Gaggia 11300 Baby D Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, Silver Review

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(More customer reviews)This machine could not be better. It's a Porche. Clean, efficient, easy to use and maintain, and makes great espresso. I had a Krupps and a Seco before and this machine makes those seem like toys. I'd recomend this without reservation. My only complaint is the size of the water tank (too small requiring frequent refilling, though that is very easy to do).

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Gaggia has revolutionized a classic machine for 2006. The Baby D retains the commercial quality parts you have come to expect and adds 2 programmable dosing brew buttons, which provides unparalleled flexibility and convenience when brewing espresso. Programming is easy with a simple "press and hold" method. The Baby D distinguishes itself by sporting a 3 way solenoid valve that gives the in house Barista a nice, dry espresso puck after brewing - meaning less mess and a quicker, easy clean up. To brew a commercial quality espresso you need a portafilter that is of commercial size, design and weight. The Baby D comes with a 58mm, 16 oz chrome plated brass portafilter, which provides excellent heat retention (just like the coffee shops use) and is pod capable (ESE coffee pod ready). Gaggia's Baby D features a brew group forged to commercial standards. The solid marine brass core is chrome-plated, giving maximum heat retention and durability where it matters the most. Gaggia's 55 watt water pump is one of the strongest in the industry. The Baby D has a 48 oz reservoir and recently improved on the turbo frother, producing a large amount of creamy froth without the hassle of"working the milk". The Baby D also comes with; Single/POD & double stainless steel filter baskets, coffee tamper and 7 gram coffee scoop. This is one of Gaggia's premier semi-automatics.

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Expobar Office Control Espresso Machine Review

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(More customer reviews)I have owned this machine for three years and have never regretted it. Ok, I regretted it a little when I had to get it repaired once, but it is a straightforward and simple machine, with a double boiler so you don't have to switch temperatures between making espresso and steaming milk.

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The Expobar Office Control espresso machine is truly in a league of its own. It is a fully automatic espresso machine that has four programmable buttons for dispensing any amount of water through your coffee with the push of a button. The commercial style boiler is made of copper and has all the controls that are found on the larger commercial machines. It can simultaneously brew and steam, allowing for extensive flexibility. This machine is sensational for those who love to entertain, or even just for the executive who does not want to visit the drip coffee machine down the hall. It has both a steam wand and hot water dispensing wand that are mounted on ball joints so that they can swing in any direction. Its size makes it convenient for those who don't want to give up a large amount of counter space. It is 15.5" tall, 9.5" wide and 16.5" deep. The group head is comparable to the renowned E61 group head with pre-infusion and thermal siphon for maximum temperature stability and aroma extraction. The stainless steel housing is as beautiful as it is durable. The accessories include a chrome plated brass portafilter, tamper, single shot filter basket, double shot filter basket and a 7 gram coffee scoop.

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Gaggia 35004 Carezza Espresso Machine, White Review

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(More customer reviews)This machine is nothing short of a steal for someone on a budget interested in a true espresso machine. The innards of this Gaggia are identical to every one of their models from this one up until the Gaggia Baby/Classic (which adds a solenoid valve) which retails for around $450/$500. The brew group is the same commercial grade heavy hunk of brass with commercial 58mm portafilter, the aluminum boiler is the same as the Gaggia boiler found in the Classic. There is simply no comparison between this model and any non-Italian made competitor, such as Krups. A small drip tray (use an empty cup!) is a tiny price to pay for the awesome internals.
That said, one ought to realize that they cannot produce true crema-laden espresso without a grinder capable of producing an even, fine espresso grind, coupled with freshly roasted beans. This machine ought to be paired with the Gaggia MDF grinder, a Rancilio Rocky, or a Mazzer Mini. For those on a budget, you might be able to get away with a Capresso Infinity or Solis Maestro Plus --especially if you're content with milk drinks (since you'll have little leeway to tweak the espresso)-- but be very careful about other budget grinders. Gagggia's budget burr grinder (not the MDF), for example, is not up to the task. If you drink straight espresso, go with the Gaggia MDF for sure.
Be aware that the price seems to fluctuate on Amazon, but it can typically be bought for under $200 at the more famous espresso on-line places, and often here at Amazon.

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The Gaggia Carezza is one of the hottest products in the low $200 price range. No other espresso manufacturer will bring you the pump power, heating capacity, brass components and pure results at this price. Hi-tech performance combined with simplified fingertip control takes the guesswork out of making delicious espresso and cappuccino at home or in the office. Each cup will be creamy, tasty, robust and rich with flavor. Gaggia is in the process of rolling out a new Turbo-Frother wand replacing the metal frothing wand and sleeve. Your Gaggia may have shipped with the Turbo-Frother wand or the frothing wand. Both are designed to help you get great froth with minimum fuss

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Gaggia 102533 Espresso-Dose Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, Warm Silver Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this from Amazon in January and found it makes great espresso for a relatively small and light weight machine. I also have a Sirena which is much sturdier and more expensive but I think that the Gaggia makes a better espresso. I initially gave this product a lower rating because the lights failed to operate after a few uses and I was frustrated because it wasn't clear how to trouble shoot the machine from the Gaggia website. Thanks to Google, I found the customer support number in the US. They called me back promptly and were very helpful. They were able to resolve the problem with me over the phone with a simple screwdriver in about 5 minutes. They actually knew a lot about the machine and I didn't need to send it back and wait 5 weeks! Despite the issue with the lights, I think the machine has been well worth it.

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Brew cafe-quality espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, tea, and more from the comfort of home with this semi-automatic espresso machine. Thanks to its stainless-steel boiler, passively heated cup warmer, and maximum pump pressure of 15 bars, each shot brews at the proper temperature and comes out with a thick layer of golden crema. The unit also provides a chrome-plated brass brew group and portafilter for excellent temperature stability, and the portafilter can be used with ESE coffee pods or ground coffee. Unlike many semi-automatic espresso machines, it also offers a programmable dosage button that allows for setting a preferred dosage for single and double shots of espresso. In addition, its Pannarello steam wand takes the guesswork out of frothing milk for thick cappuccinos and lattes, plus delivers hot water for tea, hot cocoa, or instant soup. Other highlights include a simple control panel, the ability to make two cups simultaneously, a large 42-ounce removable water reservoir, and impact-resistant ABS plastic housing in a classic, timeless design that brings style and innovation to any kitchen or workspace. Accessories include a single-shot, double-shot, and E.S.E. filter basket; a coffee tamper; and a coffee-measuring scoop. Designed in Italy by Gaggia, one of the most respected names in the industry, the 1100-watt espresso machine measures 10-4/5 by 8-2/7 by 14 inches.

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Gaggia 16103 Evolution Espresso Machine, Silver Review

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(More customer reviews)This is not meant to be a complete review of this espresso maker. If you see my "So you'd like to make great espresso at home" guide, you'll find that I argue that Gaggia's are best espresso machines in the $100-$400 range, always besting anything made by Krups or other non-Italian manufacturers. In other words, this is a great espresso machine.
That said, Gaggia uses the identical internals on their Evolution, Carezza, Espresso, and Coffee de Luxe machines. The only differences are in the external "looks." I personally find the Evolution the most attractive, with the Carezza a close second, but you can form your own opinion by simply looking at the pictures. Why these models sell for different prices remains a mystery. In Europe, I have seen the Carezza typically cost the most, and the Evolution sell for the least. (For example, just check Amazon.co.uk.) In America, the Carezza usually sells for the least. If you're looking for the best value, consider the Carezza.

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Combining advanced technology with classic form, this 1425-watt espresso machine features a high-power 55-watt pump and heavy-duty, commercial-grade materials for quality that goes beyond the exterior. The unit's high-wattage dual heating element boiler has a quick heat-up time, and its grouphead and portafilter are made of heavy-gauge chromed brass that allows for excellent temperature stability. To take the guesswork out of brewing cafe-style espresso at home, the machine offers simple fingertip controls, is approved for use with Illy pods, and includes all necessary "temperature ready" lights.
For added convenience, the unit’s self-priming pump reduces prep time, and its Turbo Frother steam wand quickly froths milk. The machine's laterally removable water reservoir allows for easy filling or cleaning--simply slide it to the left and pour the water in. Other useful features include a large drip tray, a stainless-steel grill, vibration-resistant rubber mounts for stability, and a warming plate to accommodate cups. Two stainless-steel filter baskets (single and double shot), a coffee tamper, and a 7-gram measuring scoop are included, along with an instruction manual and a tutorial CD-ROM. Designed in Italy by Gaggia, one of the most respected names in the espresso industry, the machine measures 8-3/4 by 10-1/2 by 13-1/2 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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Gaggia 90851 Platinum Swing Automatic Espresso Machine with Milk Island, Silver and Black Review

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(More customer reviews)I had a problem with the first machine I received. It didn't work, and had to go back. The second machine worked but then gave me false error messages along the way. I sent that one back as well.
The machine looks better in the picture, but when you get it out of the box, it's made almost entirely of plastic. Although there are settings to change the way it makes your coffee, I found all of them to do very little with the final cup. I came away thinking it was too much money for an automated machine that could break very easily. The coffee itself was fine, and the frothing was average (the Milk Island was a total waste of time- if you can't hold up a pitcher to the steam nozzle, why bother having a cappuccino machine?)
Don't buy an automatic espresso machine. Too much to go wrong for a very average cup of Joe. Do a little work with a semi-automatic and you'll be much happier.

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Brew cafe-quality espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, and tea with this automatic home espresso machine. The unit contains a commercial-quality built-in conical burr grinder that can be set to coarse, medium, or fine, and its 8-4/5-ounce bean hopper offers adjustable ground-coffee dosage from 7 to 10-1/2 grams. Easily select the quantity of coffee in the cup, and its intensity and body, thanks to the complete and intuitive programming menu, which includes a digital LCD screen and backlit, touch ring controls. The machine also features 15-bar pump pressure and a stainless-steel-lined boiler with a rapid-steam boiler system, which means no waiting between frothing milk and brewing espresso. Its Pannarello steam wand takes the guesswork out of frothing milk for thick cappuccinos and lattes, plus provides hot water for tea, hot cocoa, or soup. In addition, the unit comes with a 57-ounce removable water reservoir for easy filling, a stainless-steel passively heated cup warmer, a height-adjustable cup tray, and a coffee-grounds container. Other highlights include pre-infusion on or off, an E-plus beverage-strength system, an Aqua Prima water filter, a Milk Island accessory connection, the ability to prepare two cups at the same time, and impact-resistant ABS plastic housing with a stainless-steel-finished front panel that will look great on any kitchen counter. Designed in Italy by Gaggia, one of the most respected names in the industry, the 1500-watt espresso machine measures 12-3/5 by 16-1/3 by 14-4/7 inches. From the ManufacturerFeatures and Specifications

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Gaggia Baby Espresso Machine Review

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(More customer reviews)I worked in Starbucks for 3 years back when they only had semi-automatic machines, and owned a personal machine for the past year (DeLonghi 15-bar pump). So, it's safe to say I know how to operate a semi-automatic espresso machine. This thing, however, was like an out-of-control beast when I first got it. Both espresso and frother were a disaster for the first week until I got it figured out. *NOW* it's an awesome machine, but only after a week of frustration!
The normal grind setting for my previous machine had this machine gushing two shots within two seconds. So I grind finer, tamp harder (a lot harder, w/ body weight), more beans, it's still gushing espresso! How much pressure does this thing have?? (actually, I think it is more to do with the espresso filter itself, it's very wide and deep). Finally, I get it pulling shots the other way. Pulling 10 drops of espresso in 20 seconds. So now it's too tight...? Damn baby, make up your mind! After a ton of trial and error, I found that if I grind for X seconds and tamp the two scoops just right, I get two *perfect* shots with fantastic crema. Yes, *better* than any other machine I've used. But, if I deviate at all, I end up with shots that pull way too fast or way too slow. I'm terrified to switch beans. I'm not exaggerating...
On top of that, I couldn't get the steamer to work without overflowing foam. I later learned that, unlike other machines, you have to froth the top of the milk for only 5-10 seconds, and then submerge the frothing wand and leave it submerged until the milk is hot enough. The foam comes out pretty good after that. But if I froth too long at the beginning, I get overflowing foam, if I froth too little, I don't get enough foam. Once again, it's great if you do it right, but not very forgiving.
Overall, I absolutely hated this machine the first week I owned it. Now that I have the whole process calibrated just right, I love it.
*Pros:
- Excellent espresso with decent crema
- Frother works pretty well too, once you figure it out
- Frothing wand moves up enough to get small pitchers under without tipping anything too much
- The espresso filter fits tightly into the filter holder, don't have to worry about it falling out when emptying it
- Heats up pretty fast, only a couple minutes, though the "warm enough" light frequently switches off during frothing/espresso
*Cons:
- Ridiculously tough to find the "sweet spot" for both grinding and frothing (I wasted like a pound of coffee figuring it out)
- For the reasons above, probably not the best machine for beginners.
- Frother attachment held on by friction to bare metal wand, kinda weird. Had it fall off a couple times while frothing, but usually I can get it on tight enough to stay
- Bigger than expected. It takes up a big chunk of my countertop I wish I had back.

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The Gaggia Baby is one of the best espresso machines in its price range. It benefits from having the same brewing components of the Gaggia Classic; which is Consumer Digest's "Best Buy" for a high-end home espresso machine. The housing is made of a tough thermo-set plastic (nearly a 1/4 inch thick) that saves you $50.00 as compared to the stainless steel housing of the Classic. This unit distinguishes itself with the highest wattage system (1425w), one of the strongest pumps available (17.5 bars) and is the only machine at this price point with a "three way solenoid valve". This valve provides the benefit of a drier puck (used coffee grounds) for a cleaner knock (removal of the used coffee grounds). Gaggia is in the process of rolling out a new Turbo-Frother wand replacing the metal frothing wand and sleeve. Your Gaggia may have shipped with the Turbo-Frother wand or the frothing wand. Both are designed to help you get great froth with minimum fuss. Includes two stainless steel filter baskets (one and two shot), coffee tamper and 7g measuring scoop.

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Lavazza 4202A 2.2 Pound Super Crema Espresso Whole Bean Review

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(More customer reviews)Fantastic espresso beans! I usually drink Illy, but thought I would give this a 'shot'... and I was not disappointed! This has a slightly smokier flavor than the Illy roasts, produces a NICE crema, and is ultra smooth.
In short, give this a try. Highly recommended for my fellow coffee heads out there...

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The blend for those who want a traditional espresso coffee that has a full, rich taste without a hint of bitterness. Super Crema's cup characteristics include sweet aroma and sharp flavor, as well as an easily attainable thick, compact crema. Its natural sweetness is easy to enjoy without sugar. Lavazza's best selling Bar blend in the U.S.

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Gaggia 90501 Titanium SS Super Automatic Espresso and Cappuccino Machine, Stainless Steel Review

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(More customer reviews)I've lusted after a Super Auto for years. When I finally decided to get one, I did a fare amount of investigating. The Gaggia Titanium had the best spec's for the price and good reviews. I decided to spend the extra money for the Stainless unit. I haven't seen the painted plastic model so I can't comment on the appearance. I do think the Stainless looks great! You can find reviews of the non-stainless here on Amazon and other than the outside appearance, the device is the same.
I've only had the unit for a few days but so far, I'm very happy. To the negatives first. The manual is awful! It's not just the Italian to English translation! The text is skimpy and the illustrations not so great. I spent a fair amount of time making sure I understood how to setup and use the unit. I'm pretty technically savvy and in the end, I figured it all out. But don't rush into using this product until you've figured out how to set it up, clean it and adjust all the settings (there are many).
The only issue I've had is whereby the auto bean grinder thinks it's empty when it's not. Open the lid (which could be a bit better designed) and stir and it works. Could be the beans I'm using not sure. It's an intermittent issue.
The good stuff: once you figure out the coffee strength and grind, the Gaggia makes a delicious cup. I wish the brew were a tad hotter (I have it set to max) but using the cup warmer helps. No issues making froth with the wand; much better than the older manual machine I had. You can't put a huge mug under the unit (the max size is 4.5 inches) but its so easy to make a cup you just make fresh when needed. You can set the unit for the amount of brew. However, I found that clicking the "large coffee" button twice, the unit thinks it's making 2 cups and that just about fills a decent size mug. It's much stronger too since the unit grinds two doses of coffee instead of just adding more hot water using the programmable size. You get a nice foam on top and as I said, the coffee is outstanding.
I love the clean up (or lack of) compared to the drip maker I had (a Bodum Vacuum unit). I still have that unit should I need to make a lot of coffee for company. But for the two mugs I drink in the morning, the Gaggia easily replaces this unit. And there's far less cleanup. The grinds sit in a canister and after a few days, you just tap it out into the trash and maybe rinse. So, you can use this Gaggia to replace a conventional coffee machine as long as you're making a cup or two. What I love is just pressing a button twice (for two large coffees) and walking away from the unit. A minute later, a great cup of Joe. It truly is super automatic.
I have the unit set for Energy savor whereby it's in a kind of sleep mode a few hours after I use it. I only drink in the morning. However, if you decide to "wake it up", it heats up in about 2 minutes. It also does a rinse cycle so I keep a small glass under the unit so it can clean itself and rinse out about 3oz of water. There is a little pan under which would catch the water but then you have to toss it out ever few days. There's also a "full Rinse" cycle that thoroughly cleans out the unit and uses about half the water in the reservoir. It's a menu item so don't select it unless you really want to do this (takes about 5 minutes and a lot of water goes into the catch pan or several cups if you so desire).
Yes it cost big bucks but as long as it works well for years and keeps its great looks, I'm very happy.
UPDATE. The issue with the grinder was the beans (too oily). I called the NY office and got someone in "tech support" in minutes. She knew her product. Sure enough, the inside of the grinder area was super oily making it hard for the beans to fall into the grinder area.
UPDATE: Dec 31st 2010. Approaching nearly 5 years with the unit, its preformed nearly perfectly and brewed 6377 cups of coffee! The only tiny issue I've had was the float in the water tank needed to be replaced (easy to do, cost $15). Over time, it gets water logged or something and stops floating, causing the unit to think there is no water in the tank. I was actually able to go quite awhile with a kludge fix using a small plastic tie to keep the float in the up position. Eventually I just ordered the part and replaced it in 5 minutes. Otherwise, the unit has worked preferably.

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The Titanium SS is our top of the line super automatic espresso and cappuccino machine. You can actually call this super automatic a Coffee Center because it allows you to create practically any coffee drink you could imagine and in most cases, replaces the drip coffee maker altogether. The 100% stainless steel housing encloses the same internals as our Gaggia Titanium, as well as the cobalt blue LCD digital display and seven push buttons that operate many of the features on this well-built machine. Five temperature settings, an on/off timer and clock, three coffee volume settings, pre-infusion, and the pre-grind feature are all programmable through the menu that appears on the cobalt blue digital display. The Gaggia Titanium SS is equipped with two stainless steel-lined boilers that provide a Rapid Steam System, making it powerful enough to brew and then steam with no down time. Features like the bypass doser, adjustable coffee strength, and adjustable grind settings make it possible for you to produce coffeehouse style drinks like a seasoned barista. In addition, the stainless steel turbo-frother and automatic frothing attachment, which dispenses frothed milk directly into your cup, make frothing and steaming a snap, while the bypass doser allows you to add pre-ground decaffeinated or flavored coffee directly into the espresso machine ¿ a fantastic feature for those who entertain in the evening. Simply stated, the Gaggia Titanium SS is a world-class espresso machine that delivers perfect thick, rich, golden crema effortlessly every time.

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Gaggia 16100 Evolution Home Espresso Cappuccino Machine, Black Review

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(More customer reviews)After many happy (and dare I say, naive) years with our DeLonghi Caffe Espresso, it was time to replace our old workhorse. Having just spent the summer in Spain, where no bar is complete without the standard superautomatic Gaggia espresso maker, I decided that truly great espresso was a daily necessity. I was tired of incompetent teenagers / college students who work at local coffee shops mangling something as simple as a cappuccino (one part espresso, one part milk, one part foam) into a milk-drowned latte with no foam.
I wanted something in the range of $200, with a dependable track record and plenty of power to spare. I waded through a myriad of reviews for the Gaggia Carezza, hailed as a champion of its class, but read a number of negative reviews concerning design shortcomings.
Enter the Gaggia Evolution. Although the Gaggia Carezza and Evolution share the same innards, the Evolution boasts several improvements in design. With its 17.5 bar pump and high wattage, dual element boiler, the Gaggia Evolution is ready to brew in around 5-10 minutes (I always prime the boiler first).
Design improvements over the Carezza include: a larger drip tray, a cup warmer (although, as usual, it's more effective to preheat your cups by filling them with hot water, which can be done during priming), anti-vibration mounts (once primed, the Gaggia Evolution is nearly whisper-quiet), and a brass commercial portafilter (the spouts on the Carezza were changed to plastic). My Evolution came with the Perfect Crema device (which is supposed to go under the single filter basket in order to create additional pressure/allow a coarser grind), but having read numerous negative reviews of the ineffective device, I simply left it in the box with the packing material.
Five stars for the instruction manuals and CD-ROM: the Gaggia Evolution comes with not one, but two instruction manuals: one from the manufacturer (Gaggia), and one from the North American importer (Importika). The Importika manual is intuitive, easy to read and injected with coffee humor, although the Evolution is not among the Gaggia models listed in the Appendix. The included CD-ROM walks you through setup in the form of short movies and narration, along with more advanced tips and techniques for coffee connoisseurs. We put our laptop on the kitchen table and followed along after unpacking our new Gaggia (thankfully, nothing was broken in the mail, as happened to several Gaggia Carezza owners). Although the manual hinted that your first coffee might not be potable, we'd followed various tips online (prime your new machine several times to remove any residue and plastic-y taste), and our first espresso was laden with crema. The Turbo Frother attachment made the creamiest, densest microfoam I have ever seen-it looked more like meringue (hint: use skim milk for best results). My only complaint would be the cheapness of the included coffee scoop, and you definitely want to invest in a better tamp for maximum extraction (the Gaggia takes a 58 mm tamp at a recommended 30 pounds of pressure).
If you're not in the market to buy a $200-300 grinder (Rancilio Rocky or Gaggia 8002 MDF Burr Grinder) to go with your new Gaggia, Illy makes a delicious, dependable espresso grind, available in tins (decaf, too) or Pods. The Evolution is Pod-ready, simply use the single shot basket with the portafilter. Tip: "classic" double shots should take around 20-25 seconds to extract.
The Evolution is a steal for the current price, since it contains the same innards as other Gaggias in the $400-500 range. Although it runs around $50-100 more than the Carezza, I appreciated the design improvements, stylish lines (I have a Tuscan kitchen with hand-painted ceramics and terra cotta tiles and was afraid that the "modern" styling would stand out, but the Evolution is much more traditional-looking and unobtrusive than the Carezza), and performance. (Note: the Evolution is also available in an all-silver model, but it will set you back another $50. The black model features a black base and sides and a silver front and silver drip tray.)
Excellent for the espresso novice or connoisseur, easy to use and clean, and it makes better espresso than some $500-1,000 machines I've tried!


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The Gaggia Evolution has new sleek lines. The housing may be revolutionary but we can thank Gaggia for not messing with a good thing as they kept the internal components the same. The high wattage dual heating element boiler has about the quickest heat up time in the industry. The 55watt pump has power to spare, and is mounted on vibration resistant rubber mounts. The Gaggia home espresso machines where designed to fit into both the perfectionist and the, Get it and go type of lifestyles. The Evolution has a commercial style filter basket for the person who wants to perfect their technique, and the unique Perfect Crema Device for those who want it quick and simple. The reservoir is easy to fill. Slide it to the left and poor the water in. You dont have to remove it from the machine. Gaggia has been tested and approved for use with the world famous Illy pods. The controls are simple and have all the necessary temperature ready lights. Use this machine to its fullest, and each cup will be creamy, tasty, robust, and rich with flavor. This includes two stainless steel filter baskets (one and two shot), coffee tamper, and 7g measuring scoop.

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Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine with Instructional CD Review

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(More customer reviews)Well, having tried several lower end brands/models I finally took the plunge and laid out the $$$ for this Gaggia. I can tell you that I feel it is worth every dime! My fiance and I really enjoy a good cappuccino and with this unit we weren't let down. Nice large water reservoir single and double filter baskets, tamper, pretty much everything you need to get started making great coffee is in here. For me one of the biggest gripes I have was that serveral units' filter baskets don't stay in the holder when dumping the grounds. Not so with this one. You have to hit it pretty hard to get the basket to pop out along with the grounds. No more sifting through the garbage looking for the filter basket!
All in all I find this to be a great functioning, well made unit and would recommend it to anyone.

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Consumers Best Buy! The Gaggia Classic is one of our best sellers for several reasons. Commercial grade quality: Rugged construction of heavy duty materials for longevity. Elegance: Choose between a stainless steel housing, with brushed or polished finish for a professional appearance. High performance: Forged brass components to stabilize temperature with a three-way solenoid valve and independent expansion valve. The Gaggia Classic turns anyone into a "Barista" in their own home. Includes two stainless steel filter baskets (single and double shot), coffee tamper and 7g measuring scoop.

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