Average Reviews:
(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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Gaggia Baby Espresso MachineThe 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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