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Product Details
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For added convenience, the espresso machine accommodates ESE coffee pods, can make two cups simultaneously, and sports a built-to-last three-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. The unit comes with a 60-ounce removable reservoir and a 180-degree swivel steamer that produces hot water for tea, coffee, or soup, and makes quick work of frothing milk, for hassle-free cappuccino and lattes even a novice barista could master. Other highlights include a cup-warming plate; a Rapid Steam function, which eliminates the waiting time between making espresso and producing a thick foamy crema; and brushed stainless-steel housing that will look great on any kitchen counter. Accessories include a single-shot, a double-shot, and an E.S.E. filter basket; a coffee tamper; and a coffee scoop. Designed in Italy by Gaggia, one of the most respected names in the industry, the 1425-watt espresso machine measures 10-2/5 by 9-3/5 by 15-2/3 inches.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Mixed Review,
By
This review is from: Gaggia 12500 Baby Twin Espresso Machine with Dual Heating System, Stainless Steel (Kitchen)
Baby Gaggia Twin
I am on my third Baby Gaggia Twin since February and the third one does seem to be the charm. The first machine had an impotent steamer and was sent back, the second, the steam wand came off entirely. I did notice that happened to another reviewer but went with this machine as it was in my price range and I felt lucky. The first one was purchased through Essential Espresso (avoid at all costs) who when I called to address the problem were very "We don't want to hear it, talk to the manufacturer" even though their site boasts a 30 day no hassle return. I wish I read the reviews on them before purchase. I won't go into every detail but dealing with them was so unpleasant and they took so long to do anything that I decided that I would get my replacement from BBandBeyond, where I learned they would price-match even with a 300 dollar difference and free shipping!! So, BBandBeyond gave me a truly hassle free exchange for the second machine and it's faulty steam wand and now I am reasonably happy with the machine. The customer service there is among the best I have experienced. The steamer takes a little getting used to. You need to purge it of water till the lights flash, turn it off and then back on again, keeping the wand out of your milk until it is up to "full steam" then turn it off again and put it in your milk pitcher. It sounds more painful than it is and all happens in about a minute and change. Pros: Looks great, seems sturdy, is easy to use and clean, heats up quickly, makes very good espresso The steamer takes a little getting used to. You need to purge it of water till the lights flash, turn it off and then back on again, keeping the wand out of your milk until it is up to "full steam" then turn it off again and put it in your milk pitcher. It sounds more painful than it is and all happens in about a minute and change. Cons: There is a smell from the steam wand, it gets less over time and I am told that running descaler through it will eliminate it. (Why couldn't they do that?) The group head is configured in such a way that you cannot really fill the portafilter full of coffee and have to leave a bit of room at the top. This is a slight bummer for me as I like my morning coffee a nice long pull and with our former machine could get enough coffee for 2 such pulls at one time for both me and the hubby. True, it is no Greek tragedy to pull 2 shots but just not as convenient. If you are pulling for one, there is no problem. However, Gaggia itself and its U.S. representative,[...]are lacking in customer service in my opinion. After receiving my third machine, I sent an email asking about a pressurized portafilter for the machine. I also added that it would be nice of them to offer some discount on same taking into to consideration the inconvenience I had been through having 2 defective machines. Both Importika in the U.S. and Gaggia in Italy totally ignored this. I would not buy from them again for that reason. To me, it would be a no brainer to comp a relatively inexpensive item to compensate for the inconvenience and leave the customer feeling that you value their business and regret the inconvenience. They obviously don't. It does take away some of the enjoyment of owning it UPDATE I no longer own this machine, it started leaking around the grouphead and after replacing the gasket and the filter basket to no avail, I returned it and went with another model. Various forums have given consistently good reviews to the Classic which is not a "snazzy" looking or programmable to your preferred size of shot. So far I am happy with it. You can tell right away that the steamer is better the crema is a litle thicker (probably because whatever was causing the leaking was not providing the proper pressure for "expression" of flavor. We decided to get a grinder also as this machine likes a finer grind than I can get in some places. After a few weeks, I will write a separate review for it but after 3 Baby Twins in 5 months, I can not recommend them from anything but a decorative standpoint.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful... Junk,
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Gaggia 12500 Baby Twin Espresso Machine with Dual Heating System, Stainless Steel (Kitchen)
This is a great espresso machine for home use if you are an espresso lover. However, avoid this machine if you want to make latte or cappuccino. I have had this machine for more than a month now and I have been using it relatively frequently. The foamer works great but the foam always comes out smelly. (like plastic or rubber smell). This problem was also addressed in another review on Amazon.Overall, Gaggia Baby twin is a very aesthetically pleasing and durable espresso maker. It's very well made and it will last you a life time. However I would avoid this machine just for the fact that you can't make good latte or cappuccino with it. Update: 1/27/2012 I owned this machine for more than 3 years now and it has been very disappointing. The milk frother broker after 6 months of use. I took the machine to a designated repair center and the center held it for almost a year because they were waiting for Gaggia to ship the necessary parts from Italy. (Worst product experience EVER) I finally requested the repair center to return my machine (still broken) so I can at least use it for just espresso. Now the electric touch pad is broken and the dumb thing is just sitting on my counter-top as a reminder of how crappy Gaggia products are. Gaggia: Please refund my money!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
awesome espresso but smelly steamer,
By marmie2two (IA United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Gaggia 12500 Baby Twin Espresso Machine with Dual Heating System, Stainless Steel (Kitchen)
i love the espresso this machine puts out but the entire machine is somewhat tainted for me given that the steamer has always smelled and made milk and water taste very very strongly of some kind of oil. at least there are separate espresso and steamer boilers. seriously, think motor oil or bicycle chain oil. ick, it is hard to get the taste and smell of my first few attempts at foaming out of my mouth and nose. i called the company and they suggested a descaling agent which did help, but still for the price for goodness sake it would be nice to have that taken care of at the factory.
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