Customer Reviews

Gaggia 16002 The Espresso Espresso Machine, Black

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

OK - the negative reviews on this are pretty out there; they are either complaining about non-existant issues (um, 1 star from someone who didn't even BUY it? Becuase it supposedly doesn't come in 110? That's wacky), or have the wrong expectations of what this machine will do. The bottom line on this espresso maker is that it has the guts of their more expensive models (minus the 3 way solenoid, which has NO effect on how espresso is made) and IF you know what you are doing can make espresso as well as pretty much any model out there.

To over-simplify, espresso makers come with one of 2 basic types of portafilter (that's the thing with the handle you put the espresso grounds in). Pressurized or non-pressurized. The former basically pulls the same shots no matter what you do, as long as your beans are fresh and your grinder is good. The latter requires a bit more art and science. The tamp (compacting the grinds into the portafilter) is critical, and you can vary the way the shot is pulled with different grind size, tamp preassure and tamper type. This, while harder to do consistently, is the only way to properly hunt the elusive "God Shot".

So - onto this machine: Using the "perfect crema" disc is just silly, frankly. In fact, I don't even think there was one in my box. I do know what it does, which is to basically convert a traditional espresso maker into a pressurized one. But hey, if that's what you want then buy a pressurized one from one of the myriad manufacturers out there. However, if you want a model that will let you explore your inner barista, you need to buy a non-pressurized portafilter unit.

And for the money, there is NO WAY you are going to get a better deal than the Gaggia. In fact, there are a number of different models in the Gaggia line, all of which are basically the same until you get to the $500 one, which comes with the aforementioned 3 way solenoid. Sure, there are different designs, and some changes in the type of frother (don't bother with the auto-frothers) but the guts are the same, right down to the brass portafilter. I chose this particular one because of its water capacity and the size of the drip tray, which beleive it or not is a pretty big deal when you pull a lot of shots in a day, as I do.

The fact is, this machine is a beauty. Get good at it and you'll pull shots as good as ANY machine out there, and if you are a total tweek-head, you can even PID this bad boy (look it up...). But you want more? Go check out coffeegeeek dot com and read read read.

Synopsis: Want a machine that will keep up with your growing barista skills? BUY THIS NOW. Don't care about the art, just want quick fast espresso? Go elsewhere and pick a pressurized portafilter unit.

Oh, and either way you go, you NEED a good grinder (the Gaggia MDF rocks and is reasonably priced at $200), and you want FRESH beans - order online from one of the many fresh roasters out there; it makes an incredible difference.

The Gaggia Espresso shares the same quality pump mechanism and commercial portafilter as its siblings (Classic, Baby, Coffee), but is made affordable (as is the Carezza) at the terrific price of $199 because of it's plastic housing. Personally, this is a plus for me, I've got a small kitchen and this baby is light enough to move around when counter space is needed. You will be amazed at the power of this machine (fast heat-up, steam power to spare) and the quality of espresso you can brew when you pair your Espresso with a good conical burr grinder. The Gaggia MDF grinder was my choice and I'm happy with it's performance (when anyone who knows espresso tells you that the grinder is the more important partner, they aren't joking). Can you say "crema?" One word of warning, you will no longer be fit company to join your friends at the local cafe. The espresso you can brew at home will spoil you!

I've had this machine since I was a starving student in grad school. Like many, I added up all the $ I was spending on lattes and quickly justified the purchase. I did a lot of research, looking for the highest quality, lowest priced "pump" model I could find. This was it. It's not one of the super-automatic machines, and takes a little effort to familiarize yourself with it (READ the manual & save it, it's important stuff!). It's not too difficult, and it certainly takes less time to make a cup o java then standing in line at the local coffee house, (better than starbucks, and at least as good as Peets! see Peets.com for the best coffee you'll ever have, and no, I've never worked for them).

They must have gotten this machine right, from the picture, it looks like it's exactly the same machine I bought 5 years ago. Now that it's 5 years old, I'm starting to have some inconsistent performance, but I suspect it's because I've never done the de-calcificaion that I've been reading about. But for this price, 5 years of trouble free performance makes it worth every penny!

I purchased this machine around 3 months ago to replace a 10 year old Krups. The Gaggia machine makes the best home espresso I've had and works much better than my old Krups. When using the right grind of Espresso, I'm able to produce very nice espresso that tastes great and has a very nice crema.

The frothing attachment on this system works great and much better than the Krups. The milk steams better, hotter, and the attachment is much eaiser to clean.

My only disappointmnet is the contruction of the machine. It's all plastic. The fit and finish of the parts is not very good and there are gaps between the top and the sides. If I had it to do over again, I would invest the extra $100 or so and get the higher end Gaggia model. I saw one in the store and it looks like it's constructed much better. But all in all, I'm very happy with Gaggia and the espresso it makes tastes great.

My old machine was a Starbucks Barista. Had for 3 Years before steam nozzle broke. Worked fine for a home machine, or so I thought! Enter GAGGIA. I ordered this machine (the espresso) on tuesday. It arrived on thursday, well packaged and double boxed. First thing I noticed was the quality of the portafilter. About twice as heavy as old one. Filled up with 64OZ. of water, primed the pump, and was ready to go in about 5 minutes. First shot. Heavy reddish brown creama!!! Tasted amazing first shot out of machine. Next, set to steam, took about 30 seconds to reach temp and zoom, more than enough to steam milk for 2 lattes. Hotter,faster, better frothing, cafe quality.
I have a friend who has an $1800 machine. It makes a great cup of espresso. Way better than the local coffee shop. I didn't think I could get anywhere near that quality for under $1,000. This machine does it!
Anyone who is anything but thrilled with this machine, does not have a clue what they are doing. But, as the other reviews say, the machine is only one part of the espresso equation. You need good coffee, a decent BURR grinder, and a good machine. So if you are on a limited budget, this is the machine for you... and if there is any money to spare get a decent burr grinder to go with it, such as the Gaggia MDF. And don't skimp on the coffee, it matters!

The Gaggia Espresso machine works well and mine has made excellent espresso every time. It makes perfect shots at 20 seconds of pump on time.
I do have a good "Solis" burr coffee grinder. It is important to have a good burr grinder when using a true pump espresso machine like this one. I heat the machine a few minutes before I use it. Then I run an empty shot to warm the group and the demitasse cups before I make my first double or single espresso. I usually make double espressos. It has worked great every time. The used coffee bean ground's (puck) falls out as mostly one chunk.

I use the steam wand source to create hot water for tea. It works fast and fills up an entire tea cup with hot water. I have steamed milk before with the steam wand and it works fine; but I rarely use it for that purpose as I drink my espresso coffee without any additives.

The machine looks elegant in all black plastic. I prefer it over the metal covering ones which are more expensive and have nothing different about them other than the exterior housing. I recommend this espresso maker. I have not found any problems with it and I have had it a long time with daily use. I run a boiler cleaner through the system a few times a year; so my machine has never plugged up with the hard water deposits common to my local water source.

I enjoy espresso at home every day and it is better than I could get at the cafes as I can make my double espresso's long or short and use what ever beans or roast that I want.

First, thanks for all the great reviews. This was a pretty significant cash outlay and it was great to hear what you all had to say about this machine before I took the plunge.
Like many of the other reviewers, I've been making espresso at home for some time, and upgrading my machine each time one breaks down. Having been happy with a couple of starter-level Krups models, I bought the XP4030. The espresso was not appreciably better than I'd had with my older model, and the steam nozzle was ridiculously short -- impossible to use without the foamer attachment, which would frequently pop off into the milk pitcher.
After doing more consumer review research, I landed on the Gaggia machine, & bought the Capresso 560 burr grinder to go with it. What a world of difference. I'm using the same beans as before, but the espresso I brew now is unbelievably mellow. READ the instructions &/or watch the video even if you think you know what you're doing. I was frustrated by losing pressure for frothing milk until I watched the video & realized that I was not priming the boiler as directed. D'oh. The video also helped me to figure out which setting on the grinder was the right one.
I haven't had any of the other problems people mentioned: messy portafilter (then again, I always steam milk, and I think that tends to dry out the espresso grounds by the time I go to dump them), dripping steam wand (just swing it over the drip tray until you're ready to use it, although I never notice it dripping much anyway). By the way, I never use the Turbo Frother attachment - don't seem to need it.
I couldn't be happier with this machine.

I have enjoyed excellent espresso at home for a long time now with this Gaggia Espreso machine. I have not had any problems with it. I do routinely clean it out with the recommended boiler cleaner stuff every couple of months. I have a good burr grinder too which is important to make good espresso. I recommend this machine. I don't use the frothing part; but I did try it out twice and it worked fine.

This is our (wife and self) 5th espresso machine in 12 years. This included De Longhis, Mr. Coffee and Capresso. Four wore out, mainly in the area where the coffee holder is inserted - never the pump (even though one was accidentally run dry all night). The last one (a Capresso semi-automatic) self-destructed when the rotating shaft snapped and the entire mechanism exploded.
The Gaggia took a few days to get used to - fineness of grind, pressure when tamping and experimentation with the "Perfect Crema" device. It now delivers reliable espresso and cappucino with very finely ground regular coffee solidly packed in, or decaf ground somewhat less finely and packed in less solidly. Both give a good crema without the "Perfect Crema" gadget.
So far we are quite pleased with this machine and would rate it as very good.

have had this machine for 4 months now and after reading and researching every espresso machine in our budget, we chose this one based on relaibility and longevity- have not been let down! Quality espresso shots with good crema- very easy to use without having to wait 20 min to let it warm up- does not burn the espresso like other machines we have had- good foaming wand that is very easy to clean and does not get clogged- even can make shot after shot perfectly- use it every day for at least two lattes and 4 shots of espresso for four months without a complain and we have seen other reviewers with the same opinion-- the only down side is the wand is a little too low and you have to lift the machine up slightly in order to get the pitcher out- if you put the machine on a block to raise it a bit you wouldn't have this problem- overall a great machine for the money- we have saved so much by making our espresso at home!