After using a semi-automatic espresso maker for a few years with ok but inconsistent results, I put it away in the garage and started just going to the local coffee shop for my latte fix. Recently, I decided to try a super-automatic espresso maker for the quality and convenience. I read a lot of reviews, and thought about different manufacturers and models, including Jura Capresso, but eventually I decided on this Gaggia after watching videos of it in action on another website (Wholelattelove).
The machine was easy to set up and I was making espresso in no time. Ater using the Gaggia Swing Up for a few weeks all I can say is WOW. This is one product that lives up to its billing. No buyer's remorse on my part.
There are a lot of really good features on this model but the most important thing to me is the quality of the espresso. I'm not exaggerating when I say it makes absolutely perfect, beautiful espresso every time. I've used Lavazza Super Crema, Lavazza Qualita Oro, and Illy espresso beans so far and all have made great espresso with gorgeous crema. This machine also makes a great long coffee for the travel mug.
The steam wand is easy to use with a frothing pitcher and thermometer because the wand swivels, making it easy to get the pitcher out from under it. I liked the milk island at first but cleaning it is a little tedious and it started to leak after I mistakenly put the pitcher on the stand without the plastic housing. Oops, my fault. So now I just use the steam wand exclusively and I'm still completely happy.
The menu is fairly intuitive and it is programmable if you choose. I also like the ipod-like wheel but the next model up, the Platinum Vision, has a touch screen which some people might like better. Another thing I like is that the machine swivels making it easy to put in the beans even though I have the machine on a counter with a cabinet above it -- this swivel feature does not make the machine unsteady or wobbly at all. So far, cleaning has been easy and the machine tells you when it is time to empty the grounds drawer and put in water. One other feature worth mentioning is the tray which lifts and lowers electronically -- at first I didn't think I would use this much but it is nice to be able to raise the tray closer to the espresso dispenser when using espresso cups and lower it when using a mug.
Yes, it is a lot of money to spend on an appliance but I've already saved money by not going to my local coffee shop a few times a week so I figure I'll eventually get a good chunk of my investment back. Now if I could just stop drinking more than one latte per day...