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64 of 64 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Get Your Expresso Fix at Home, November 10, 2008
This review is from: Gaggia 102534 Espresso-Color Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, Red (Kitchen)
I had a Breville Cafe Roma, a good machine, but one that I would regard as entry level. Although the Breville had no trouble making espressos with a nice layer of crema, the (recently upgraded) steaming wand was still a weak spot. Also, there's no hot water dispenser on that model.
After extensive research, I decided to purchase the Gaggia Espresso Color. Although no reviews of this model were available, I really liked the price, the color, the overall design, and the favorable reviews I had seen for other machines in the Gaggia line. This machine is compact, stylish, and includes elements found on higher end machines like a commercial portafilter, a stainless steel boiler, and a Pannarello attachment for the steaming wand. Also, I kept coming across the same brand names over and over again with a sterling reputation in the espresso world, and Gaggia is one of those names.
I am very happy with my Gaggia. I really feel that it is a cut above my old Breville. The insides of the machine (the boiler, the heating elements, the valves) are top notch. It is a very efficient machine which does a great job and is worth every penny.
There is a learning curve with this machine because the commercial portafilter does not contain a pressure mechanism like the filters in thermablock systems. The requisite pressure for properly extracted espresso is very dependent on the fineness and consistency of the grind and the pressure used to tamp the coffee. This machine is all about the ritual of making espresso, meaning you need to pay attention to details like prepping and preheating the machine, and minding the coffee grind and the tamp. The reward, however, is an excellent espresso that trumps what is sold at the typical coffee shop. The Pannarello attachment to the steaming wand removes a lot of the guesswork for making steamed milk and foam. The foam I have had from this machine is dense and luscious and makes my latte feel like a mini-vacation;-). The espressos and lattes I have had from this machine far exceed what I had from the Breville. They're also a lot better than what I (used to) get from Starbucks. Thanks to my Gaggia, I can now get my espresso fix at home (and save beaucoup bucks at the same time)!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A super espresso machine if you follow, January 10, 2010
This review is from: Gaggia 102534 Espresso-Color Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, Red (Kitchen)
I'd agree with Kaden22 - This is a great machine but you have must preheat it according to the instructions, use a quality bean grinder, and get a correct tamp.
I too thought the machine had bad seals as water came pouring out every time I used it. It was very frustrating the first few times I tried it. Yet, I learned other espresso experts that you need a good conical burr grinder. So don't waste your time unless have a decent grinder. Equally important, you need to get the right temperature prior making a shot. If you follow the manufacturers lead, you will you let some water through the pump and then let it preheat for about 8-10 minutes. One more step is to run a tad more H2o to preheat through the filter- then you are ready to tamp your coffee into the filter. Now run the machine et voila- you have a great cup of espresso.
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5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Questionable machine even worse reseller, February 4, 2010
This review is from: Gaggia 102534 Espresso-Color Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, Red (Kitchen)
I purchased this unit last September. It worked fine for 4 months or so. I make an average of 3 double shots per day. The espresso was good, but not as good as I get at Starbucks (not hot enough). About a month ago it started leaking from around the coffee filter. I called Aarbee Coffee for support. You cannot reach technical support live but have to leave a voice message. They do get back to you within a day or two. They had me try a cleaning process. I did it, but it still leaks, in fact was getting worse. I requested an RMA to return it for warranty repair (it has a 2 year warranty). Upon paying myself to have it shipped back (they won't give you a prepaid mailer even on a warranty return) I received an email acknowledgement from Aarbee saying "This notice is to inform you that we have received your machine to our warehouse on 02/01/10. We estimate your repair to be on the bench by (3/12/2010)." That's 6 weeks from receipt just to take a look at it, and it is clearly a warranty repair.
I emailed them (no point in calling because you can't get a live person at technical support) immediately saying this was unacceptable and demanding a response. It has not been 4 days and no response at all.
My suggestion is to NOT purchase anything from Aarbee Coffee unless you consider the unit to be totally disposable. One of the worst customer experiences I've ever had on the net.
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