Gaggia Classic

Pros: Nearly foolproof perfect espresso drinks.

Cons: Many people will stop at the $500 price.

The Bottom Line: This is a machine that is well worth the money. It will outperform machines costing more than twice its price and last nearly forever

Review: The Quest for espresso perfection While working in the gourmet coffee industry, I have to admit, I got a little too picky about my espresso. It is to the point now where I will go out for a cup and silently critique everything the barista ...

Pros: High performance home machine can last for generations.

Cons: A little slower to froth than it's closest rival.

The Bottom Line: A very fine home expresso machine.

Review: Prolog There are several - easily about a dozen - major brands competing in the $500 range for competent home espresso machines. Surprised? Who in their right mind would spend a half a "G" on a "coffee maker"? Well, my fellow epinionators, I have ...

Pros: Strong construction, fast, reliable, easy-to-use

Cons: cupholder does get warm, but takes a long time to warm cups

The Bottom Line: High quality machine, no drawbacks worth mentioning, reliable, good value for money.

Review: I have extensive experience with two espresso machines: the FrancisFrancis-X1 and this Gaggia. I hav ...

Pros: Clean nice easy to clean very sharp in the kitchen

Cons: You need to know how to make a good coffee with it !

Review: I had the machine for 8 years now And it is simply the best on the market ... It gives very good coffee year after year. Simple to use ...

Pros: Good construction, small foot print, excellent crema and steamed milk

Cons: No negatives

Review: This is the third espresso machine I have owned. I first owned the Francis Francis and while it is attractive and takes up minimal counter space, the pump is not of commercial grade. I found getting good crema inconsistent and steam was limited. I ...

Pros: Great for beans and Saquella coffee pods

Cons: no modern look

Review: The reviews about the Gaggia Classic are so right. Great Machine for ground coffee and ESE Coffee Pods. I've tried not only Illy Pods but found Saquella's Coffee Pod tasting much better and they are better priced, too. The guys at Coffee Direct Australia ...

Pros: High pump pressure, reliability, uhhhhh I like my drinks I make.....

Cons:

See the main body of the review with Bold Face CONS

The Bottom Line: I wouldn't buy it again.  I need more of a Latte option (2 heaters). Once you figure it out....not too bad..

Review: I've had mine for a year now. The initial learning curve was pretty steep. It took me a month to really get good, which I hear, isn't bad. I suspect, as with all machines, the bean type (oils) and the grind, etc REALLY make a difference on the shot ...

Pros: Easy to use; great results; nice appearance

Cons: A better tamper would have been nice - the included one is plastic

Review: What a great little machine! After 1 1/2 years of using a low-end espresso maker, I decided to bite the bullet and get a quality machine. I read a lot of reviews, and this looked like the best bet for the money. The documentation with this machine is ...