Gaggia 102534 Espresso-Color Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, Red

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)!

We own this machine for 2 years now, and, just like other reviewers noted, it was fast to develop a leak. Gaggia customer support convinced me that it is not their fault, as the gaskets wear out over time. They made me pay excessive fees for the gasket and shipping, and, to my surprise, it did not even fix the problem. However, here is a cheap 25 cent fix... The problem, actually, is in the way they design their product it has cheap plastic parts that support the portafilter on the group head, and they fail pretty fast. At the point of the failure it is not worth fixing it. However, you can take the basket (the metal part that you put your coffee beans into) out, and put a rubber band on it, so that it goes between the edge of the portafilter and the top of the basket. You might have to be careful when choosing the size of the rubber band, and make sure you choose something that is meant to withstand the heat and won't release any harmful materials into your drink (it has no contact with coffee, so it should not.... but still...) You could also look for some rubber ring. The rubber ring should go into the narrow groove on top of the basket as if it belongs there... This will lift the basket a little bit, and make it seal with the gasket. And here it goes great espresso, with lots of crema. Of course, seeing the failures of the engineers to properly test the device before putting it on sale, I would not recommend anyone this product. However, if you have it already, this might extend the life of the useless coffee maker and remind you of the potential that this machine has...

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I live in seattle, Wa, and I live for coffee. I received this Gaggia Espresso Color for christmas this last year (2009) and there is definitely a learning curve... especially going from your regular drip coffee to espresso :-) After reading reviews and tutorials on ''how to pull a perfect shot'' I went to the store, bought a few bags of coffee and got to work. Lets back up a few steps though.

The machine: the machine is beautiful. Its heavy and sturdy, its made with quality parts-the portafilter is heavy like it should be-definitely not a chincy machine. The only quaff I have is the red outer shell is plastic. I would have preferred a metal casing, but thats my only issue. The drip tray is removable and easy to clean. The steaming wand does a wonderful job with heating things relatively quickly-not starbucks fast, but it does the job! The on/off button is in the back of the machine. A little weird, but not difficult to find. This machine is pretty quiet except for the actual brewing part-luckily that takes less than a minute. you get multiple baskets for the portafilter-double, single, and "pod". The seal does NOT leak-the only time it ever has, was when I filled the portafilter with entirely too much coffee and screwed it on too tight. That was operator error, not a faulty machine. You also get a plastic scoop and a plastic tamp-both work well for being plastic. I've never had issues! You will have to buy your own shot glasses, frothing pitcher, and frothing thermometer though.

Review: I noticed that the grind of the coffee needs to be pretty fine to make it pull a good shot-I actually have a cheap Black and Decker blade grinder and it works just fine. You just have to really grind it fine! I also noticed that the roast needs to be Medium-more Brown than Black. I was using a DARK roast and all my shots came out like Tea or Tar. When using Tulley's Medium Breakfast roast, I get a perfect shot-lots of crema and all! tamping isnt too difficult. fill up the portafilter almost all the way with coffee, tamp it down till its packed pretty firmly (not using like ALL your weight, but make sure its solid.). This is an easy machine to use after you practice a while... i'm so so happy with it!

step by step:

1. make sure there is water in the machine.

2. turn on the machine with empty portafilter in place.

3. start grinding your coffee

4. wait for both green lights to be lit

5. place 2 shot glasses under portafilter, and push BREW button to fill with clean, hot water.

6. take portafilter out, and fill with coffee fine coffee grinds. Tamp. Replace portafilter onto machine to keep warm.

7. steam your milk-fill the frothing pitcher halfway with milk, make sure the brew button is OFF! (it its on when you twist the brewing knob, hot water will come out instead of steam!) twist the steam knob with the wand IN the milk. Heat. when finished, put a towel over the end of the wand, twist the knob once more to get a short blast of steam to clear the lines.

8. get your cup or mug and put some flavorings in there if you want.

9. dump the hot water out of the shot glasses from earlier. replace them under the machine, and push "Brew" (make sure the steam knob is OFF!).

10. after shot is done brewing, dump it into mug with flavorings and mix! add your milk, and wahhlahh! Coffee!

make sure you clean your portafilter completely and turn off the machine :-)

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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 filterthen you are ready to tamp your coffee into the filter. Now run the machine et voilayou have a great cup of espresso.

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The first six months were heaven...no more expensive latte's at Starbucks. Then the filter gasket began leaking. I had been cleaning the area after every use. Finally, I ordered another gasket. It was a difficult installation. It worked but the leaks began after one month. They suggest that you clean excess coffee grounds from the filter gasket and I did so religously. I have given up. Do not purchase this machine unless you want a leaker. The water cascades into your latte container along with the brewed coffee, diluting the product to the point you must discard.

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