I received this espresso machine for Christmas 2007, and have been extremely pleased with its performance. I've had absolutely no problems....once I learned how to use the machine properly. Note, there are a few websites that offer video tutorials on how to use this machine that are very useful. Note, I use this machine every single day...typically going through 14 shots of espresso (at least) since there are several coffee drinker in our home. We have almost entirely abandoned our previous coffee maker...not because we didn't like it, but because this machine is so wonderful. Here are a few insights:1. This machine typically makes 12-14 individually ground espresso shots before you will need to empty the hopper. It's pretty easy and no big deal to do this. The grinder works flawlessly, and the hopper typically holds about a 1/2 to 2/3 pound of beans.
2. I have tried to use ground coffee with this machine, which doesn't taste anywhere as good as the beans. When I first got the machine, I tried using some "fine ground" espresso in the little door on top to make a cup of coffee. No espresso would come out the machine....it took a long time to figure out that it was clogging up the filter. I used slightly coarser ground beans with excellent results.
3. There are two buttons for making espresso I refer to them as the regular and large size buttons. You can adjust how much water each button will automatically dispense very easily.
4. The steam attachment on the side of the machine works very well for both steam and dispensing hot water.
5. There is an automatic decalcification light that comes on to let you know to run the appropriate cleanser through the machine. I've figured out this light turns on based upon the number of cycles of espresso that are made versus actual need. No big deal....it's a good reminder light for maintance.
6. The water tank is pretty straight forward and lifts off for filling, although I prefer to lift the top off of it and refilling via a large glass/pitcher.
7. This machine is mostly made of plastic, but it's very solid and well made. The tray beneath the espresso dispenser is made of metal, along with the steamer nozzel.
8. I highly recommend watching one of the instructional videos for this machine. It does require learning very basic steps, which are explained well with the included instructions (they are outright cryptic). This is a very easy machine to use once you understand the controls.
9. If I could add a feature it would be a counter mechanism because some days I lose track of my caffeine intake and I'm simply curious as to how many shots we've really made in total.
I've made at least 2000 espresso shots with this great machine. Overall, myself, my family, and my friends have all enjoyed it...and everyone wants one. I've converted many diehard regular coffee drinkers to more flavorful espresso. You decide....this machine isn't cheap. But some luxuries are wonderful if you can afford it.
All that being said, it makes a great espresso and steamed milk. The espresso has a very nice crema. We love the bypass doser so if we want decaf we can have that too. It is fussy about the grind used in the doser. It is also much less expensive than the "pod" type espresso machines available today in terms of the per cup price of coffee. It's also saved us big $$ on our Starbucks habit. We used the machine alot. Probably 8 shots (regular or decaf) almost every day along with steamed milk. It's a machine and despite the TLC we gave it, it's time to sadly say goodbye.
Buy Gaggia 9004 Syncrony Compact Digital SuperAutomatic Espresso Now
We were delighted when we purchased this machine. It made fantastic espresso and cappuccino, etc., and was so easy to operate. But about a month after the warranty expired, it stopped working. Despite our careful maintenance, an electronic malfunction occurred and the gears continued to operate and torqued the mechanism out of line. The estimate for repair was $375.00. It's unacceptable to spend this kind of money for an appliance and then to face this kind of repair bill within less than two years. And the people at Gaggia were far from sympathetic. My recommendation is to steer clear of this machine.Read Best Reviews of Gaggia 9004 Syncrony Compact Digital SuperAutomatic Espresso Here
We received one as a wedding gift in early 2008 and use it everyday. Whenever it makes less than a perfect cup of coffee, it's because we've taken it for granted and lagged on cleaning it for too long. We absolutely love it! I'm enjoying my second cup of the morning right now. Between my wife and I, we average 5+ cups a day from it. I am here purchasing another one for a wedding gift for our kids and wanted to share our 100% positive experience with this well made machine.Want Gaggia 9004 Syncrony Compact Digital SuperAutomatic Espresso Discount?
I bought this machine more than three years ago. I absolutely love it. It was my first, and only, espresso machine. I did weeks of research and obsessed about which brand and model to buy. I finally settled on the Syncrony Compact because it was small, had a by-pass doser, was a well-respected brand, and was in the cheaper price range for a super auto. It took a couple of days to get used to exactly how to use it, but I knew there would be a learning curve. I have had absolutely no problems with this machine. It makes great espresso every day for me and my husband. I love using it for guests as everyone is impressed at what I can make in my own kitchen. As long as you remember to descale every so often, it'll put out one great shot after another. I highly recommend this machine!
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