Gaggia 11202 Baby Espresso Machine, Silver

I bought this machine after reading reviews of its great espresso and I have not been disappointed with its internal workings. It can do a really good job pulling shots if you get the grind and tamp right.

However, after a couple of weeks of use, the power switch got stuck in an always-on position and I had to unplug it each time I wanted to power down. This wasn't much of a surprise given how cheap and flimsy are all the buttons -they feel like cheap plastic toy parts -but it was enough for me to return the machine and upgrade to the Gaggia Classic. The Classic and Baby have the same internal parts and so make the same quality espresso but the housing and buttons of the Classic look like they might last more than a month. You can save $100 or so by going with the Baby and likely be very happy with the espresso quality, but you need to be comfortable with the risk you're taking on.

With the Baby model, I found I needed a *very* fine grind (#2 at commercial coffee shops) to make a decent shot. The Classic appears to be happy with a more conventional #3 or #4 fineness.

This machine has the ability to produce great coffee with the correct grind and sufficient tamping. Unfortunately the switches on the front of the unit are substandard compared to the rest of the unit. My steam switch has gone faulty after the first week (refuses to lock on!). If you can put up with regular replacement of switches then the resultant coffee will satisfy.

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We've had our Baby Gaggia for a little over a year now and are already on our third set of buttons. After regular use the buttons that run the steam, the brewing, and power the machine stick or break outright. The plastic buttons are incredibly cheaply made and, even when handled with delicacy break or simply cease to function. What's equally surprising is that the rest of the machine seems to be well made, which makes me wonder why they would use such inadequate parts on for its cheapest components. Don't buy this machine if you want reliability.

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I've had my Baby Gaggia for only a week now, and so I cannot comment on the longevity of the plastic housing/buttons. It's true they are not made of metal, and they might look cheap if you are expecting an all metal machine. I searched for a machine with fine internal workings, simply couldn't afford the higher priced models. Mine came from Whole Latte Love's outlet section, where it on clearance for $349. The Classic Gaggia was $497, as was the Gaggia Baby "D".

As promised, the espresso is delicious, and tastes better than anything I've ever bought at Starbucks or other local espresso bar. This is with medium roast pre-ground Illy coffee. I've been buying espresso at coffee shops for over twenty years, and have consumed it in Rome and Paris and other big cities in Europe, and never thought I could own my own machine. I can honestly say that after a bit of practice, my Baby Gaggia and I am making espresso that compares very well, and that's with Illy pre-ground medium roast coffee. With a good grinder (like the Gaggia MDF) and better water I think it could be even better. It's a good idea to have some decaf (Illy medium roast decaf) on hand, too, so you don't overdo it.

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