Making my own espressos for about fifteen years. This is my second machine. Using it for close to six years. My model is the same with a slightly different exterior. Buttons in the same space with the knob on top. Also have the Silvia/Rocky Grinder. Each cost close to $350.If you want to foam milk for most of your espressos this machine will be frustrating because the heater cannot keep up. Although I prefer espresso without milk when I want Lattes I simply microwave to heat and whip with Aerolatte 5 Milk Frother ($16). Friends this whips milk to "wet paint" thickness in seconds. I would never pay hundreds extra for a machine that makes lots of steam for frothing. If I owned one anyway I would still use the Aerolatte. Can you say "ten seconds"? Only thing you have to be careful of is WHIPPING THE MILK TOO MUCH, too thick, and it happens so fast it take practice not too.
Back to the coffee. Gaggia Baby has always worked well for me. Main skill is getting the grind correct. Not because of the machine because of the bean. That is why I paid as much for the Rocky grinder as the Gaggia espresso machine. Fresh beans can be ground larger first few days than a week after you open the package. Freshness is lost to volatility........it evaporates. Too much work for me but that is why roasting your own is best flavor.
The Gaggia brews just fine but no better than the bean you use. Warm up is fast due to the heater inbedded in the walls of the aluminum tank. Yes aluminum. This is why the machine heats up so fast for brewing. Many machines tanks are stainless. Our local water is very high quality and easy on aluminum. Always rinse and back-flush after brewing. Only takes seconds. Use Cleancaf cleaner and descaler once or twice a month depending on how much you brew. Without this espresso will become more bitter. Guess how I know ;D ?
Last but far from least: About a year ago I tried coffee pods. This machine has a smaller insert for pods many do not. Cost a little more per cup but brewing is much easier including clean up. Flavor is outstanding due to freshness. Brewing times vary by brand. Many beans are not available in pods so I still make lots from scratch. For the money this is a good machine. Got an extra $150? Then get the Gaggia Classic but they are the same inside. At $150 steps I would choose the Gaggia Baby.........Gaggia Classic........Rancilio/Silvia ($650). They all make good espresso IMHO.
Buy Gaggia New Baby Espresso Machines Now
Truth be told I noticed most reviews about this machine are because they receive broken machines which are not fair at all. This machine is a very good starter machine and the guts of the machine are the exact same as the highly regarded Gaggia Classic. The only difference is the outer shell is a hard plastic where the Classic is all stainless steel. Not much difference in terms of shot quality between the two. if you want to save the money , I highly recommend this machine. It produces just as good of a shot if not better than my friends Breville machines that gets great reviews here on Amazon (not sure of the model number off the top of my head at the moment. I gave it 5 stars to give it a higher overall rating, but I'd truthfully give it 4 stars as I have tasted shots from machines that cost over 1k and produce amazing quality.Read Best Reviews of Gaggia New Baby Espresso Machines Here
The Gaggia New Baby was my first espresso machine and some of the reviews had me a little nervous. It heats quickly (not six minutes as some said), has no issues, and makes great coffee. It arrived in very substantial packaging and was up and brewing in no time at all.Want Gaggia New Baby Espresso Machines Discount?
This is singlehandedly the best espresso machine for this price range... Ive done the OCD researching for you!Positives:
The Gaggia New Baby has all the internals of its big brother, the Classic only exception is an ABS plastic shell. The brewhead and portafilter are plated brass. The portafilter is a commercial 58mm translating to a real 14g or greater double shot of espresso.
The broiler has a double element heater and heats in 6min or less. If you're looking for fake crema and lack of artisanship in espresso pulling, this is not the machine for you. If you want to learn how to make real espresso, this is the perfect machine to get started.
Negatives:
The catch with machines like this is you truly need a burr grinder to get an espresso grind. For $40 you can get a hand grinder. If you're into an automatic, grinders under $120 wont cut it. Youll do best with the Gaggia MDF, Rancillio Rocky, and Breville Smart.
There is not enough power to froth milk in a 20oz pitcher unless you like your milk at 140deg. I use a 16oz rattleware pitcher and fill it to about 1/3 of the volume.
The frothing wand is not optimal I removed the plastic completely and it works well However, the wand is too short without the plastic pinarello so you have to get creative if you do it this way. Otherwise, for the price range, the plastic wand will do. There are pinarello stainless wand upgrades available from the gals at seattlecoffeegear if needed. Or, if youre really creative you can add a rancillio silvia wand... youtube it to see some videos.
Also, the included plastic tamper is a nice thought but I doubt it will give an even 30 40 lbs tamp.
Lastly, the machine, like higher end espresso machines, is only as good as its user. If you assemble it properly, have a good grind, and properly tamp the grind, you will get great results. I know because I did.
I literally pulled 5 double shots of espresso in 1hr the first day I received it. No problems whatsoever. The machine feels solid and is relatively simple to use provided you know how to operate an espresso machine.
Get it, youll enjoy it!
-Steve
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