Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I worked in Starbucks for 3 years back when they only had semi-automatic machines, and owned a personal machine for the past year (DeLonghi 15-bar pump). So, it's safe to say I know how to operate a semi-automatic espresso machine. This thing, however, was like an out-of-control beast when I first got it. Both espresso and frother were a disaster for the first week until I got it figured out. *NOW* it's an awesome machine, but only after a week of frustration!
The normal grind setting for my previous machine had this machine gushing two shots within two seconds. So I grind finer, tamp harder (a lot harder, w/ body weight), more beans, it's still gushing espresso! How much pressure does this thing have?? (actually, I think it is more to do with the espresso filter itself, it's very wide and deep). Finally, I get it pulling shots the other way. Pulling 10 drops of espresso in 20 seconds. So now it's too tight...? Damn baby, make up your mind! After a ton of trial and error, I found that if I grind for X seconds and tamp the two scoops just right, I get two *perfect* shots with fantastic crema. Yes, *better* than any other machine I've used. But, if I deviate at all, I end up with shots that pull way too fast or way too slow. I'm terrified to switch beans. I'm not exaggerating...
On top of that, I couldn't get the steamer to work without overflowing foam. I later learned that, unlike other machines, you have to froth the top of the milk for only 5-10 seconds, and then submerge the frothing wand and leave it submerged until the milk is hot enough. The foam comes out pretty good after that. But if I froth too long at the beginning, I get overflowing foam, if I froth too little, I don't get enough foam. Once again, it's great if you do it right, but not very forgiving.
Overall, I absolutely hated this machine the first week I owned it. Now that I have the whole process calibrated just right, I love it.
*Pros:
- Excellent espresso with decent crema
- Frother works pretty well too, once you figure it out
- Frothing wand moves up enough to get small pitchers under without tipping anything too much
- The espresso filter fits tightly into the filter holder, don't have to worry about it falling out when emptying it
- Heats up pretty fast, only a couple minutes, though the "warm enough" light frequently switches off during frothing/espresso
*Cons:
- Ridiculously tough to find the "sweet spot" for both grinding and frothing (I wasted like a pound of coffee figuring it out)
- For the reasons above, probably not the best machine for beginners.
- Frother attachment held on by friction to bare metal wand, kinda weird. Had it fall off a couple times while frothing, but usually I can get it on tight enough to stay
- Bigger than expected. It takes up a big chunk of my countertop I wish I had back.
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New Baby Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine in Ivory12100The New Baby traditional is packed with all of the classic features that have stood the test of time during the past 25 years, including simple controls, a commercial-style portafilter made of chrome-plated brass, and a clean, attractive silhouette. The powerful, high-wattage boiler heats up in just a few minutes, and the 15-bar pump ensures a great espresso extraction every time. The chrome-plated marine brass commercial-style portafilter is fabulous for use with ground coffee or ESE coffee pods! This machine also lets you create cappuccinos and lattes with the greatest of ease using the Gaggia Turbo Frother, (a plastic attachment on the steam wand that disperses steam perfectly for frothing milk). Start your day with the perfect cup! Product Details:-Portafilter: The chrome-plated brass, commercial style portafilter helps maintain a stable brewing temperature. The portafilter is perfect for brewing ground coffee, or ESE certified espresso pods. -Gaggia's Turbo Frothing: Gaggia's Turbo Frothing Wand allows you to steam and froth milk for cappuccinos and lattes with the greatest of ease. Extremely user-friendly and precise, you'll have great foam with no hassle! -Water Reservoir:On top of the machine, you'll find a spacious 64 ounce water reservoir that can be removed for filling at the faucet or can simply be refilled while in place. Features & Benefits: -Removable 64 oz water reservoir -Great froth every time with the Turbo Frother attachment -Stainless steel front panel and housing in ivory finish -3.5oz boiler with two external heating elements -55 watt electric pump -Accessories Included: single shot, double shot, ESE pod stainless steel filter baskets,Coffee tamper, and 7 gram scoop Specifications:-Powerful 15-bar pump -Power Supply: 1425 Watts / 120 Volts / 50 Hz -One Year Limited Warranty: (warranty not valid outside of US) -Made in Italy -15.7 H x 9.6 W x 10.4 D
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