Gaggia Carezza 35008 Espresso Machine

Impressive Machine For the Price!

Strengths: Incredibly good espresso; quality brand name; ease of use; nice size for countertop; attractive design; quick clean-up; steam function works well.

Weaknesses: Occasional drippiness, but no more than other machines I've tried.

Summary: I would rate this one of the best espresso machines you can buy for around $200. It makes fantastic espresso - rich and flavorful with NO bitterness, and a thick layer of crema. For those of you weighing the convenience of the coffeeshop against investing in a good espresso machine, I was actually quite surprised at how quickly the whole process goes - from grinding the beans to the finished product, about 6 or 7 minutes once you've become familiar with the machine. Less time than waiting in line at the coffeehouse! Not to mention that the espresso is simply better from the Gaggia than what you can get at a coffee shop, in my opinion. We use Lavazza beans and a Gaggia burr grinder to get especially good espresso. The milk frother does a great job as well; it steams enough milk for a large latte in a little over a minute. And when you're done, clean-up only takes a couple of minutes.

All in all this is a great little machine of very good quality for a great price. I love the way it looks on my countertop and I am definitely hooked on the superior coffee it makes. As a daily user, I am more than impressed and would definitely buy it again!

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The best espresso machine for under $200

Strengths: Great instructional CD,filter and filter holder are of commercial quality, strong, entire unit is not flimsy like others.

Weaknesses: Both the frothing nozzle and the filter drip after shutting off the switches. I place a measuring cup under the nozzle and a small sponge under the delivery spout.

Summary: This machine is nothing short of a steal for someone on a budget interested in a true espresso machine. The innards of this Gaggia are identical to every one of their models from this one up until the Gaggia Baby (which adds a solenoid pressure relief valve) which retails for around $450. The portafilter is the same commercial grade 58mm hunk of brass, the aluminum boiler is the same as the Gaggia boiler found in their far more expensive machines. There is simply no comparison between this model and any non-Italian made competitor, such as Krups.

That said, one ought to realize that they cannot produce true crema-laden espresso without a grinder capable of producing an even, fine espresso grind, coupled with freshly roasted beans. This machine ought to be paired with the Gaggia MDF grinder, a Rancilio Rocky, or a Mazzer Mini. For those on a budget, you might be able to get away with a Solis Maestro Plus or Capresso Infinity or Vaneli's Maximo, but even these are barely up to the challenge. The Maestro and Infinity will be like driving a car in first gear: you'll get espresso, but not much flexibility in improving your shots. The Maximo is better. Avoid other budget grinders (anything lower than a Gaggia MDF). Gagggia's budget burr grinder (not the MDF), for example, is not up to the task.

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Gaggia 35008 Carezza Espresso Machine

Strengths: This Espresso machine makes espresso and lattes, it's worth the brief confusion.

Weaknesses: When I first opened the packaging, I noticed right away how LARGE and PLASTIC the machine looked. Motor makes lots of noise.

Summary: I was excited when I received my machine but that excitement soon turned to frustration. I read the instructions, then started to make my first latte. But, I realized the wand was a total loss. It is placed too low so it's almost impossible to get a steaming pitcher in place without spilling milk all over the counter! I have solved the problem by setting the machine on a stand. For the money I spent, I shouldn't have to do that. It was such a pain to get the thing going in the morning.

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