This machines lives up to the positive reviews on the site. It produces much better espresso than other machines that I've tried (Krups, Delonghi). I've been able to get "true crema-laden espresso" using ground coffee with the Illy dark roast (which is expensive, but better than any other ground options I've tried--Lavazza, Starbucks, Kimbo).

I bought this machine three weeks ago, and I am absolutely delighted with it! I paid $179.00 plus shipping on www.smartbargains.com, after looking up prices on www.froogle.com. Prices do fluctuate, so make sure you visit froogle and compare prices.

I have only used LavAzza espresso coffee, which is wonderful, rich and can be found at your grocery store. I am yet to try Illy which I heard is very good also. I initially wanted to purchase a burr grinder, but will stick with ground coffee for now.

Buy it, it is worth every penny!

Worth the $$$. I'd been served enough crappy "lattes" (scalded milk and watery espresso) at coffeehouses with cheap machines to know that I wasn't going to bother with a budget machine. I had also tried using one of those hand pump milk frothers with espresso from a cheap machine or a shot of coffee from one of those little Vietnamese drip devices. The results were a mediocre coffee beverage-not a real latte. (Though if it's a Vietnamese iced coffee you want, then that Vietnamese drip device is excellent.) When I decided to look for an espresso machine, I first tried the Cook's Illustrated review of good espresso machines under $200. I would've gone for one of those but the article was out of date and none of the models reviewed were available any longer. Then I found Nadav Caine's Amazon guide and got the Gaggia based on his recommendations. The price turned me off, but it's true that the machine will soon pay for itself given that I was spending $4.00 at Starbucks every day. It does take some time to learn to make a good shot of espresso and steam milk well, and I'm still learning, but even while improving my technique, I've been enjoying lattes every bit as good as Starbucks' ever since getting this machine.

This is a great machine and easy to learn. I have been looking for an espresso machine for several months. After reading reviews I decided on this one and am glad I did. Just be sure to read the directions and you will be making espresso before you know it. Don't give up after the first few tries--you will very happy with the final product. I am a beginner at this and had a wonderful espresso after the first few tries.

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/Classic (which adds a solenoid valve) which retails for around $450/$500. The brew group is the same commercial grade heavy hunk of brass with commercial 58mm portafilter, the aluminum boiler is the same as the Gaggia boiler found in the Classic. There is simply no comparison between this model and any non-Italian made competitor, such as Krups. A small drip tray (use an empty cup!) is a tiny price to pay for the awesome internals.

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 Capresso Infinity or Solis Maestro Plus --especially if you're content with milk drinks (since you'll have little leeway to tweak the espresso)-- but be very careful about other budget grinders. Gagggia's budget burr grinder (not the MDF), for example, is not up to the task. If you drink straight espresso, go with the Gaggia MDF for sure.

Be aware that the price seems to fluctuate on Amazon, but it can typically be bought for under $200 at the more famous espresso on-line places, and often here at Amazon.