Gaggia Espresso Machine – Gaggia Color Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

Gaggia 102534 Espresso-Color Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine, Red

New Espresso Color: a choice that will be rewarded with a high quality coffee in the cup, with the advantage to use also the coffee pods – thanks to an additional filter and with a cromatic choice, that match even the most modern furnishing style, bringing out the brilliance of the stainless steel details.

Gaggia Espresso-Color Features:

• 1100-watt espresso machine with stainless-steel boiler and 15-bar pump
• Chrome-plated brass brew group and portafilter provide excellent temperature stability
• Accommodates ESE coffee pods or ground coffee; Pannarello steam wand; cup warmer
• Removable water tank; 3 filter baskets, coffee tamper, and coffee-measuring scoop included
• Measures 10-4/5 by 8-2/7 by 14 inches

Get Your Expresso Fix at Home November 11, 2008
kaden22 (Annapolis, MD USA)
37 out of 37 found this review helpful

I had a Breville Cafe Roma, a good machine, but one that I would regard as entry level. Although the Breville had no trouble making espressos with a nice layer of crema, the (recently upgraded) steaming wand was still a weak spot. Also, there’s no hot water dispenser on that model.

After extensive research, I decided to purchase the Gaggia Espresso Color. Although no reviews of this model were available, I really liked the price, the color, the overall design, and the favorable reviews I had seen for other machines in the Gaggia line. This machine is compact, stylish, and includes elements found on higher end machines like a commercial portafilter, a stainless steel boiler, and a Pannarello attachment for the steaming wand. Also, I kept coming across the same brand names over and over again with a sterling reputation in the espresso world, and Gaggia is one of those names.

I am very happy with my Gaggia. I really feel that it is a cut above my old Breville. The insides of the machine (the boiler, the heating elements, the valves) are top notch. It is a very efficient machine which does a great job and is worth every penny.

There is a learning curve with this machine because the commercial portafilter does not contain a pressure mechanism like the filters in thermablock systems. The requisite pressure for properly extracted espresso is very dependent on the fineness and consistency of the grind and the pressure used to tamp the coffee. This machine is all about the ritual of making espresso, meaning you need to pay attention to details like prepping and preheating the machine, and minding the coffee grind and the tamp. The reward, however, is an excellent espresso that trumps what is sold at the typical coffee shop. The Pannarello attachment to the steaming wand removes a lot of the guesswork for making steamed milk and foam. The foam I have had from this machine is dense and luscious and makes my latte feel like a mini-vacation;-). The espressos and lattes I have had from this machine far exceed what I had from the Breville. They’re also a lot better than what I (used to) get from Starbucks. Thanks to my Gaggia, I can now get my espresso fix at home (and save beaucoup bucks at the same time)!