Economcially priced. Heats up quickly. Professional sized group and portafilter.

Plastic housing is unattractive. Boiler is made of aluminum. Cup warmer is inadequate

I had to return my unit for service only after four months as the machine's water debit was anemic. The warranty covered the required $80 service cost...but I still do not know what went wrong; Quirk or quailty issue. But for $179, what do you expect? Also, forget the perfecta crema device...there is no need... it's all technique.

If you do not have a grinder, this Gaggia works well with Mauro's "special Espresso". Torrisi is also good but do not get the "super fine" version.

This machine has an aluminum boiler with its heating element mounted on the outside. As such, it has a quick heat-up time and low risk of running the boiler dry. However, an aluminum boiler is inherently not as strong as a brass boiler.

The plastic housing almost looks nice but does not conduct enough heat to warm the cups on the cup warmer. And you could only fit 2-3cups on the cup warmer tray any way.

Here is my procedure for brewing tasty cremosa espresso:

Flip the on switch and let her warm up for approx. 15 minutes; Place portafilter (empty) in the group head and espresso cup on the tray; Turn on the brew switch for 10-15 seconds to run hot water into a cup; Remove portafilter and empty espresso cup; Add coffee to portafilter; tamp; place portafilter in group head, press brew and steam switch at the same time and run a 2 oz shot in 25 seconds and enjoy. Depressing the steam during the brew process will activiate the heating element.

aahhh that was good. Now before you shut her down pull a blank shot (run some water through the group head with out any coffee). A little maintenace will go along way. (Don't forget to descald every 3-4 mos.) And as this machine does not have a three-way solenoid valve you cannot backflush.

If you are price sensitive I'd say this is one of the best machines under USD 200.

Received as a gift. Had to exchange for a new machine.