Gaggia 35008 Carezza Espresso Machine, Silver
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Gaggia 35008 Carezza Espresso Machine, Silver
Customer Review: Outstanding machine
Summary: 5 Stars
Gaggia 35008 Carezza Espresso Machine, Silver I bought one of these several years ago and it has been essentially trouble free. Yes, it drips a bit and steam comes out, but I have never had to repair anything or do anything other than just keep it clean (I wipe off everything after each use, and once every week or so I wash the water reservoir). About once per month (at most) I remove the filter and wipe off the dark grime. I have also run dilute vinegar through it twice during its lifetime (followed by copious rinses). During the same time I have had this machine a friend of mine has gone through several much more expensive brands. I happily give this machine 5 stars.Customer Review: Not impressed yet
Summary: 2 Stars
After weeks of research for a new espresso machine I decided on the Gaggia Carezza. I have yet to be impressed. I read the brief manual, watched the CD on my computer and turned it on. It is extremely LOUD. The thing rattles and shakes across the counter too. The filter holder does not slide in smoothly especially if you use the perfect crema disk. The "perfect" crema disc is far from perfect - it doesn't allow the stainless steel filter to fit correctly in the holder. After using the machine a few time the steam knob became stripped. I'm ready to trade it in. Another thing I do not like about this machine is you can only make one drink at a time. You have to cool down the pump to continue making espresso - long process if you are making more than one drink.Customer Review: 20 months and still going strong....
Summary: 4 Stars
I've had this machine four months shy of two years and it is still working exceptionally well. Yeah, you get a few drips from the frother, but in the end, you get a great cup of espresso. The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is because a plastic part on the frother sleeve cracked, rendering the frother attachment useless. After an exhaustive check for a replacement part, I've come up empty. I think Gaggia should definitely make themselves available in terms of replacement parts if they seek to gain ground in the U.S consumer market. By the way, I have used this machine every day, religiously, at least three times a day. I would not hesitate to buy the exact same unit if my current Carezza were to break. The price is definitely right.Customer Review: Great for the price
Summary: 4 Stars
This machine makes very good espresso at a great price. Be sure to get a good grinder with several settings in the "espresso" range so you can fine tune. It is well made and feels nice.
That being said, mine arrived with a loose pump inside. One of the footings holding the pump down broke off, probably during shipping either from Amazon or from Italy. However, the machine is easy to open and I simply re-glued the footing down just as it was before it broke. Problem solved. I have made many good drinks with it and am glad I bought it.
You will also want small espresso shot cups and a frothing pitcher. You cannot fit regular sized cups in the machine and the frothing nozzle has rather low clearance so a pitcher is nice.
Customer Review: Perfect crema, excellent froth
Summary: 5 Stars
I didn't know what perfect crema was until I bought this machine but after 3 or 4 tries, I was getting it. The froth for capuccino is excellent and only took 1 or 2 tries to get that down. Only problem I had was after being away for 4 days, I couldn't get the froth despite thoroughly cleaning all the apparati 3 times. Then I turned on the frother and shot hot water through the frothing tube by turning on the coffee maker (the frother overrides the coffee maker if they are both on). This cleaned out whatever was causing the problem and it's been perfect since. At least every second time that I use the machine I do this for a few seconds. For the money ($200), I would give this machine 6 stars. It even comes with a video instruction disk.