Gaggia New Baby Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Edward Minoff

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Beginner

Great first machine

I've had this for two years now, and it has always run excellently. No problems. Very easy to use & clean and I think it brews just as well as machines that are twice the price. I get great shots paired with my Gaggia MDF grinder. My only complaint is that it is mostly plastic, so it doesn't look as pretty as most stainless machines. But, if you are looking for low cost and hi performance, then I highly recommend it.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Great quality espresso shots

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

follow the regular maintenance instructions

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Counter Culture Espresso La Forza & Blue Bottle Hayes Valley

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

The mirrored plastic laminate is coming off -- maybe better glue?

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Rancilio Sylvia

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Gaggia MDF

Rated 3 out of 5

Posted By:
Hillary Schneider

Has owned for:
1 - 6 months
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Great coffee - cumbersome machine

I've had this since christmas. The coffee is great, but that little black plastic thing you are supposed to use to make the "perfect espresso" gets lost in the dirty grinds and the garbage when I go to clean out the grinds after each use. I'm sure it's a great little plastic thing, but it takes the ease out of making the espresso. It is not easy to clean and makes the entire area around the machine dirty. While I enjoy the coffee it makes, I think it has to go back...

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

1 - 6 months

What's Best About this Product?

makes a good espresso

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

figure out a way to use it that doesn't make the time to clean longer than the time to make the espresso

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Starbucks Christmas Espresso Blend Local Northern California blend

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Either find a way to get a better "little black plastic thing" or get rid of it

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

N/A

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

In store

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Nannuraluk

Has owned for:
1 - 6 months
Ability Level:
Beginner

Great Machine for Newbie!

I really love this machine. Entry level for a beginner like me but makes fabulous coffee. Once it arrived it only took about 4 or 5 times to pull a perfect shot. Simple directions and great info on web on how to brew perfect espresso. Only complaint is that the steam wand is a bit short- even when you pivot it, can't get it directly over the tray to flush. Great machine for beginners- great sale price as well.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

1 - 6 months

What's Best About this Product?

Simple to use, solid construction

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Manual states 6 minutes for machine to warm up- I find 10-15 is better.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Lavazza, local roasted beans, La Columbe

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Better swivel on steam wand to get it over the tray- the plastic knob on top is a bit cheap looking- wish it were metal.

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Gaggia MDF

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
John Seymour

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Beginner

New to espresso

I have been pretty much a regular coffee drinker for years (from french press to drip to keurig). Of course I have had the occasional latte or cappuccino from a coffee house. After some extensive research time, and a look at my wallet, I zoned in on the Gaggia New Baby. I have to say after one week I am totally happy with my purchase. The main selling point for me was the fact that it offered a commercial style portafilter. It does come with pressurized filters, but I preferred to learn to pull shots the conventional way. I learned the method by watching videos on this and other sites and bought a few books on the subject. Of course bought my first coffees from the local grocery store (which had me worried because it was awful). I found and ordered from a local artisan coffee roaster. Boy what a difference.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

Brews great espresso.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Watch videos and read about espresso making. Get a good grinder. Buy fresh coffee.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Grocery store coffee - not good. Local coffee roaster "Flashbacks Cafe Espresso Blend" - very good.

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Single shot commercial filter.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

No espresso - just coffee machines most recent from Keurig.

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Purchased a Gaggia MDF with my machine.

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
maanpa

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Beginner

Read Instructions

Receved our Baby Gaggia a couple days ago.Took my time going over the instruction, not once but three times. It was the first time for me to use the Crema Perfetta filter. not following the instruction the first couple of shots were far from being perfect. Once I got the hang of the lite touch of tamping the groung expresso, shots were coming out good. Today was my third morning making our latte and they came out perfect. Best I have ever made in the 5 years of making expresso and lattes. I'm extremely happy with my new BABY. Looking forward to tomorrow morning with my BABY. YUM YUM and happy I found Whole Latte Love.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

Makes great expresso plus L and C.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

READ and FOLLOW the instructions for a great shot of expresso.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Italian Roast and 6 Beans

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

None at this time.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

De Longi

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Baby gaggia

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
micahnova

Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Great Machine

I have consistently made a good latte every morning for a year now with my Gaggia. The espresso has plenty of crema, and I'm happy with the taste. The steamer gives good micro-bubbles. The turn-nob on top that starts the steam seems a bit cheap like it slips past the stopping point; however, I haven't had difficulty turning the steam on and off yet. I bought a metal tamper separate from the one that came with the machine's porta filter. It's easy to wipe down and clean as well (although I haven't given the interior parts a good cleaning yet). Overall, I like the design. The water tank is well designed for picking up and taking back and forth from the sink. So the "on" button is in the back. Big whoop. I'm very happy with this baby.

What's Best About this Product?

The espresso is produces is good quality.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Kaldi's Espresso 700, Lavazza

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Make the steam turn-nob metal.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

I used to work at Starbucks using their semi-automatics (back when they had such machines)

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

I've been letting the coffee shop that I buy from grind my espresso.

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
Jondoenier

I have received an enormous amount of pleasure from my new baby over the past 9 months and, after a significant bout of poor to mild quality espresso, I was able to create consistent quality espresso (there is a huge learning curve in the espresso world, it took me a while to learn that). The milk frothing capabilities of this machine are not necessarily as low as some people will lead you to believe, however, significant practice is required to make a good milk foam. I would recommend this machine to any beginner who is looking for a quality machine that can produce quality espresso for a long time.

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Ron Bisbee

Excellent little starter machine. This is my first "real" espresso machine. I have only used steam machines in the past. However, this time I wanted a machine that will allow me to make a great drink. With the commercial porta-filer and the quick responding heating element it's fairly easy to get a decent shot and not too difficult to get repeatable great tasting espressos. The frothing wand is very good at making foam - probably too good. You get a bunch of foam, but not great micro-foam laden milk. I am looking at the replacement chrome foam attachment. One note for prospective buyers. Whollattelove states that this machine comes with single and double porta-filter baskets and an ESE pod basket. The new machine has been "dumbed down" somewhat and comes with a single and double pressurized filter basket and one doulbe commercial basket. If you want to make good single shots, you'll need to buy a single basket.

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
javahead

I have been using Espresso machines for about 18 years. This is my third machine and so far it is also the best machine I have owned. I have been using it dailly for about 3 weeks and I am very impressed. I have only used the steamer twice, so I can't comment much on it. I also am using the Portafilter from my old gaggia Carezza. I had some problems with the Portafilter on this machine spitting out Espresso...it got messy. The ports are open to the sides, so the pressure is such that it starts to spit or spew. My old Carezza's are straight down, so the problem goes away. However, having said that the machine itself is great. Has nice looks even with mostly plastic body. Operating the machine has been a breeze and the Espresso I am getting with Gaggia MDF grinder and some great coffee from the Kaffeeklatsch in Hsv, AL has been impressive. The crema is the most I have ever achieved. I hope to have this baby (pun intended) for a long time. Also, got a great price on this during WLL Xmas sale...sweet! Life is good. Probably a 4.5 overall.

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
NickB

Has owned for:
1 - 6 months
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Great investment

When researching for an espresso machine, I wanted it to have two features: make a hot shot with crema, and have the ability to make many shots quickly. This machine has both features and does them well. I really like this machine. It makes a great cup of espresso and it is consistent with every pour. Before buying this machine, I tried a more expensive super-automatic and really did not like how inflexible it was with regards to shot strength. The Gaggia, since it is a semi automatic, can handle anything from a single shot to a super strong double shot, depending on which filter basket you use and how much coffee you pack in. This has been a great investment so far and I look forward to many more mornings with this machine. Even with the solenoid valve, the pucks sometime come out soupy, but I think that may be a function of my sub-par grinder.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

1 - 6 months

What's Best About this Product?

I like the design, speed at which it warms up and gets ready, and the consistency of the coffee.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

If you are looking for a nice entry-level espresso machine that performs well, this is the machine for you. It has a little learning curve so it is not for those who don't like fine-tuning their morning routine!

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Joe Van Gogh, Melitta, First Colony, locally roasted beans

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

The milk frother leaves a lot to be desired. Unfortunately, my 10 year old $20 Krups steam-powered espresso machine's steam frother is far superior! I'm not sure what the problem is with the frother, but it seems like it is almost TOO strong and heats the milk too quickly and the milk boils before it has the ability to firm up. The bottom of the frothing pitcher gets very warm, but the top is very foamy and cold. This is the only feature that could be improved. Note that with a little finesse, it is possible to get a nice froth but it's not as straight-forward as it should be.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Jura Capresso F9

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Blade grinder

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Krups

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Kangwarn Chinthammit

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Great machine for the price

Bought this as part of the machine + grinder package to replace a 3-year Saeco Superautomatic which just broke. I budgeted around $400 price range and narrowed down to Lelit and Gaggia, and went with Gaggia due to the 2-year warranty at WLL. Plus, I was a little worried about the water hardness and wanted machine that can take the Aqua Prima filter, which the Gaggia Baby does. Wow, I couldn't believe what I have been drinking for the last 3 years. It took some experiment to figure out the grind on MDF and tamp pressure. After about 6-8 trial and error, I settled on the setting 5 on MDF and hard tamp. The double shot came out beautifully with golden brown creama in 23-25 seconds, unlike my old Saeco which always seemed to be underextract, this came out just right. This machine is also the cheapest model from Gaggia that has 3-way solenoid valve. After brewing, the coffee puck was dry and easy to knock off. What I like the most is this gives me the option to try different beans at the same time since I just put in what I want to grind. It will be hard to go back to superautomatic again.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

Fast heat up time. Price/feature value. 3-way solenoid valve. Removable water take and support Aqua Prima water filter.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

For me the perfect setting on MDF to pull great shot is 5, and a little harder tamp (toward 30-40 lbs). I could also settled on the 4 and lighter tamp but I found it harder to control since the water seemed to leak through. Have tried with Ritual Coffee and Peet beans. Order a metal tamper - the plastic one which comes with machine is useless.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Ritual Coffee Evil Twin, Peet Espresso Forte,

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Steam wand. Better tamper. Position of steam knob is awkward.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Saeco Superautomatic

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Gaggia MDF

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Jeanne Hansen

Has owned for:
1 - 6 months
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

This is my second espresso machine, after a disappointing failure with the Starbucks Sirena. Gaggia New Baby is so much easier to use, and cleanup is a breeze. I get much better steamed milk with this machine, and it's easy to adjust your shots to get gorgous crema. This machine is easy to use, easy to clean, looks great, and makes wonderful shots and steamed milk. If you are having trouble with steaming milk, read the article called In-Depth Look at Frothing Milk on this website.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

1 - 6 months

What's Best About this Product?

Superior espresso, very easy to use and clean.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Read the articles on this website for great information.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Starbucks Verona decaf, Starbucks Sumatra decaf, Illy decaf

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

It would be nice to have the power switch on the front instead of the back of the machine. The instructions that come with the machine are poor at best. If I hadn't used another machine before, I might have been lost. If you are a first-time buyer, read other how-to articles and you should be okay. It's worth doing a little research.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Starbucks Sirena

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Baratza

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Virtuoso (conical burr)

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
ncrc51

Has owned for:
1 - 6 months
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Love it

This machine is a big step up from my Saeco. It was easy to "dial in" and makes great espresso. I thought I was getting the good stuff when I bought the Saeco, but this is a big improvement in taste and quality. I don't use it to steam, I have an old steamer that thankfully still works.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

1 - 6 months

What's Best About this Product?

Great value for the money. Warms up quickly. Pulls great shots. I think the next step up from this would be a dual boiler machine. Great buying experience from Whole Latte Love.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Buy your products from reputable companies like Whole Latte Love. I made the mistke of purchasing a grinder from Za.....i's. It performed very poorly and after a week of exchanging emails, they don't give out a phone number, I'm still stuck with it!!! My buying experince on the Gaggia was great and I'm confident help (if I need it) is only a call away.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

various

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

The drip tray could have a larger capacity, but I really like that I can fit larger cups under the portafilter.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Saeco Magic

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

conical burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Starbucks Barista - really good for the money Nemox Lux Plus - not good at all, at least for me

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Conrad Hoenig

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Still the best!

All I could ask for in my grinder.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

The ease in changing grinding settings.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Service tech that took my order was great.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Whole Latta Love "Reflection", Decaf Whole Bean.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

This is my second Espresso Machine and both are wonderful. I could not ask for more!!!!!! Thanks Whole Latta Love.

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Gaggia

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

I am in a wheelchair and cannot lift grinder.

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
PhillyJason

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

WOW

I upgraded to the Gaggia New Baby (from the krups) and I cant believe I ever drank that other stuff! The gaggia is more demanding (you really need to have a decent grinder, a good tamp etc) but the payoff is great! The footprint on my counter is pretty big. The water tank is huge! and (not that I will ever use it) the frothing want is 3D swivel type. The machine heats up to HOT! (my last machine wasn't this hot)

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

The Gaggia New Baby is easy to set up, and I was able to pull a decent shot in under 4 attempts.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Get a nice tamper, get a good grinder and enjoy!

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

La Colombe (Nizza roast)

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

The tamper that comes with the machine is kind of an joke. You need a decent 58MM tamper. I would have made the machine a little heavier (you need two hands to lock the filterholder into place.)

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Krups XP3040

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Baratza Virtouso

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Deena Ackerman

Has owned for:
6 - 12 months
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

We're very happy with this machine

I'm finally ready to review after 6 months of use. The machine was fine from day one, but that's not what matters. We get a consistently great long black, espresso or cappuccino every time. For the money (and you care about that if you are looking at this machine), this machine plus a nice grinder is far, far superior to the superautomatics - both of which died within five years of solid use and because their hoppers are so big, we sometimes had stale coffee. We still buy coffee by the kilo, and keep all but a small amount wrapped and frozen. We grind perhaps every three days. Make sure you spend the money for a good-enough grinder. If you spend much less than we did, you will lose the grind you actually need for a decent cup from this machine.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

6 - 12 months

What's Best About this Product?

Consistent, and no frills. The water bin is well designed so there's no dripping when you are filling it. Plus, it actually fits under the refrigerator spout. Good value.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Lavazza

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Saeco Superautomatic, Gaggia Superautomatic

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Virtuoso Baratza

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Rob Gillette

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Very Pleased With the New Baby

I really like my Gaggia New Baby so far. I received many free extras when I bought it from WLL, but I was missing an espresso cup. I called them and they said they would send it, so service as been good so far. At the time I received the machine, there was an ice storm in Portland so I could not get my hands on any fresh Stumptown beans, which is my favorite local roaster. I had to use the WLL Buzzopolis or Monaco beans that came free with the Gaggia. I had very low expectations considering they had just been shipped across the states. The first shots were very impressive: Guinness effect with nice, lasting crema. Nice job WLL! The shot came pretty fast though, maybe 18 seconds. I messed around with a finer grind and a harder tamp, but couldn't slow the shot down. My tamper is too small for my PF so that could definitely be a factor. Regardless, the shots were very good. The solenoid valve is great because you knock out solid dry pucks. I'm still getting used to the steam wand, which is a little quirky. It is very short, but it can do the job either with the attachment or without. I have only used the attachment with the top part screwed on and not the bottom "froth enhancing" thing. Either way, I can tell it can get the job done if you are frothing a smaller amount of milk.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

The portafilter is great, very professional. Makes great espresso.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Whole Latte Love Buzzopolis, but will use Stumptown Hairbender and WLL Monaco.

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Stream wand could be a little longer. It would also help if it would rotate a little easier. I have trouble pointing it into the drip tray when I want to flush the wand. Making it a little longer would solve this problem as well.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Breville Ikon

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Breville Burr Grinder

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Ikon

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Scott Gay

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Good Machine - Good Price - GREAT COFFEE

Out of the box it was a bit taller than I expected, but it fits on our counter & under the cupboards - just kind of a shock. Very first shots I pulled were perfect and in the right amount of time. I didn't realize how "bad" our old shots were tasting until I tried these two shots in a plain latte. Very smooth, nothing bitter, sour, or appalling to my palate. I guess my old machine wasn't as up to par as I thought, it wasn't bad, but I had gotten used to okay coffee.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

I like that it operates very simply and much like my old Saeco, I read the instructions through and through, but I wouldn't have needed. But really what I like best is IT MAKES GOOD COFFEE!!!

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Take some time to learn the nuances of grind and tamping for this machine and you will be very happy. When you turn it on notice the clock to give it the 6 minutes to warm up.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Lavazza, and beans from our local roaster

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Only two MINOR things... Upon my initial inspection the main power button could be in front, and not the back. But I have to say it hasn't been much of an issue, nothing else is in the back and I can reach around and push the button. The second item is the drip tray. It doesn't hold very much, not that it needs to, but I would prefer a bigger tray that only ever fills up part way, to smaller one that fills up most of the way. It does remove and lock in very easily.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

10 year old Saeco Via Veneto, with a non-pressurized portafilter

The Type of Grinder I've Been Using:

Burr Grinder

The Make and Model of My Grinder:

Solis Maestro