Gaggia 35005 Carezza Espresso Machine, Gray

My wife and I purchased this machine for my mother-in-law over FIVE year's ago and she uses it every DAY! So far she has only had to replace seals and some hoses last year. I decided to purchase an Espresso machine and did some serious looking and ended up with this machine. Not realizing that we had purchased the same machine for my mother-in-law. Well, they have changed a few things: the frother is now plastic instead of an all metal tube, and the Portafilter spouts are plastic where as they use to be metal, but the price is still reasonable and it makes a great cup of Espresso! My only complaint is that now those bargin Espresso stand wont do, I take one taste and almost yell at the Bartista, that I can make a better one at HOME!!! If you do purchase this machine, make sure you also purchase a Burr grinder! NOT a Blade grinder. Yes, pay the extra money on the Burr grinder and you wont be disappointed.

If you like expresso this machine will rock you.
I did take some time to get the best results. I have found that with the use of the cheater rubber disk and making a little bigger hole in it the expresso comes out great. You must keep it clean to work correctly. I use 2 spoons full for a double, and the grind on fine but not extremly fine, with not pressing just leveling off the grinds work best.Do that and crema comes out and tastes great,different coffee will of course taste different so experement on your own. If you let it heat up for about 6 minutes it will work best before brew.

I did not every get it to work correctly with out the use of the rubber disk or packing the grinds tight.



I ended up with this machine and boy am I glad that I did. I spent hours and hours reading descriptions and reviews and picked this machine mainly because it had a high pressure bar and because it uses both pods and regular coffee. The first time my husband and I made an espresso and a latte with this machine they came out "perfect", and that was our first time ever making one. We used Illy Espresso Pods and I must say, that now, we'd rather use our Espresso Machine that go to the local coffee shop. The Illy pods make great tasting espresso, much better than the Starbucks brand that we also purchased, We also tried using regular Maxwell House Coffee purchased in the regular grind and it worked perfectly also to brew an espresso. The machine heats very quickly to brew an espresso, though the only draw back is, sometimes when frothing milk you may begin to froth only to have the ready light go off and you have to stop frothing and wait for it to come back on (few seconds)because the machine wasn't hot enough for the steam when the light initially came on.. I also have some problems with it leaking extra espresso/water after I am done brewing, and it also leaks water from the frothing wand after I am done frothing, and I do clean it regularly, though if you just put a paper towel down, or don't mind wiping it up real quick, it really isn't a big deal, the great espresso it makes, more than makes up for that. I highly recommend this machine, I am a novice user and even I was able to make a great cup :) So for that I give it a 5

At around $200 at several online retailers this machine is about as great a value as you can find in a semi-automatic espresso machine. It has about the same internal parts and portafilter as much more expensive Gaggia machines, but a plastic rather than metal exterior. The steam wand produces a lot of steam, but is not really a pro style. It froths milk very well for a Cappuccino, but getting the even fine micro-bubbles for a Latte is a bit of a trick.
The unit in general is very solid, with a near commercial quality chrome plated brass group head and portafilter. The portafilter is a 58mm, which is the same as most coffee shop machines, and you will want to get your coffee ground a bit finer than a typical home "espresso" grind. Grinding your own is probably best.
Bottom line: If you want the least amount you can spend to pull a real double shot of espresso at home, this is as good a choice as can be found.
Added 4/29/06: I have had this for a year now, and used it every day. The trick here really is the grind, and I eventaully got a Zassenhaus grinder, which has made a world of differance. A good burr grinder is needed to really bring out the best in this machine.

I don't know if these positive reviews are coming from Gaggia employees, but the machine is an overpriced piece of junk! Leaking, loud, hard to use/clean, this machine didn't do as well as my $50 Krups. I spent a lot of time researching machines, and like an idiot I took these reviews to heart, DON'T believe them! I am returning the unit tomorrow.

This is our first espresso machine and it is really user friendly and makes a great drink. We use mostly espresso pods (Illy pods are a must have if you buy this) and love the resulting drinks. The steam wand could be a little higher, but it's not a nuisance in it's current configuration. For the price, I strongly recommend it.

I've been using a coffemate expresso machine for a few years now. I decided to upgrade when my 3rd or was it 4th(?) coffemate machine broke. It takes at least twice as long to make my morning mocha with the Gaggia since you have to prime it every morning. I suppose if you run a coffee shop out of your kitchen this machine would be worth the price. Plus, cheapo coffeemate gives you a pot for your expresso but Gaggia gives you nothing. I didn't have anything small enough to fit the tiny space under the expresso drip so I had to use a bowl. If you buy this make sure you get some of the tiny expresso cups too.

So after all that complaining I still have to give it a 3 star review b/c I had the best mocha I've ever made this morning. If you don't mind working for 20 minutes for a great drink then this is the machine for you.

Whoever wrote bad reviews never lived in Italy. I lived in Italy for 8 years (I'm true blooded American) and this is an Outstanding machine. I love it. You need to know how to use the machine properly and you MUST have the correct grind. You cannot use a cheap $5.00 grinder with this machine. If you don't want to spend money on an expensive or good grinder, take your beans to the store and grind them in the coffee aisle. Yes, the machine will make a mess when you take the grinds out when the machine is hot. If you wait a few minutes and let the machine cool down, there is NO MESS.

This is truly a Great Expresso, Cappuchino machine. I love it.

I bought this machine and had two returns from Amazon (they were helpful in replacing/returning when I wasn't satisfied) but it was the machine that was the problem. Where to start?

1. The machine is a mess after brewing. Coffee drips out like mud from the filter basket. Even if you're new to espresso making, the machine should not be dripping and sputtering wet grounds all over the place when you remove the filter basket.

2. Bad coffee taste. All the baloney about getting the precise timing, temperature, pressure, etc. is just that when you're dealing with a lower priced, simple machine like this. At this level, you should be able to tamp in the coffee, turn on the pump, fill your cup, and get a good taste. This machine produced watery liquid, mud, goop, gunk, and everything in between, but never a balanced cup of tasty coffee.

3. Too light -- the case is plastic, and when you put on or remove the filter basket, the whole machine moves around. An espresso machine should hold its weight on the counter when you need to use it, and this one slides all over the place.

I strongly recommend Saeco machines. I don't work for them, I'm not a spokesman or anything, but they are the well-known, reliable maker of espresso machines at this price point. A good machine at this level is the traditional model, link below. Not especially pretty, but it will make solid coffee and last a long time.

Saeco 30013 Aroma Traditional Espresso Machine, Black

I've been using this product for approximately 1 month and I am very pleased. I am able to produce a very nice cup of espresso with a healthy dose of crema each time. The technique takes a little practice, but I enjoyed the learning process and continue to learn. The machine is attractive as well IMHO. It is clearly a very nice machine at $200.

There are a few slightly negative things about the machine. The espresso dispenser and the steam nozzle leak when hot. The steam nozzle is placed low and is not especially convenient. Only a small espresso cup will fit under the machine. Finally, it takes a little time for the boiler to increase the temperature from brewing temperature to steaming temperature which is also a bit inconvenient.

I also cannot review durability as the machine is only 1 month old. It has a high standard to meet because my first espresso machine made by Krups is 6 years old and still works (just does not produce crema - never has).

All in all, this machine has made me very happy despite the small flaws that I have just listed. I enjoy espresso 1-2 times per day and I am also very proud to make some for guests whenever I have the chance. At $[...], I clearly recommend this machine.

I've been using this product for approximately 1 month and I am very pleased. I am able to produce a very nice cup of espresso with a healthy dose of crema each time. The technique takes a little practice, but I enjoyed the learning process and continue to learn. The machine is attractive as well IMHO. It is clearly a very nice machine at $200.

There are a few slightly negative things about the machine. The espresso dispenser and the steam nozzle leak when hot. The steam nozzle is placed low and is not especially convenient. Only a small espresso cup will fit under the machine. Finally, it takes a little time for the boiler to increase the temperature from brewing temperature to steaming temperature which is also a bit inconvenient.

I also cannot review durability as the machine is only 1 month old. It has a high standard to meet because my first espresso machine made by Krups is 6 years old and still works (just does not produce crema - never has).

All in all, this machine has made me very happy despite the small flaws that I have just listed. I enjoy espresso 1-2 times per day and I am also very proud to make some for guests whenever I have the chance. At $[...], I clearly recommend this machine.

Whoever wrote bad reviews never lived in Italy. I lived in Italy for 8 years (I'm true blooded American) and this is an Outstanding machine. I love it. You need to know how to use the machine properly and you MUST have the correct grind. You cannot use a cheap $5.00 grinder with this machine. If you don't want to spend money on an expensive or good grinder, take your beans to the store and grind them in the coffee aisle. Yes, the machine will make a mess when you take the grinds out when the machine is hot. If you wait a few minutes and let the machine cool down, there is NO MESS.

This is truly a Great Expresso, Cappuchino machine. I love it.

I bought this machine and had two returns from Amazon (they were helpful in replacing/returning when I wasn't satisfied) but it was the machine that was the problem. Where to start?

1. The machine is a mess after brewing. Coffee drips out like mud from the filter basket. Even if you're new to espresso making, the machine should not be dripping and sputtering wet grounds all over the place when you remove the filter basket.

2. Bad coffee taste. All the baloney about getting the precise timing, temperature, pressure, etc. is just that when you're dealing with a lower priced, simple machine like this. At this level, you should be able to tamp in the coffee, turn on the pump, fill your cup, and get a good taste. This machine produced watery liquid, mud, goop, gunk, and everything in between, but never a balanced cup of tasty coffee.

3. Too light -- the case is plastic, and when you put on or remove the filter basket, the whole machine moves around. An espresso machine should hold its weight on the counter when you need to use it, and this one slides all over the place.

I strongly recommend Saeco machines. I don't work for them, I'm not a spokesman or anything, but they are the well-known, reliable maker of espresso machines at this price point. A good machine at this level is the traditional model, link below. Not especially pretty, but it will make solid coffee and last a long time.

Saeco 30013 Aroma Traditional Espresso Machine, Black

I don't know if these positive reviews are coming from Gaggia employees, but the machine is an overpriced piece of junk! Leaking, loud, hard to use/clean, this machine didn't do as well as my $50 Krups. I spent a lot of time researching machines, and like an idiot I took these reviews to heart, DON'T believe them! I am returning the unit tomorrow.

This is our first espresso machine and it is really user friendly and makes a great drink. We use mostly espresso pods (Illy pods are a must have if you buy this) and love the resulting drinks. The steam wand could be a little higher, but it's not a nuisance in it's current configuration. For the price, I strongly recommend it.

As stated before in many a review, this machine is the best deal for the money. Paired with a real espresso grinder (which will unfortunately cost more than the machine itself) this machine is capable of producing real espresso. My father bought this for me for my birthday back in December, and the machine is still in working condition.

My only real beef with this machine is the wand. I can live with the lack of flexibility of where you can put the pitcher, however, the black turbo frother and the piece that holds it onto the wand fall off. Right into my milk. I have taken to using the wand without either of them on, but this isn't optimum for latte foam.

The only other thing that bothers me is that I have to hold the machine still to put the portafilter back inside the grouphead. This is simply due to the lightweight plastic casing. But I'd rather hold the machine down than have to pay an extra $300 for something in stainless steel.

All in all, the machine saves me about 3 bucks every time I use it. Woohoo.

- By Zoe Ros, not Tim.

I had a Krups before this and returned it. It didn't steam the milk properly and leaked all over. This machine is great, with the optional attachment, you don't have to be picky about packing the grounds. You get perfect crema every time. I actually have to get a larger milk pitcher because it steams the milk so well and you get so much foam from an inch of milk, that it's overflowing. Not to mention, it does make great espresso and cappuccino.

The Gaggia 35005 is a well constructed and easy to operate espresso machine. It is my first espresso machine and I am very pleased with it. I sometimes use Illy pods or Starbucks pods and sometimes use loose espresso grind. I purchased a Vaneli 58 mm stainless steel tamper and discarded the plastic tamper that came with the 35005 and get better results with the Vaneli tamper, though I'm still experimenting with loose espresso grind. The frothing wand that came with the Gaggia produces excellent froth. The first attempt was a bit of a mess, but now I get consistent results easily. I get good crema without using the included crema device. The instructions for the 35005 make it easy to produce decent espresso on the first attempt and it only gets better with each pull.

I give this 5 starts because it is the best value for the price out there. I haven't seen a lower priced machine that makes an acceptable espresso and the quality of the espresso that this machine makes is on a par with machines that cost 2x or 3x as much. We have used ours daily to make expresso and latte for 10 months with no problems.

Best features - heavy metal brew group that comes to temperature in 5-6 minutes. Easy to add water to. Very easy to take apart and clean. Makes espresso on a par with any that can be bought

Minuses - like any under 1000 machine you have to wait for the steam pressure to come up to froth milk. The Gaggia turbo frother is a little cheesy, hard to keep clean, etc. it is also not conveniently located. It froths milk well but the maintenance is a pain. I think a standard metal steam attachment would be better. The steam chamber seems a little small and if you need to froth a second pitcher it will run out of steam.

All in all this is a durable countertop machine that is absolutely the best value for the dollar. If you are an espressso connoisseur go ahead and spend $1000 otherwise this is a nice machine that makes a great shot of espresso.

I have only had it for a few days, but moving up from a Krups Pump system with only 1050W of heating, this unit rocks!

It used to take me about 10 minutes to make a latte with the Krups, as it took FOREVER to heat uo and never made enough steam.

This unit heats VERY fast and makes fantastic steam for the frother, which works fantastic, minus the complaint everyone has, the frother is WAY TO LOW TO THE GROUND, they fixed this with the Evolution model.

WATCH THE VIDEO! The tamping and normal uses need to be followed very closely. I HAVE to use the perfect crema device to make crema, which it does great.

THis unit also can be used to heat water for tea in like 2 mins, which is pretty cool. You just fire up the unit. Wait till it heats, then flip the ESPRESSO switch, not the steam switch, with the steam adjuster already open, then hot water comes from the frother and BOOM...tea!

The drip tray is worthless, and is supposedly fixed in the Evolution model.

But for $200 this machine is AMAZING...very professional level equipment.

The ABS shell is pretty flimsy, but if it stays on the counter, which mine does, it will be fine...I don't need to spend another $300 for the stainless model...even though I would if I has a nicer kitchen just so it matched...(I rent but still have really nice appliances).



i am desperately trying to figure out what is wrong with my machine. i read heaps of wonderful reviews about the great coffee the gaggia is suppose to make and the ease of use. these were some of the main reasons i went with gaggia. i have tried everything to get even a half decent shot of espresso from the machine without success. it leaks, pours bitter shots without creme (no matter what grind used) and it doesn't froth milk it just blows bubbles in it. i am terribley dissappointed wtih the machine and the company. i have tried to contact them several times to get help and have gotten no response. i would not recommend this machine or company to anyone. i wish i had coughed up the extra money to get a better espresso machine.

I got this gift from my husband I love the machine it so easy to use. I read so many other and I was afraid I was not going to get the machine and go buy my normal coffee but I bought the coffe, syrups and much more just to make them like the coffee shop was easy. The only thing I don't like is the height of th cup area or the noise. I had to go purchase other cups and them dump it into my bigger cups. They do offer you to buy a attachment for the bigger cups.

I've had it a week and I love it! I picked this machine because of the reviews which consistently said Gaggia was the best and the Carezza was affordable. I never had one before so it was intimidating. I'm not very handy. First, the size surprised me. It was much bigger than I thought. In terms of set up: the CD they give you really helped me understand what each piece was for and how to make the coffee. I recommend viewing that before looking at the manual. Setting it up was relatively straightforward. The worst part for me was the foaming device, with the little parts that you have to put together, but after I saw what you were supposed to do with it, I felt stupid. It really was simple. I never used the Perfecta Crema device because it wasn't fitting in and it was optional. Still, I get crema every time without it, so I don't care. One less thing to clean.

So, I set out to make my cappuccino and expected my first one to be crappy. Wrong! It tasted great and does every time. Its totally reliable, so long as you do the tamping right. I overtamped a couple of times and noticed the difference right away. Making sure the filter is sufficiently warmed up makes a big difference too. The 5-6 minute wait they recommend for that is worth it. It seems like a lot but it goes by fast.

The downside is that it does require light maintenance, in terms of cleaning, but I think its the nature of the beast. A quick prime (it "self-primes") in the morning is barely noticeable. Its just running a little water through it. It heats up super fast. Cleaning up is the most time consuming process but since you already had your coffee, its not too bad.

Its totally worth it when you taste the final product. I can't imagine there are many other devices for this price that would make such great coffee, without requiring the same amount of work. The dribbles after you draw your coffee and foam are customary. You see people at Starbucks wiping things down all the time. I think the self-priming function is great!

Anyway, I'm glad I bought it and at the Amazon price, you can't go wrong. P.S. I only drink cappuccino and so far, I use the black packaged, premium Lavazza espresso coffee, preground. I'll have to eventually get the grinder and see what difference that makes. But its great as is. I highly recommend it.

After doing research on this little machine, looking at countless reviews, and compiling results, I settled in on this one. I'll have to say it's the best bang for the buck, and equals or bests all those other coffehouse places so far. When I am out of town, it will be the benchmark, and there are a lot of lousy franchise coffee houses on every corner. Hope I'm not too disappointed. I just drink double espressos, so we keep it simple.

My only beef (really only 1/2 star) is the clean-up and taking care of the drips and mess afterwards, and making sure the shower head is clean. Also, with all of the gadgets and pieces, I have to go out and find an organizer to keep them in that is waterproof.

For the money, I don't think you can go wrong with this machine, and when everything was sent and done, it seems that Amazon was the best place to get it.



I had a Braun machine for almost 15 years -- I remember it cost me about $[...] and I liked it. It was a tidy size and it worked. But then, the filter handle broke and couldn't be replaced. So, I decided to take a step up. I tossed my old $[...] blade grinder and ponied up for this Gaggia machine and a Gaggio burr grinder, about $[...] all told, from Amazon.

In a nutshell, this machine makes good espresso, but it's a pain in the you-know-what to use every day and I am still trying to decide if it's worth 4x the cost of my old setup. The main problems I have with it are that it's too big -- almost 14" high, 10" wide and almost as deep; too heavy; drips too much for too long, doesn't shut itself off and creates a mess when you don't hover over the whole process.

The weight became a problem for me because the machine also drips for a long time in pretty heavy volume after you're finished, both when you make coffee or use the frothing wand. You make a couple of double-espressos and the drip tray is overflowing. So, you have to move the machine to clean up a considerable volume of overflow every time you forget. Unlike my old machine, though, the drip tray is easy to clean. I ended up having to completely reorganize my kitchen counter around this machine.

Another issue that emerged was no auto shutoff. The area around the filter and handle also gets extremely hot -- although not blister-level hot, you can really hurt yourself if you're not careful and you must also be careful when emptying the portafilter because that also gets very hot when left in. Auto-shutoff would be a nice feature and I am thinking not too expensive for the manufacturer to add.

It seems to heat relatively quickly, but -- and another reviewer mentioned this -- you really need to wait for a bit after the ready light comes on, because it will go off if you don't and you will have unsatisfactory results.

So, I am not completely happy nor completely unhappy. When I got the hang of my Gaggia burr-grinder (another device which does its basic job well, unlike the joke 29.95 KitchenAid grinder I bought at Costco which could not even come close to grinding fine enough for espresso. It has a seriously great range of grinding choices but lacks convenient features like auto-shutoff or any settings for grind length), I did get wonderful espresso out of the thing -- beautiful, rich crema and tasty brew.

So, I would give it something like 3 1/2 stars if I could, but lean to the 4 star choice rather than the 3. Wow, do I really care that much about fine-tuning a review? I guess I must. Us coffee lovers have to stick together.

So, my conclusion is that, while there are lots of inconveniences, it does the basic job right -- it's close to an industrial-strength espresso maker but it requires your diligence. I suspect it would cost quite a bit more to get all the bells and whistles that would make this an ideal unit, so I guess if you are addicted to espresso like I am, but can't spend the big bucks, this machine is a pretty good choice.

Finally, like George Orwell might have said, I am sorry for this long review -- I didn't have time to write a short one.

I've been using a coffemate expresso machine for a few years now. I decided to upgrade when my 3rd or was it 4th(?) coffemate machine broke. It takes at least twice as long to make my morning mocha with the Gaggia since you have to prime it every morning. I suppose if you run a coffee shop out of your kitchen this machine would be worth the price. Plus, cheapo coffeemate gives you a pot for your expresso but Gaggia gives you nothing. I didn't have anything small enough to fit the tiny space under the expresso drip so I had to use a bowl. If you buy this make sure you get some of the tiny expresso cups too.

So after all that complaining I still have to give it a 3 star review b/c I had the best mocha I've ever made this morning. If you don't mind working for 20 minutes for a great drink then this is the machine for you.

If you like expresso this machine will rock you.
I did take some time to get the best results. I have found that with the use of the cheater rubber disk and making a little bigger hole in it the expresso comes out great. You must keep it clean to work correctly. I use 2 spoons full for a double, and the grind on fine but not extremly fine, with not pressing just leveling off the grinds work best.Do that and crema comes out and tastes great,different coffee will of course taste different so experement on your own. If you let it heat up for about 6 minutes it will work best before brew.

I did not every get it to work correctly with out the use of the rubber disk or packing the grinds tight.



I ended up with this machine and boy am I glad that I did. I spent hours and hours reading descriptions and reviews and picked this machine mainly because it had a high pressure bar and because it uses both pods and regular coffee. The first time my husband and I made an espresso and a latte with this machine they came out "perfect", and that was our first time ever making one. We used Illy Espresso Pods and I must say, that now, we'd rather use our Espresso Machine that go to the local coffee shop. The Illy pods make great tasting espresso, much better than the Starbucks brand that we also purchased, We also tried using regular Maxwell House Coffee purchased in the regular grind and it worked perfectly also to brew an espresso. The machine heats very quickly to brew an espresso, though the only draw back is, sometimes when frothing milk you may begin to froth only to have the ready light go off and you have to stop frothing and wait for it to come back on (few seconds)because the machine wasn't hot enough for the steam when the light initially came on.. I also have some problems with it leaking extra espresso/water after I am done brewing, and it also leaks water from the frothing wand after I am done frothing, and I do clean it regularly, though if you just put a paper towel down, or don't mind wiping it up real quick, it really isn't a big deal, the great espresso it makes, more than makes up for that. I highly recommend this machine, I am a novice user and even I was able to make a great cup :) So for that I give it a 5

At around $200 at several online retailers this machine is about as great a value as you can find in a semi-automatic espresso machine. It has about the same internal parts and portafilter as much more expensive Gaggia machines, but a plastic rather than metal exterior. The steam wand produces a lot of steam, but is not really a pro style. It froths milk very well for a Cappuccino, but getting the even fine micro-bubbles for a Latte is a bit of a trick.
The unit in general is very solid, with a near commercial quality chrome plated brass group head and portafilter. The portafilter is a 58mm, which is the same as most coffee shop machines, and you will want to get your coffee ground a bit finer than a typical home "espresso" grind. Grinding your own is probably best.
Bottom line: If you want the least amount you can spend to pull a real double shot of espresso at home, this is as good a choice as can be found.
Added 4/29/06: I have had this for a year now, and used it every day. The trick here really is the grind, and I eventaully got a Zassenhaus grinder, which has made a world of differance. A good burr grinder is needed to really bring out the best in this machine.

My wife and I purchased this machine for my mother-in-law over FIVE year's ago and she uses it every DAY! So far she has only had to replace seals and some hoses last year. I decided to purchase an Espresso machine and did some serious looking and ended up with this machine. Not realizing that we had purchased the same machine for my mother-in-law. Well, they have changed a few things: the frother is now plastic instead of an all metal tube, and the Portafilter spouts are plastic where as they use to be metal, but the price is still reasonable and it makes a great cup of Espresso! My only complaint is that now those bargin Espresso stand wont do, I take one taste and almost yell at the Bartista, that I can make a better one at HOME!!! If you do purchase this machine, make sure you also purchase a Burr grinder! NOT a Blade grinder. Yes, pay the extra money on the Burr grinder and you wont be disappointed.