My own Gaggia coffee maker
I first learnt the real joy of espresso when visiting Italy for work in the 1980s, when I spent time in Sardinia and Milan. The day was punctuated by several trips to the nearest cafe, where these short dark bitter coffees were srved with a glass of water. I was hooked, but it took me years to find out the solution to making good espresso at home.
After several false starts and a life resigned to drinking mediocre coffee, I visited my brother for a few days. He'd just invested in a Gaggia coffee maker and showed me how to use it. He'd bought the Gaggia Baby, and although the pump noise didn't sound like those steaming monsters found in Italian cafes, the taste of the coffee was perfect.
I instantly knew I needed a Gaggia coffee maker too!
Fast forward a few years and I was finally bought one for my birthday. It's a black Gaggia Baby and I love it. While not the smallest machine in the world, it certainly doesn't take up much space, and while it does require some simple maintanance and regular cleaning it is used constantly.
So, my advice is simple. If you like coffee and love espresso, you need the best. And there is no question in my mind that the Gaggia coffee maker is the best on the market. Team one up with good quality coffee - Illy for instance - and you'll never regret it.