I really enjoy this expresso machine. In fact, it is my second purchase for a vacation home. However, after much mystery when my machine would not grind beans and showed coffee bean icon with a slash through it, I figured out the magnet that's fits in the tiny hole fell out. It actually attached itself to the coffee bag twist tie. I ordered another magnet and glued it in. Problem solved.
I ordered my second machine and it happened again on its second day of use. I again glued it in.
This is a real problem if you don't even realize there is a magnet there in the first place. It can fall in the bean hopper or simply release and attach to the coffee bag. This is a design flaw. Also, I realize this could be a safety mechanism due to the fact there is a grinder in the hopper. Somehow it should be more securely attached.
Otherwise this is a great espresso machine.

My only regret in purchasing this machine was that I had not done it long ago. I love Latte but never liked the amount of work and cleaning it took to spend the big bucks on a machine just for me. Now I have exactly what I want with a minimum of work and cleaning.
First of all, it's not for the faint of heart. It is a very complex machine, but once you take the time to understand the menu system (which took me about a week), it's a push of a button and you have your Latte. Make sure you have the basics of how it works completely understood before venturing into memory cup size, etc.
Installation "“ Instructions were clear. You will probably need a "cleaning cup" to catch the drippings from the heating/cleaning processes. (see picture).
Owners Manual "“ Make a mini copy of the icons and their meanings. They are not intuitive. Cleaning schedules need to be made in terms of usage, not time. Cleaning once a week when you've make 4 cups of coffee that week would not be the same as someone making 10 cups a day.
Milk Frother - Put a reminder label on the top of the milk container to move it from closed to open. You have a big mess when you forget (and you will). You have to be fast on cleaning the milk frother nozzle. When your Latte is complete you have only seconds to acknowledge that you want to clean. Once you hit the OK button to clean, you have to move your Latte and replace it with the "cleaning cup" and hit OK again. Then leave it in that state because there will be another set of dribbles before it goes to Standby. One more point on cleaning after the drink is complete: DON'T REMOVE the milk container until AFTER all the cleaning. You will receive a hot steam bath to the midsection!
Pretty Drinks "“ Do not by this if you're looking to make nice designs in the milk foam. A Latte cup is too tall to use. The milk frother takes up some of the space occupied by the cup, so the two "spots" for espresso are right against the rim of the cup and slightly off center. The best you can do is a smiley face. You do not have the option to turn off one of the espresso outlets.
Supplies "“ Adding water can be done without moving the machine even if under cupboards. You can remove the water container and replace it, but I found it easier to have a pitcher of water handy "“ less spillage. And I never see a drop of water go through the drip tray, but it fills up. So I clean that once a week along with emptying the grounds "“ very easy to do. Not the easiest to add beans to because it's a narrow long surface.

Over all it is a solid well made machine and provides a great product that can be customized to exact specifications.

This is far superior to the lower end Gaggia I upgraded to. This machine will not disappoint because of the ease of use and the spectacular coffee and cappuccino this makes! It is a bit pricey if you aren't used to buying higher end appliances, but this baby is sexy and sleek and looks great on my countertop. It doesn't take up much room at all, considering the measurements say it's what almost 17" , but it isn't as big as you think, it fits perfectly, and just the right size!

Pros: excellent cappuccinos and espresso's, better than high end coffee shops!
Small size and looks sexy with the stainless steal front.

Cons: really none

UPDATE:
It's been over a year since my purchase and now I'm having an issue with it not working. I am getting the wrench symbol with the number 15, I have no idea what this means. I'm in the process of dealing with the extended 3 year warranty I got at the time of purchase, so I'm waiting for me to be added into their system. I will update as soon as they let me know what to do.
UPDATE: Since I had purchased the extended warranty I was able to send the machine to a repair center in South Carolina and the postage was paid for both ways as well as the labor through the warranty. It ended up being a circuit board so they fix that and sent it back and it's been working great. However two years later here and I am posting a new update below:
UPDATE 04/20/20
So now the machine has broke again, which it shouldn't have, and this time I get the dog bone monkey wrench symbol with the number one so I called the repair center because my coffee machine won't grind, and they said it is a design flaw caused by a thin wire that heats up and burns up. So now since I am no longer in warranty it is going to cost me money to ship it to the repair center have it repaired, and pay for return shipping. I called Amazon but their phone service is not excepting calls so I had to do an online chat, after an hour with them they said they could not replace it or give me a store credit so I can buy another one, that is all I want is a replacement! After paying about $1000 for a machine you would think it would last for years upon years!!! I am so disappointed!!

This unit makes absolutely fantastic Cappuchino and Latte Machiato. We had 4 different Saeco Machines over the last 15 years. They are very similar in style and functionality. The internal brew unit looks almost identical to the ones Saeco used to make. But now the difference to our 8 year old coffee maker. This Gaggia makes the coffee hot which is a vast improvement to our tired coffee maker. The crema is nice and thick and the coffee is outstanding. We use Italian Lavazza Crema which works great and is not to oily for this type of coffee maker. I am super happy with this machine so far.

I have been using this machine for 4 years now and we typically make 6 drinks per day, so roughly 8500 coffees in that time. This is my 3rd super automatic in 14 years. A few things I have learned in that time:

If you don't want to spend 15 min or less per week to maintain the machine, look elsewhere. Regular cleaning will extend the life of the machine and maintain a high quality coffee.

Download the schematics for your machine from the company website. The only parts I have ever had to replace on any machine are o rings. Find the part number and order them online for a few bucks. I replace the brew head o ring yearly.

Save yourself some cash, and don't use the machine branded cleaning products. (Expensive!) I have spent a lot of cash and tried many different brands. Easiest descaler is Durgol, but it is also expensive. Urnex cleaners are a good bang for the buck if you buy in the large sizes. Rinza for your milk carafe, cafiza for your brew group, and dezcal to descale. All available here on Amazon.

Did I mention you should spend a few minutes a week to keep your machine clean?

Do not use oily beans. Your grinder will get gummed up and not work as well or not at all. You have spent the money to get the machine, buy good beans to use in it. My fav is Lavazza Super Crema and whatever my local roaster made today. While at your local roaster, ask if they know someone who services espresso machines locally. It will save you freight both ways to New York if something were to happen to your machine.

I have literally saved thousands of dollars making my latte at home, and get a much better product than most coffee shops. I have been happy with my purchase, even 4 years later.