Our old Gaggia super-automatic sprung a leak and bit the dust this year, after 15 years of reliable service. While we shopped around other brands for a replacement, we gravitated back to Gaggia on the basis of three things: 1) Gaggia was the first to market a large, commercial espresso machine, many years ago, 2) the machine's reliability, based on our prior experience, is hard to beat, and 3) the coffee tastes amazingly good, just as we remembered. Also, the Gaggia is still built in Italy. The Velasca Prestige is a bit smaller than our first Gaggia, with an attractive brushed stainless steel front panel and chromed drip tray cover. The water reservoir and used "puck" container are both located conveniently at the front where they are easily removed to refill or empty. A large bean reservoir sits atop the unit. It holds about half a can of Illy beans, so doesn't need frequent refilling. There are plenty of user-adjustable options (READ THE MANUAL or you won't get the most out of the machine) for preparing coffee drinks, plus a front-loaded milk frother container that can sit in the fridge in between coffee-making sessions. The coffee, in whatever style you may like is uniformly delicious.

My only issues with the machine are that the water reservoir is small and requires frequent refilling and ditto for the puck container. I imagine Gaggia was trying to keep the machine within reasonable dimensions to fit conveniently on a countertop, which it does nicely.

Speaking from almost 20 years of experience using Gaggia super-automatics, read the manual, buy the cleaning products, and maintain the machine regularly. There is a learning curve, both for preparing drinks and for cleaning the machine, but you get to drink some great coffee during the process. Enjoy!

Once you figure out how to turn the machine on, it makes a really good cup of coffee. The only problem is the machine discharges about 2 tsps. of water when you first turn it on in order to clear the line. The other issue is you need to check the water levels before brewing since there is no way to visually see the amount of water in the reservoir. The specialty drinks button is limited to hot water or Baby Espresso. There is really no extra drinks. There should be a coffee button or selection because it does make a really good cup of coffee.

I like everything about this machine except the coffee temperature. I'm a "sipper", and this isn't really hot to begin with. It rather defeats the purpose to have to heat up your drink in the microwave. However, all else is spot on. It brews a great espresso and related drinks. It is easy to keep clean and is very solid and well built. I would buy it again even with the temp dislike.

Solved the problem by buying JoyJolt double wall glass cups (sold on Amazon).

I had for over 10 years another auto espresso machine, that cost over $3000. Gaggia Velasca has same features and options, but fraction of the cost. Everything is customizable: the size, the strength of coffee. My favorite option is memory button, which memories how much milk and espresso poured into your cup, so next cup would be perfect.

Great coffee, quiet grinder. Having automatic froth makes it easy to have your style of coffee. Does not use alot of beans like my other one by Breville.