Similar interior components of higher priced machines, Great value, Ease of use, Great espresso!
Negative Product Points
Small milk frother, Small drip tray, Long heat up time,
Detailed Commentary
I purchased the Gaggia Carezza after reading several good reviews about it on this site. I pretty much agree with what others have said about this machine. The Carezza is a great entry level espresso machine. No other machine comes close in price vs. value IMO. The Carezza is very easy to use, even for those with little or no experience in preparing espresso. I have the same minor complaints as many others have already pointed out. The milk frother is not user friendly and can be difficult to use with larger cups. The drip tray only holds about 2 oz. and gets filled up in no time, which can get messy if not emptied frequently. Overall I would definately recommend this machine to anyone who wants great espresso without having to break the bank in the process.
Buying Experience
I purchased my Carezza from www.espressopeople.com and only paid $179.99 with shipping and no tax! Very fast shipping and overall it was a very good experience.