Gaggia Coffee Deluxe

I've had experience with Gaggia machines for years and years and haven't found anything that comes close to this sort of quality in the price range. Solid chrome-plated brass hardware and a sturdy housing really makes the thing seem solid, and provides even heat distribution for a good cup of espresso.

It takes a little bit of learning to get an espresso exactly the way you want it, especially if you are grinding your own beans. Gaggia's tend to require a very fine grind and will perform poorly if you use cheap coffee. But once you figure it out it'll make a great cup every time.

I just tried using an E.S.E. pod for the first time: tasted ok, but not quite as strong as when I dose the grinds myself. Also, there wasn't as much Crema.
Still good for the morning as it is a really simple process.

As for other Gaggias that I and my family members have owned: My mom had an Espresso, which worked fine and is essentially the same insides as the Coffee. The housing was a little flimsy, however, and I'm a little rough with plastic so I chose the Coffee.

I've also had experience with the Classic and the Baby, which are almost identical besides the housing. These are both great as well, and probably a better choice if you tend to make multiple rounds of espresso at a time (They have a 3-way solenoid which makes for a drier puck and less clean-up and dripping.)