Originally posted by Bretto link=1226828748/0#8 date=1227059270
My last machine was a Gaggia Baby Class, bought using cr. card award points. I was fairly happy with it until upgraditis bit, not because the machine was dodgy. So my first warning is that having joined CoffeeSnobs, espresso machine envy may set in quickly.
If you are happy with low volume coffee requirements the Gaggia is a good machine - certainly better than some of your other original choices. I wouldnt describe it as disturb the neighbours noisy and you may be able to locate it in the kitchen next to an external wall rather than a shared wall.
If you want to be able to steam milk at the same time as the espresso is being poured, go for the Sunbeam with twin boilers (ie thermoblocks). The Sunbeam has a better steam arm than the Gaggia so you will be able to make better microfoam.
As previously mentioned, aim for a decent grinder. If you go for the Sunbeam EM6910 + EM0480 grinder combo, be warned that the EM0480 grinder is reportedly noisy.
My recommendation: go for the Gaggia Baby and buy a good grinder.

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