We were reasonably happy with the Gaggia Synchony compact when it worked. After two years the flow deteriorated to the point it would not make a full cup of coffee. Normal cleaning & descaling didn't help & we were told it needed to be sent in for repair. We sent it in for repair to the Gaggia authorized repair center in Chicago. That experience has been unbelievable. The repair center did not return phone calls or emails for over a month after they received it. (Their web-site says typical repairs are completed in < week). When they finally did return the machine it worked for less than a day and the same problem occurred. They asked me to adjust the grind setting several times. When that didn't work they said send it back for expedited warranty repair. We shipped it back 12/29/09. On 01/22/10 I was told the parts were in and our machine will be ready 1/25. Its now 1/28 and they say there was nothing wrong with our machine,it didn't need parts, but had problems because we set the grind too fine. They forgot they told us to set the grind when they were troubleshooting on the phone. Now they want $60 to return the machine to us with no repair. We told them they can keep the machine. We paid $125 for the initial "repair", plus $50 shipping to them twice. Not about to throw away another $60 for a machine that doesn't work. The most dissapointing thing is we contacted Importika the US distributor that decides who are authorized service centers for Gaggia. They apparently believe this is acceptable practice for one of their authrized service centers. So bottom line, I will never again own a Gaggia product and wouldn't wish one on an enemy.

We got this machine at a really good price from a Gaggia outlet. It's a recon, but it had only made 101 cups when we got it. I got it November 08, and I use it all the time. If I go away I get withdrawal symptoms. I've definitely saved money on Starbucks since we got it. It's really really easy to use.

Don't buy for long-term it is unreliable and expensive to repair. Have had mine for 3 years and it had to be repaired once for $200 including shipping and at the second breakdown in 3.5 years another $200 including shipping. Decided to throw it in garbage rather than pay for second repair.

The Gaggia 74877 Syncrony Compact Digital Coffee Maker is unreliable expensive to repair.

Mechanically it's not sound. This product is not suitable for long-term use. I have had mine for 3 years, and it had to be repaired once, which cost $200 including shipping, and at the second breakdown in 3.5 years, it cost another $200 including shipping. I decided to throw it in the garbage rather than pay for the second repair.

I purchased the Gaggia 74877 Syncrony compact digital coffee making machine 2 years ago, and it made a reasonable espresso and had a good milk frothing nozzle. However, after only 16 months the machine was leaking underneath and steam was pouring out of the steam knob. I contacted Gaggia who explained that it could be repaired under warranty, but if the fault was due to scale, the repair would be chargeable. I de-scaled the machine about every 2-3 months so I knew it was not due to scale. It was repaired under warranty, and I was told that the fault was due to a faulty steam knob. The machine has just gone out of warranty, and again the same fault has occurred - no free repair this time! Water is pouring out of the bottom of the machine every time it is turned on.

I would not recommend this machine as it is not good value for money, and is very cheaply made. Most of the machine is plastic, and the plastic wears very poorly. It also does not make a very hot cup of coffee, and even though I set it to the highest temperature, it still was not very hot. The coffee grout container is also hard to clean, as too is the unit. I found that it was impossible to completely keep clean. If you are thinking of buying, one shop around and look at other makes as it is not worth the £550.00 price tag

The Gaggia 74877 Syncrony compact digital coffee maker made excellent Espresso for the first three months, then malfunctioned and even after repairs has not worked properly most notably slow coffee dispensing. I am sending it back for more repairs but would not recommend this product.

The Gaggia Compact Digital replaces a Krups Orchestro which was a fantastic machine, however the extra controls through the digital interface make this machine a dream. The additional temperature, pre-brew, and grind controls are great. Looks wise I don't think this is a design classic like the Orchestro, but the little attention to details make this machine clearly superior! PERFECT COFFEE !!