I just bought a Gaggia Baby. I set it up and primed the pump as described in the manual - and pumped about a pint of clean water through it. All the time the pump was making an awfully loud noise.

I went on to make an espresso and again the pump was making a hell of a din.

I'm sure this can't be normal. I've had machines before which were quiet and all you hear was the slush slush of the coffee coming out.

I checked the manual and it says it could be 1. the pump not primed or 2. no water in tank or 3. coffee ground too coarsely. Well I primed the pump as they described in the manual and it certainly isn't any of the other 2 suggestions.

Anyone got any ideas... any other Baby owners had similar problem ?

Check that the inlet tubing isn't kinked or otherwise obstructed. Could you post a video?

I don't think you would be getting any flow if the pump wasn't primed.

My own Gaggia is quite loud, then again, it is 20 years old. Like HB suggests, I would check for any obstruction that would place undue stress on the pump.

thanks for the comments guys...

I guess to check for any restriction or problem with the pump I would have to dismantle the machine... with it being brand new and under warranty I'm reluctant to start taking it apart.

It might well be that the noise is normal for this type of machine, it might just be my perception. It's difficult to describe how loud it is, but I would think twice about using it late at night and waking up a cohabitant. When I draw an espresso, I have to hold the cups on the drip tray as they vibrate and would ultimately slide off if I didnt hold them. This isn't quite what I expected.

I'll take a video and post it on here... then you guys can let me know if you think it is normal.

Thanks