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United Kingdom
1 Level
647 Review
26 Karma

Review on ☕ Black Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine with Pannarello Wand for Latte and Cappuccino Drinks. Enjoy Espresso using Pre-Ground or Whole Bean Coffee. by Glenn Rodgers

Revainrating 5 out of 5

A simple, reliable, consistent workhorse with a small footprint!

I ordered a Brera on a Thursday afternoon and they were on my doorstep Monday morning. It was shipped free of charge by Whole Latter Love and arrived safely. Dispatched the same day I ordered! Not only did they contain lots of helpful beginner's brochures and additional tutorials to make the initial setup and use of the machine easier. Then I create an account there and get points that I can use to order more products. Their website is a great resource for all things coffee and espresso, with lots of great instructional videos and tips on how to make each of the models they sell easy to use and maintain. Can't say enough good things about their service or website. As for the Brera, I bought it to upgrade from the Gaggia Evolution (which is still in great condition) as I've wanted a super automatic espresso machine for a long time. I've had the Evolution for 6 years now and it's a great learning machine, although it can be a quirky machine that requires real dexterity to get the perfect shot. But with all of that came a great appreciation for everything it takes to get the perfect shot and the do's and don'ts of getting it. While I wanted a super automatic car I didn't want to spend thousands on one as it's usually the only car I use, I don't need a large capacity and I don't want to use a lot of Counter Real estate to house one. After doing a lot of research and reading hundreds of reviews I settled on the Brera and I couldn't be happier. One thing that all this reading and research came up with was reducing some of the growth issues that a new machine can cause (which grains are best to use, grind settings, shot settings, etc.) to get great results all time and stable traction. While I did have to play around with the grind, length of puff, etc., it was a fairly straight forward process and the shots come out deep, rich, full bodied and creamy within days! I agree that if you're using this machine at home with more than 2 people, you'll need to check the water and bean tanks frequently when you're shooting lots and lots of shots throughout the day. The bean hopper at the top of the machine has an opaque/transparent lid so you can easily check and ensure there are enough beans in the bean hopper and the water tank is easy to pull out, check and refill if needed. . Since I usually empty the drip tray and litter box and refill the water tank after each use, maintenance is quick and easy and the machine is always ready for the next use. Usage is simple and efficient. You can program the length of each press to easily adjust it to your desired grind, beans, and shot size, and then operation is as quick as pressing a button for a consistent shot every time. I use Lavazza Super Crema beans and the shots are deep, rich and bold with tons of great silky crema. Heavily roasted and fatty beans are not recommended as they can clog the coffee maker, and Lavazza Super Crema beans make a great medium roast espresso that delivers great shots every time. Like many other fully automatic machines, this one makes lungo and hot water for tea and other purposes. It heats up incredibly quickly, within minutes, and is ready to use. Ready to use, the steam wand produces a powerful, even jet of steam to froth all the milk you need for latte macchiato and cappuccino. My Evolution had a Pannarello steam wand and while some purists might just prefer a regular steam wand, I find the Pannarello makes heating and frothing a simple and easy task, producing lots of great micro-foam that I can use with anyone I've ever tasted have, can keep up Barista, everywhere. .If you're looking for a reliable super machine that won't break the bank, is easy to use and maintain, and produces great and consistent shots every time, this is the machine for you. For households with a coffee fanatic or two, this machine is a workhorse that doesn't take up much countertop space, and the ease of use and maintenance also make it a solid choice.

Pros
  • Many will
Cons
  • Hard to remember but it was