It may be quite challenging for those who are looking for the proper device for the kitchen. It particularly concerns coffee machines that have lots of features, and comparing them would be difficult for those who have never had such a machine before.
Today, you are invited to check out the review of Gaggia Brera – an espresso machine that might interest you since it combines a few features simultaneously. Each of them will be described here closer. Thus, stay with MilkFrotherTop to get all the necessary information.
Design and Key Features
Once you see Gaggia Brera, you might think that this is a kind of spaceship in front of you because of its futuristic design. Indeed, even the front side of this device that is made of stainless steel makes you experience both curiosity and admiration.
Besides, you might also want to see this appliance in another color. In fact, there are 2 available options for potential users: silver and black. However, in the case of a black option, not the whole machine is of one color: the sides except the front one are silver.
So let’s have a look at the main parts of this machine closer. At the upper part of the front side, there is a display that shows the preparing progress, useful details, and errors. All the information can be displayed in 3 colors. Besides, there are 4 buttons around the display. From the left: 2 buttons allow you to choose the volume of your drink (mall or large). On the right: power button and the button for choosing aroma/pre-grounding.
The middle area has a steam wand, which makes perfect froth for your drink, and a switcher, which allows you to switch from making coffee to a dispenser.
Behind these elements there is a water reservoir on the left and a coffee grounds drawer that collects the brewed coffee on the right. Both of them are easy to drag and maintain.
And finally, at the bottom, there is a drip tray that collects all the drops and facilitates the machine’s cleaning. It is covered with a stainless grill so the cup can stand flat.
On the top of the device, there is a plastic lid that covers a container for coffee beans. This element is called coffee bean hopper. Consequently, coffee beans will be ground with a ceramic grinder that can’t be seen. In addition, there is a special tool called a cogwheel that can adjust the grinding size. Thanks to the built-in grinder, this machine is called “bean to cup”.
Moreover, if you have ground coffee, you can skip a process of pouring the coffee beans to a hopper and start filling a ground coffee inside the machine through the special hole.
Besides, there is a plastic tray on the top side of the machine. It is specially designed for storing cups there. This part gets warm so that it helps a cup keep the temperature.
The right side of the machine also works as a door that covers the brew group. Once you need it to maintain, you can open this door, drag the group out and clean it easily.
On the back side of the device, there is an electrical connector and a power button.
In addition, you might be also interested in its dimensions and other numbers that would help you realize its size and capacity. Its dimensions are 10*12.5*17 inches. It weighs 18.6 pounds. Its cord is 47 inches. The capacity of a water tank is 40 oz; the same parameter for a bean container is 9.2 oz.
Included Accessories
Fortunately, the manufacturer of this device was creating it thinking about the customers. Because of this, Gaggia Brera is easy to maintain and use. Moreover, it doesn’t require any additional tools that might be needed during the brewing process. In other words, it is a super automatic machine that delivers the best coffee ever.
However, it comes with a special measuring spoon that helps fill the ground coffee in. There is a grease tube that is necessary for maintaining the brewing group.
In addition, there is a power chord that connects the machine to the electricity.
In some models, there might be a water filter Intenza, but you should check whether it comes in a set before making a purchase, in order not to be disappointed.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Whether you are just beginning to get acquainted with coffee machines or you have already checked some of them, the review wouldn’t have been complete without pros and cons based on the users’ feedback.
- Quiet operation
- Good price-quality ratio
- Availability to adjust the grade of grinding along with the strength of the brew
- The front panel and the frothing wand are made of stainless steel
- There is a special doser that allows to fill another type of ground coffee for one time
- It rinses itself automatically
- Maintenance light indicators
- The dispenser is adjustable for pouring the tall cups
- It is easy to maintain and clean the machine
- The drawer has to be cleaned after each 8 brewing cycles
- The service door, which covers the brewing group, is flimsy
How to Use Gaggia Brera Coffee Machine?
Once you decide to have Gaggia Brera at your house, you might also want to know what should be done in order to prepare a cup of coffee ☕. In fact, the key quality of the best coffee machine is its simplicity. Thus, there shouldn’t be lots of steps for making some coffee. Luckily, Gaggia Brera is one of those machines. Here is a precise manual of do’s and don’ts.
Grinder
The heart of each super-automatic coffee machine is its grinder since it directly influences the quality of brewed coffee. Thus, you should stick to the recommendations on how to refill the grinder in order not to crew up and make the machine work incorrectly.
Hopper filling
The first thing you should do is remove the plastic lid from the hopper. Then you should fill the coffee beans inside the hopper. It is important to bear in mind that only coffee beans should be used; the ground or instant coffee can cause damage to this device. Once the beans are inside, cover the hopper with the lid.
Grind setting
This machine also allows you to adjust the grinding type. This is performed with a special knob called cogwheel that is inside the bean hopper container. In order to adjust the grinding type, you should press the knob and twist it. Each adjustment requires 2-3 cycles of brewing since it’s impossible to see the difference between the brew in first brewing cycle. For this purpose, there were created some special indicators: a large mark that stands for a coarse grind and a small one for a fine grind.
Grinding coffee beans
In fact, this step doesn’t require anything from user, since grinding is performed automatically before each brewing. The amount of ground coffee is also adjusted by the machine.
Dispensing
Once the coffee is ground, the powder undergoes a special procedure. In fact, the ground beans are wetted, and then it is pressed – this is how the brew comes out. And of course, as the other steps, it also doesn’t require the user’s interference since it’s totally done automatically.
Espresso Machine
Another part of this complicated device works differently. So here you will find out what the process of preparing a cup of coffee is.
Reservoir for water
Before you start the machine, you should draw the water tank out of it. However, it’s impossible to do without previously removing the drip tray. Once you drew the tank, you should pour it with regular water.
Besides, you should check whether it’s not hot, otherwise it may cause damage to the machine. And of course, don’t turn the machine on if the water tank is empty.
Heating
The built-in boiler provides the device with the necessary water temperature. The warmed-up water comes through the portion of ground coffee and comes out through the dispenser pouring a cup. And as usual, it is done automatically.
Tamping of ground coffee
In most manual espresso machines, this step is done manually. In the case of Gaggia Brera, the process of tamping is made automatically. Moreover, it’s not seen since it’s performed by the brewing group that is hidden inside the machine’s body.
Extracting
In order to launch the brewing program you need to push one from two buttons. Both of them are responsible for a particular amount of brew. Thus, depending on what size you want, select and wait until the cup is poured with a portion of coffee.
Milk Frother
Every coffee machine has its own secret weapon that provides you with inimitable smooth milk froth. This device is called milk frother, or in the case of espresso or automatic machines, it is usually called a steam wand or a panarello.
Particularly in Gaggia Brera, there is a steam wand with the Rapid Steam technology that delivers the warmed-up drink just in 9 seconds. This element has a special removable plastic holder that protects you from accidental burns.
And when you submerge the wand into some milk, it will get warmer in seconds, too. Thus, you should use pitcher but not a glass without a handle.
Another hint is if you want to make your milk warmer twice faster, then the surface of milk should cover a special hole on a steam wand. Originally, it serves to suck the air and produce the steam. So yes, the second major feature of the magic wand is the steam production.
How to Clean Gaggia Brera Espresso Machine ☕?
Despite the machine doesn’t store or cook any food, it contacts with water that comes in the human body. Thus, as regular crockeries or devices that prepare food, it requires simple hygienic procedures. However, don’t worry since they are as simple as operation of the appliance. You will only need to provide some liquid, and the rest of the procedure will be done by machine.
Daily Using
In fact, the device is self-cleaning, thus you don’t need to worry about its hygiene. However, you should know that the machine rinses the dispenser in order to clean the brewed leftovers. This step is done after you press the standby mode and wake it up. In addition, the machine will rinse the dispenser in case if it doesn’t work for a long time or for the first time you switch on. The last two cases are performed with cold water, while the first two need preheated water.
Besides, the steam wand also requires cleaning. However, this time it should be done by the user, but as always, it’s not difficult at all. Once you take the wand out of milk, you need to wipe it up.
Regular Service
From time to time, there will appear the necessity to clean the machine more thoroughly than it’s done on an everyday basis. Thus, let’s take a look at some cases of cleaning.
Filtering
In fact, the availability of filter is optional, and typically, it depends on the type of kit. However, you might also find a special Intenza filter that makes your water for brewing coffee better. The installing process requires you to unpack the filter and remove the standard one from the water tank, previously pulling it out of the machine. The standard filter can be stored in any dry place that is protected from dust. Then you should insert the new filter in the same position. Once you set up the type of water, the device is ready for use.
The drip tray
The drip tray also requires cleaning. In fact, it won’t disturb you at all until you spill lots of water there. However, you can also see whether the tray is full by checking the red indicator that floats and rises up gradually. The only thing you need to do is to pull the tray out and pour out the water.
Descaling
The frequent problems with devices that contact with water are calcination. Thus, they require descaling cleaning from time to time. In the case of Gaggia Brera, you should have a Gaggia descaling solution that cleans the machine. Before you apply this liquid, carefully read instructions both on the bottle and in user manual.
Dispenses
Despite the dispenser has the self-clean feature through rinsing, it also requires cleaning since the rinsing process involves pipes but not the outer cleaning. Otherwise, the dried residue may contact with your drink, and as is known, food residue contains lots of bacteria. Thus, wiping up the dispenser will fix this problem just in seconds.
Troubleshooting Tips
It happens that the machine stops working accidentally, and you don’t know what to do with it. Thus, you immediately decide to bring it to a specialist who can repair it.
In fact, fixing any issues don’t always require involvement of a specialist, since all the manufacturers provide the guide with a precise description of the problem and its troubleshooting. Moreover, they do not necessarily have to be solved either by factory reset or light reset.
The most frequent issues are appearing blinking or steady signs that haven’t been seen before. Typically, these icons may indicate that the water tank or the bean hopper is empty, the brew drawer is full, ti or the brew group requires cleaning. As you understand, these things are easy to fix.
The other problems may not be related to turning on the machine, thus you should check whether the power cord is connected to the device at the back panel and plugged in.
In addition, don’t forget to check whether the button is switched on.
If steam doesn’t come out of the wand, check whether it’s clean; it’s most likely that the dried residue is stuck inside. Thus, submerging the end into water will fix this problem very quickly.
And don’t worry if your coffee is not of proper temperature. The most likely reason for this is a cold cup. Thus, pour some hot water into a cup, leave for a few seconds, then pour it out.
The other issues are relatively rare, thus check the user manual before you start dialing a specialist.
Where to Buy ? Super Automatic Brera by Gaggia?
Quite often, potential users ask where they can get Gaggia Brera. The answer is pretty simple: you can check the official store, but other markets are also available. Thus, you can find a particular device on Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, eBay, Bed Bath and Beyond, and other famous online markets in the USA.
Price Range
The price may vary greatly. The main reason for this is that the manufacturer always monitors the market and doesn’t allow sellers to be out of the recommended price range.
However, if you are looking for the best price for this device, you should check the closest sale at any store. In addition, don’t forget that refurbished devices are always cheaper, and they are also under the warranty.
Other Key Details You Need to Know
On top of all the information mentioned in this review, there are still some things that you should know before purchasing the machine.
First, the device is adjusted to produce true Italian espresso, thus you will definitely enjoy smelling and tasting it. Thus, you shouldn’t pay attention to the time of preparation that may be slightly longer than in the regular espresso machines.
Second, always use very cold milk to make bubbly froth for your coffee drink. Otherwise, warm milk may not produce proper thickness and bubbles.
There is one more feature: the dispenser is specially designed for pouring simultaneously in 2 cups.
In addition, the machine is energy-saving, and the standby mode turns on once if the machine is not in use for more than 60 minutes.
And don’t forget to lubricate the brewing group once per 500 cycles; this procedure should be performed after thorough cleaning and drying off.
Finally, cleaning the steam wand after each cycle of preparing froth helps prevent problems in the future.
Comparison Table
For more complete information, additional comparison with its competitors may be quite useful. Thus, you can check other’s features and identify whether this device is the right one.
Model | Gaggia Brera | Gaggia Anima | DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300 | Jura ENA Micro 90 | Philips Saeco HD8645/47 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Review | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
Material | Stainless steel, ABS | Stainless steel, ABS | Stainless steel, ABS | ABS | ABS |
Dimensions | 10*12.5*17 inches | 8.7*13.*38*16.9 inches | 17*13*18 inches | 9.1*12.7*17.5 inches | 11.61*12.79*16.53 inches |
Size Between Tray and Dispenser | 4.5 inches | 5.9 inches | 4.25 inches | 5.4 inches | 3.74 inches |
Water Tank Size | 40 oz | 60 oz | 60 oz | 36.8 oz | 33.8 oz |
Wattage | 1.400/2.500W | 1.850W | 1.150W | 1.450W | - |
Voltage | 230/120V | 230/120V | 120V | 120V | 120V |
Built-In Grinder | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Color | Silver/Black | Black | Silver, Black | Silver, Black | Black |
Warranty | 1 year | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | - |
Features | 2 cups at once, easy to use, Rapid Steamer | Specially designed for Espresso Lungo | Easy to use panel, programmable settings | Faster grinder, improved water spout design | 5 grinding settings, the classic milk frother |
Price | Check Here | Check Here | Check Here | Check Here | Check Here |
Final Thoughts
As you might have noticed, only one device has lots of nuances that can puzzle people who have never had an espresso machine. Today, there has been a review of the device that should be observed by you since in any case it can be a universal kitchen appliance. Hopefully, the review was full enough and objective in order to show what things you should pay attention to. And still, if you have doubts whether this device is ideal, then stay tuned with MilkFrotherTop! There are lots of appliances that are worthy of your attention.
References
- Brera – Gaggia (Official Website) – https://www.gaggia.com/
- Review: Gaggia Brera Espresso Machine – https://www.youtube.com/
- Gaggia Brera Quick Start Guide – https://www.youtube.com/
- What Are the Gaggia Brera Espresso Machine’s Additional Features? – https://www.quora.com/