Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine Review
There’s nothing like enjoying an espresso from the privacy of my home. But, when it comes to espresso machines, I like something that works well and is simple. If you want this too, without a complex machine to operate, the Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine might be for you.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Super Automatic Espresso Machine
Before getting too far into this Gaggia Brera machine review, it’s important to learn if super automatic espresso machines are right for you. This product is aimed at people who just want to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee brewed at home.
They don’t want to get out and visit a coffee shop to get their favorite drinks. It saves them a huge amount of time spent walking to and from the coffee place.
Another key feature of super automatic espresso machines is that it’s automatic (duh – i know.. but..) — fantastic for people who wants to keep it simple. If you want premium espressos without pushing lots of buttons and twisting dials, this might be what you need. A superauto is for those who want quality beverages, without feeling like they’re in barista training.
These machines also give you lots of control to enjoy the coffees, espressos, americanos, and other milk-based beverages you would normally enjoy at a coffee shop.
If you’re not ready to spend several hundred dollars to enjoy an espresso at home, these machines might not be for you right now. It’s also important to note that, unlike most other machines, the Gaggia Brera is wider than its height. If you already have limited counter space, there might not be room for an espresso machine.
Presenting the Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine
One of the main reasons why the Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine is so popular is its price. At under $500, this is one of the most cost-effective ways to start enjoying espressos in your home.
Unlike the Cadorna or Accademia, the Gaggia Brera’s main features are its lower price point and simplicity. While you’re not making as many types of drinks with this espresso machine, you’re also purchasing something less expensive. Think of the Gaggia Brera as an entry-level espresso machine.
Pros:
- A high-quality espresso machine for under $500
- The simple push-button operation makes espressos in seconds
- Not having to move this machine to find and remove cleanable parts
- Stainless steel front panels
- In-Built burr grinder
- Pannarello steam wand
Cons:
- Smaller water tank (40-ounce) than most of its competitors
- Does not come with a water filter — can fit in the Gaggia Mavea Intenza Water Filter
- Wider than most of the coffee machines available
What Are the Key Features & Benefits of the Gaggia Brera?
As you’ll soon learn, the Gaggia Brera has a lot of great features. With such a large number of features, I’m going to break each of them down one by one. Here are the key features and benefits of this super automatic espresso machine.
LED Display With Push Button Controls
If you’re like me, you like a little bit of tech when buying a new home appliance. What I like about the Gaggia Brera is that they include just enough technology to make it easy to use. The LED display with push button controls combination allows you to operate the machine with ease.
The buttons are intuitive — great for beginners who don’t have the slightest clue of using such machines. Sometimes, espresso machines with too many “bells and whistles” can feel a little overwhelming.
Customising Your Preferences
With the Gaggia Brera, you don’t have to worry about always doing things manually. By pushing a few buttons, this espresso machine remembers your preferences for liquid amounts, grind settings, and strength levels. I loved this feature as it helped save me even more time making espressos at home.
Pannarello Frothing Wand – Rapid Steam Technology
The Gaggia Brera comes with a frothing Pannarello steam wand. This wand mixes air and steam with milk to create a foamy, white cream — great for your lattes and cappuccinos. Best of all, the wand also functions as a hot water dispenser. This is an excellent feature that allows you to enjoy a warm cup of tea or a nice Americano.
The Pannarello wand comes with Gaggia’s rapid steam technology. This feature enables the steam wand to heat up in 9 seconds so that you can quickly make your favorite latte or cappuccino, which is incredibly beneficial if you want to save time in the morning.
In-Built Grinder
When I started drinking coffee, I was all about buying pre-ground coffee. While I still love certain ground coffees, I now prefer whole bean brewing. This has been one of the many fun things I love about drinking coffee.
The Gaggia Brera uses a flat ceramic burr grinder to grind your coffee beans finely. This is a considerable benefit as most machines on the market use stainless-steel grinders — which may ruin the coffee taste as they tend to burn up the coffee grounds. It may be a bit noisy during the grinding, however, so try not to do this while your kids are asleep 🙂
Big Bean Hopper
The Gaggia Brera has a bean hopper that can hold an impressive amount of coffee beans — 8.8-ounce to be exact! This is one huge advantage to people who don’t like to keep refilling their hoppers with beans ever so often.
Adjustable Spout
The Gaggia Brera comes with adjustable spout, accommodating cups from 3.25 to 4.5 inches. You can adjust the height of the coffee dispensing spout to just above the top of the cup. This will help you in getting smoother crema during the brewing process.
Stainless Steel Front Panel
Not everything I liked about this espresso machine has to do with how it performs. Another feature of the Gaggia Brera is its beautiful stainless steel front panel. If you have lots of stainless steel in your kitchen, this machine will be a welcome addition.
Incredibly Easy to Clean
A major selling feature of an automatic espresso machine is saving you time. With these machines, you don’t have to leave your home to enjoy great coffee. So, you probably don’t want to buy an espresso machine that’s time-consuming to keep clean.
Fortunately, with the Gaggia Brera, you can access its dreg drawer, water tank, and drip tray from the front of the machine. The removable brew group also makes it convenient for washing,
Ease of Maintenance
As you continue using any espresso machine, minerals will continue building up in this device. To solve this problem, you’ll need to descale your machine. Fortunately, the Gaggia Brera will notify you when it’s time to.
You can use Gaggia’s descaling solution or go with the typical water and vinegar to descale. Try to descale the Brera every month to make sure the machine is operating in good conditions.
How Does It Compare?
Before you think about buying the Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine, it’s understandable to want to make a few comparisons. To help you out, here is how the Brera compares to its top competitors.
Jura ENA 1 Automatic Coffee Machine
The Jura ENA 1 is an espresso machine that’s all about compactness. This machine is only 9-inches wide and features a 36-ounce water tank. It also includes a patented Zero-Energy switch to help the environment and reduce your energy bills. If you’re interested in the Gaggia Brera’s simplicity, you’ll also enjoy the Jura ENA 1’s one-touch functionality.
Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
The Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine allows you to enjoy four coffee-based beverages. It also allows you to adjust the aroma strength of your coffee. With a 12-step adjustable grinder, it gives you tons of customization options. Also, the Philips 3200 Series boasts up to 5,000 brews without ever needing a descaling.
De’Longhi Magnifica XS Fully Automatic Espresso Machine
If you want more customisation options, you might want to check out the De’Longhi Magnifica XS. Another great feature of the Magnifica XS is that it can brew two cups of coffee at once. Having this feature is great when you’re around larger groups of people who all want an espresso. The 60-ounce water tank is about 33% larger than the Gaggia Brera’s 40-ounce tank.
Is the Gaggia Brera Espresso Machine Right for Me?
To start enjoying espressos and other milk-based coffee beverages from home, consider everything Gaggia Brera Espresso Machine has to offer.
This machine is all about making it easy to enjoy several popular coffee-based beverages, making it one of the best super automatic espresso machines. By remembering your preferences, you’ll never be waiting long to enjoy a delicious barista-quality coffee at home.
I hope this machine review on the Gaggia Brera has been useful to you.
