Gaggia milk-steaming problem

The problem:
Even though it is possible to get really great micro-foam results when steaming with Gaggia, the second pitcher results aren't nearly as good as the first.

The reason:
Gaggias (and probably all other single-boilers) only introduce new water into the boiler while brewing, but not while steaming. Hence, steam-pressure just keeps dropping off until the boiler is empty (indeed the manual warns about not steaming for more than five minutes at a time).

The solution:
Unfortunately, you'll have to prepare each latte or cappuccino individually. In other words; pull one shot, steam a small pitcher for the first cappuccino or latte, then run some water through the group in brew mode and pull the second shot, then steam the second pitcher. Otherwise, you'll run out of steam and your shots will fade and get cold by the time you've steamed both pitchers.

Alternatively:
You can pull a double-shot into two cups and just steam less milk for each. With a bit of practice, you should be able to steam ten ounces or so in one session - so you can make two traditional single cappuccinos without having to steam two pitchers of milk.  To do this, you may also want to consider replacing the Gaggia frother with a Saeco, minus the outer sleeve (the inner part of the Gaggia wand is too short to use by itself). It's the plastic thingy that attaches to the steam-wand.  The advantage of the Saeco is that the inner part with the steam-hole at the end is almost the same length as the device itself, whereas in the Gaggia it is much shorter. With a bit of practice you can make pretty decent micro-foam with this wand.  Good luck!

Gaggia Caffitaly Nautlius

The vibe:
Okay, it may only make coffee using those lazy pre-packaged coffee-pods, but who cares - it looks awesome! I don't know what meaning the nautilus has to anything coffee-related, but I welcome the design ethos.

Operation:
Its really really simple, what else would you expect from a capsule machine?. If you're not familiar with 'capsules', they contain a pre-measured amount of sealed ground-coffee. Each capsule is used once and then cleanly automatically disposed of.

Water:
The stainless-steel boiler is efficient enough at heating the maximum capacity 1.2litre (removable) water-tank.

Frother:
The frother is not very good.

Summary:
Apart from the cool nautical theme its not such a great coffee machine

Is the Gaggia Base worth buying?

The vibe:
The marketing says that this single-drawer base by Gaggia is the perfect compliment to any of the Gaggia machines and grinders.

What it does:
It keeps both the espresso machine and grinder together on a stable platform and provides a pull-out drawer with a wooden dowel for knocking the coffee-grounds out of the filter.

Dimensions:
Width: 17”, Depth: 12”, Height at highest point: 3 ½”, Height at lowest point: 1”. Only available in black colour.

The cons:
It's a touch on the small side, and doesnt fit all machines.  Also, unless you definitly always want your grinder and espresso machine to be kept side by side then there is no option to split the base to accommodate bench-top gymnastics - especially when trying to maximise bench-top space.  It's also made of plastic rather than a nice rubber - no real issue, but 'feel' can be a big deal for some people

Pros:
It definietly helps stop Gaggia grinders and also some of the smaller/lighter espresso machines from slipping around the bench-top. It also matches the Gaggia design 'look' - which some other bases do not.

Value:
It's not cheap, (and shouldn't your expensive grinder and espresso machine come with rubber feet in the first place?) so perhaps you can fashion your own non-slip base out of some materials lying around the house but if DIY isn't your thing, this will suit you fine... and importantly, may just be what you needed to get value-return out of your coffee machine.


Summary:
Its theoretically worth it, perhaps even essential, if you own light machines - but only you can answer if its truly the best option.

Gaggia MM Coffee Grinder

The vibe:
Would look great next to the white Gaggia Espresso - its got that same Star Wars Storm-Trooper look.

Value:
Probably not the best grinder on the market, but to get a similar product from another manufacturer would cost you twice the price.

Noise:
The grinder can be a bit noisy - but for the price, why not sacrifice a bit of luxury and just drape a towel over it to muffle the sound.

The motor:
Because of the lack of gearing, the ground-coffee exits the grinder hot, and highly charged with static. It then sticks to the sides of the transparent plastic hopper, and is a bit of a pain to extract and really, just a bit messy.

Operation:
The only thing that is annoying is the push switch - when you're in a rush, 30 seconds pushing that switch, can seem like an eternity.

Doser:
For the price, you wouldn't really expect to get a doser, and indeed you don't get one with the MM. Even the (recommendable) upgrade to the Gaggia MDF yields only a merely-satisfactory doser.

Grind consistency:
The MM is not really able to produce a fine enough espresso-grind, but is good enough for coarser-grind types of coffees such as french press, filter etc.

Tips:
Disassembling the grinder to give it a good cleaning, is a must do! Within the grinder the buildup of coffee dust becomes pretty severe.  Taking the machine apart one can also readjust it to bring the burrs closer together - permitting a finer-grind.

Summary:
For anyone looking for their first grinder the Gaggia MM is great value for money, however, if your main interest is in espressos - then it's not so good, and you should definitely upgrade to the Gaggia MDF.

Gaggia MDF Coffee Grinder

The vibe:
The Gaggia MDF Coffee Grinder is a commercial-grade burr-grinder. It is a step-up from the MM yet still represents great value.

Operation:
It has automatic coffee-dosing which allows a pre-measured amount of ground-coffee to drop directly into the filter-holder. Pull the lever once for one cup espresso, or twice for two cups.

The hopper:
The large hopper holds 10 ounces of coffee beans (and these are lovingly preserved by a tight fitting lid).


The housing:
The MDF is made of impact-resistant plastic to help reduce noise and increase durability. It is available in black or white.

Motor:
The 120 watt motor on the MDF is connected to the grinding burrs through a gear reduction system. This gives the grinder more than enough torque to handle any high-volume home use.

Burr quality:
Like most other grinders in this price-range the MDF has commercial-quality grinding-burrs that will last for years. Precision-machined grinding-burrs can be easily adjusted for 34 different degrees of fineness (!) - fine enough for any espresso machine and coarse enough for any drip-coffee or french pres.

Grind consistency:

Great grind quality, very consistent - even with espresso-grind

Grind speed:
When it comes to grinding, the MDF is definitely a little slow for the requirements of the more impatient coffee drinker. However, the slower speed does mean that the beans undergo less heating, and as the theory goes; reduces damage to the beans (and a subsequent burnt taste). Another added advantage of a slower grind speed is that it produces very little noise.

The doser:

Don't expect too much from the doser - it's not really consistent, but is definitely usable enough. 

Stability:

No rubber feet mean the grinder can very easily slide about on a smooth surface.  However, this is easily solved with a rubber mat underneath.

Tips:
most grinders are tested at the manufacturer and coffee grounds may be already sitting in the grinder when you buy it new.

Summary:
Easy to use and perfect results are achieved each time. Definitely a better option from the Gaggia MM if you can afford a little bit extra

What makes Gaggia unique?

Unlike every other manufacturer in the lower-mid espresso machine price-range (eg the Gaggia Classic), Gaggia does not position their heating elements in direct contact with water. They are actually embedded into the sides of the boiler which prevents a major reason espresso machines are brought in for warranty repair - corroded heating element. This design has proved to be highly efficient by causing the entire boiler to become a heating element. A fast method that further supports temperature stability.

The Classic further distinguishes itself by sporting a three-way solenoid valve. This is a feature generally only found on commercial and 'prosumer' equipment. It’s main purpose is to relieve the pressure that develops during the brewing process. As you may have read, espresso is brewed best at 8 to 9 'bar' or 'atmospheres of pressure'. With a single bar being 14.7 lbs of pressure-per-square-inch you can calculate that espresso is brewed at 132 lbs per-square-inch. The three-way solenoid valve instantly relieves that pressure and diverts it to the drip tray. You may notice the chrome tube leading to the drip-tray in the larger image. The benefit of this is that the quick release of the pressure takes much of the water left over in the group and leaves a relatively dry coffee puck. Drier puck means less coffee grounds to clean.

Gaggia Super-Automatic vs Gaggia Semi-Automatic

Super-Automatic espresso machines are a one-stop wonder that does everything for you! Just put in your beans, then the machine tamps, pre-infuses and brews a perfect cup of coffee, and then (!) dispenses the used grinds into an internal dump box. All have built-in grinders and various levels of pre-programmable features. Plus no mess! However, the jury is still 'out' on whether all the bells and whistles justify the price increase relative to the taste of the product, but if you're interested in this machine (?) you already know that you're lazy and all you care about is getting your coffee of a consistant taste and most importantly; now! Of course, these machines aren't only for the lazy with too much money - they are actually really practical in an office situations where there are mixed skill/appreciation levels - if you're a 'corporate', more buttons and options means more professional, right?

Prices range: $0.00 - $20,595.00

 

Semi-Automatic espresso machines the more traditional ones you're used to seeing in your friends houses - they have a portafilter handle that you fill and lock into place. They accept ground-coffee or 'pods'  but... results can vary! It this variety of taste that makes the machines popular by those who love to control their own extraction and like a café-quality cup of espresso.

Just to add a little bit of confusion; Semi-automatics can also be sub-categorized into 'traditional' or 'automatics' (with the programmable cup size feature).

Prices Range: $0.00 - $6,495.00

Gaggia Platinum Vogue

The vibe:

The simple curves and boxish shape  lend something of an art deco design aesthetic to the vogue, that would ensure it fits into any environment.

Operation:

At the centre of the control panel is a large circular knob, and in the centre of that knob are two buttons. This knob controls coffee volume, while the larger button with a coffee cup controls brewing. The smaller button with coffee beans controls the dosage of coffee used in each drink.

Water:

The Platinum Vogue’s Rapid stainless-steel Steam boiler system allows you to switch between brewing and steaming without too much downtime. The 57 oz removable water reservoir comes with an Aqua Prima Water Filter to remove impurities from your tap water. The stainless-steel cup warmer is heated using residual heat from the boiler

Grinder:

The machine's burr grinder crushes beans consistently and quietly, so you won’t wake up the house every time you want a drink. You can adjust the coarseness of your grind to fine, regular, or coarse using the included grinder adjustment key.

Tips:

The brew group can be removed and rinsed under running water – this removes coffee oils and residue, giving you the freshest tasting coffee. About once a month, lubricate the brew group using the included lubricant before you replace it. The dump box can also be emptied and rinse – you’ll know it’s time to do so when the indicator light alerts you.

Gaggia TS Espresso

The vibe:
Wow! Gaggia has thrown its hat into the prosumer market, with the launch of the TS, a top-of-the-line espresso machine with commercial components. This unit has been meticulously constructed with the espresso connoisseurs, enthusiasts, and perfectionists in mind. Even at first glance, the superior build quality is evident in the Gaggia TS.

Housed in a powder-coated, heavy-duty stainless steel body, the TS looks, feels, and performs like a professional-grade machine.

Operation:
Switch and knob-based controls are fully accessible from the front panel, to ensure hassle-free brewing, steaming, frothing, and hot-water dispensing. This unit also has 2.5-inches tall stainless steel legs with slip resistant feet for easy maintenance—allowing you to keep your kitchen counter clean.

Water:
internal water reservoir that can be easily removed for hassle-free refilling the boiler has a generous 2.3 liter capacity to accommodate regular, heavy use and allow for quick heat-up and recovery. A pressure gauge, mounted on the front panel of the machine, allows you to keep an eye on the boiler pressure. If you’re a stickler for heat stability and temperature control, the Gaggia TS is a great choice. A commercial-grade heat exchanger has also been integrated into the unit to allow for simultaneous steaming/frothing and brewing.


Another commercial feature, the three-way solenoid valve relieves water pressure post extraction to dry out the coffee and prevent dripping.

Steam Wand:
The Gaggia TS comes equipped with a four-hole, commercial steam tip to deliver café-style milk ideal for lattes, cappuccinos, macchiato, and more. The four-hole steam tip allows for better milk rotation and lets you evenly distribute the steam for superior milk consistency and texture. The steam wand can be swiveled for greater mobility, allowing it to accommodate different sized frothing pitchers. It is controlled by a dedicated steam knob, located on the front panel of the machine.


Extras:

Critical to the longevity of the machine, the pressure relief valve is a safety feature that releases boiler pressure, should it get too high. The Gaggia TS also has an anti-suction valve that prevents milk from being drawn into the steam wand and boiler of the machine. This feature helps safeguard your steam wand from being clogged and prevents the boiler from being contaminated.

The Gaggia TS has a passive cup warmer located on the top of the machine.  The cup warmer is made of stainless steel for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Gaggia Viva

The vibe:
sort of sixties, sort of now


Comparison:
It makes just as good coffee as the Classic, for example.
This trendy little machine is built as well as the Classic, Amante, Espresso, Cubika and Baby versions from Gaggia. Its not steel, granted, but sturdy and quality never the less.
It doesn't feel like most Delonghi's (for example) or usual household economy brands.

Water:
It heats up really fast and froths/ steams well and reliably.

Value:
For a starter machine that doesn't break the bank - this really ticks all the boxes. You'll get a great shot every time with a superb crema - better than more expensive machines! Got to give it 5/5 within its price range Kind of like a Honda (if you get my drift!). Not as good as a Mercedes etc, but better than a Fiat! :-). Most Gaggia's are Honda's - great products, reliable, do their job - but Not quite top of the range.

Operation:
The design works very well in a small area - so ideal for most standard kitchens.

Summary:
Bottom line is....Get good beans, and a quality grinder & this will serve you well.

Links:
You tube clip of 'the shot'

Gaggia Espresso De Luxe 16002

The vibe:
Firstly, the De Luxe does not come in a stainless steel case! rather, the case is powder-coated steel in a metallic silver color (indeed, it's the only color the Deluxe model comes in). However, it is fairly attractive and much more resistant to fingerprints than the standard edition.

Water:

Since the Gaggia's boiler is aluminum, it is absolutely critical that you use filtered water (or at least some sort of soft water).

Frothing:
It comes with a gizmo that enables the operator to froth milk that is being drawn directly out of its own container. Neat trick, if you're really into milk-based concoctions.

Cons:
What the Coffee Deluxe DOES NOT have is a three-way solenoid valve, which relieves pressure from the group head when the brew button is turned off, thus allowing immediate removal of the portafilter. The Classic and the Baby both have the solenoid valve, but not the espresso (in the bog-standard or the souped-up Deluxe edition).

If you surf around Gaggia reviews much at all, you'll soon determine that the GRINDER is in fact more important than the machine. Spend as much as you can possibly afford on the grinder--as counter-intuitive as it might seem, you will be glad you did!

Summary:
A solid enough machine, but not really worth the extra money compared to the standard edition

Gaggia Carezza 35005

The vibe:
The unit in general is very solid, with a near commercial-quality chrome-plated, brass group-head and portafilter.

Value:
At around $200 at several online retailers this machine is about as great a value as you can find in a semi-automatic espresso machine. It has about the same internal parts and portafilter as much more expensive Gaggia machines, but a plastic rather than metal exterior.

Frothing:
The steam wand produces a lot of steam, but is not really a pro-style. It froths milk very well for a Cappuccino, but getting the even fine micro-bubbles for a Latte is a bit of a trick.


Operation:
It has really simple chunky button controls that anyone can use.

Cons:
The drip tray is too small - given the fact that it does dribble a bit too much after you use it. Running some citric acid based cleaner once a month seems to help with this, but does not eliminate the problem. Anyway, apart from that gripe, it keeps on chugging along and putting out good coffee.

Tips:
A good burr-grinder is needed to really bring out the best in this machine. 

Summary:
If you want the least amount you can spend to pull a real double-shot of espresso at home, this is as good a choice as can be found.