A Budget Super-Automatic With the Gaggia Brera

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Bottom Line Up Front

Need a Super-Automatic Espresso Machine that is both elegant and doesn’t take up allot of space?  Busy and no time to delve into a barista education? If so the Gaggia Brera may be for you. Perfect for the fast paced household or even for light office use.

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Gaggia Brera Superautomatic Espresso Machine

The face of Gaggia 59100 Brera Espresso Machine features a stylish brushed stainless steel front panel and the more popular configuration features stainless steel sides as well.

It’s also available in a version with a stainless front and black sides.

In addition, it has a compact design which is more spacious and efficient than most machines in this class.

The small size doesn’t hinder it; in fact, this super automatic machine has a superior technology allowing it to challenge other industry’s heavyweight. The machine can make two rich espresso shots at once, via it dual-headed brew group.

Gaggia 59100 Brera Espresso is an item that guarantees convenience, with the whole grinding, extraction and dosing process fully-automated into one machine.

All the components used for daily operations- grounds disposal, water tank, drip tray and coffee bean container – are easily accessible from the front of the machine. This makes it easy to clean and maintain the machine.

In addition, the large display and push-button controls, brings out the intuitive user-friendly interface of the machine; and for quick reference it has dedicated icons for brewing, steaming and grinding functions which have been color coded.

The Gaggia 59100 Brera Espresso Machine utilizes a completely automated process that learns the users’ desired espresso drink volume, temperature and strength.

The Brera is also perfect for making a completely frothed cappuccino. It boasts a superior steam wand with rotating flexibility and can be utilized as a hot water source for hot chocolates and tea.

Features

Ceramic Burr Grinder

Grind beans using Gaggia 59100 Brera Espresso Machine’s integrated ceramic burr coffee grinder. This grinder is able to operate consistently at appropriate temperatures resulting to aromatic and flavored coffee.

The Gaggia 59101 adapting system can also automatically adjust rpm and grind time to achieve the desired coffee quantity, in spite of whether you are using medium, light or dark beans.

Water purifier

The machine comes equipped with Mavea water filter to filter water before extraction. The filtration system helps in preventing scale buildup and removes impurities to extend the lifespan of this machine.

Doser Bypass

The Gaggia 59100 Brera Espresso comes outfitted with a doser bypass allowing you to brew pre-grounded coffee.

IMPORTANT! Never grind flavored beans in any Super-automatic Espresso Machine or any good grinder that your care about; besides voiding the warranty, the flavor may never be completely gone and may linger for the life of the machine.

Optidose Function

This programmable feature allows you to specifically customize your coffee aroma; Choose from light, medium to strong brews. In addition, you can also make a café lungo or espresso in a short duration; the beverage volume is programmable and the machine will “recall” your preferences in future.

Rapid Steam Technology

The Gaggia Brera is fitted with rapid steam technology that transforms to quick heat up times during the robust brewing and steaming operations. Thanks to this rapid steam feature, you can be able to brew and steam back to back with no difficulty.

In addition, the machine is equipped with a metal pannarello steam wand which is able to create steamed milk and creamy froth for your preferred specialty beverages. This steam wand can be switched in left to right positions, to accommodate an array of steaming pitcher sizes.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The machine is easy to clean and maintain; it has a self rinse cycle which activates when the Gaggia Brera is switched on and off or when it exits or enters standby mode. The rinse cycle aids in preserving machine performance, and maintain the unit in brew-ready state.  On the display screen, an icon will appear to alert you, should the machine need to be serviced.

Water Tank and Filter

The unit has a 1.2 liter water tank.  A filtration system is also fitted in the machine so as to remove impurities and to reduce scale build up to extend the lifespan of your Gaggia Brera.

Brewing

Gaggia 59100 Brera Espresso has a stainless boiler and a 15- bar pump to ensure the right temperature for great tasting beverages. In addition, it has telescopic coffee dispenser which enables one to adjust the height to hold cups and mugs. The machine has really made brewing very easy.

Other highlights about this machine

• Low energy consumption – The standby mode activates automatically after an hour of idle time.
• Programmed to alert users when care is required
• Pre-infusion features for maximum aroma and flavor extraction
• UV-proof coffee bean container

Specifications

• Model:  59100
• UPC:  693042591003
• Product Dimensions: L: 15.00″ x W: 16.00″ x H: 16.00″
• Product Weight: 27.50 lbs.
• Product Color: Silver with silver or black sides
• Application: Ideal for making espresso at home
• Warranty:  1-year manufacturer’s limited warranty

Pros

• Minimal footprint – doesn’t take too much counter space.
• One of the lowest priced super-automatics on the market.
• Automatically descales

Cons

• Plasticky in appearance and in construction. A few folks have complained about plastic parts failing withing a couple of years.
• Tall cups will not fit.
• Water tank is VERY small – requiring frequent fill ups. This may not be a big deal if it is is for home use but would probably be a little painful for light office use.
• It doesn’t like oily beans so avoid all of the Starbucks Burnt (and Stale) Roasts. Heck, this may be a plus – if your beans are oily then they are way over roasted.

Conclusion

The Gaggia Brera offers a very efficient and functional design with easy access to the drip tray and coffee bean container water tank.

Although small in size, it is fully equipped leaving you with plenty of counter space.

Gaggia Brera Superautomatic Espresso Machine available from Amazon

Confused about which Espresso Machine is right for you?  Check out our Espresso Machine Buying Guide and our Super-Automatic Espresso Machine Buying Guide.