Choosing Your Gaggia Espresso Machine
Espresso machines come in many guises and with systems that make them quite different to operate. Basic types of machines are;
Traditional Espresso machines
Semi Automatic espresso machines are of a traditional format where ground coffee is loaded into the brewing portafilter manually and the pump operated for the required time by the user to produce as little or a much coffee as required. Coffee quality is influenced by the grind of the coffee, the tamping pressure and the amount of water dispensed as the coffee dose. These machines are simple and reliable and allow Espresso aficionados to enjoy the full ritual of the espresso making process. Items to look for in the specification are:
Boiler power; for the speed of production of hot water for the coffee and steam for the milk,
Pump pressure; for the production of the perfect espresso 15 bar is normally necessary
The filter holder; Aluminium will heat up more quickly but heavy duty chrome plated brass offers better heat stability and is used on most professional machines. The filter holder should be capable of taking a single or double shot of coffee 6 to 14 grams to produce a single shot or a double shot.
Easy access to water reservoir; Removable reservoir for easy water replenishment
Full range of accessories supplies; Accessories such as filter baskets for one shot or two shot production at the same time
Style; Espresso is an art form so why not celebrate it in the tradition of the inventor of the concept
For product comparison table on Traditional machines click here
See the full range of Gaggia Traditional espresso machines here
Automatic Coffee Dose machines
These machines are the next stage up, They include the better features such as the powerful boilers, the brass filter holders and other quality features that are found on professional machines
The loading of the coffee is accomplished in the same manner as the semi automatic machines but the amount of coffee produced (the dose) is controlled by push button controls.
These buttons can be pre set (and re-set) by operator to produce the precise dose of coffee required to fill the favourite cup or to produce ristretto, espresso, or a longer coffee as required. As the coffee dose is automatic producing the perfect espresso is simple and demands less concentration
For product comparison table on Traditional machines with Automatic coffee dose click here
See the full range of Gaggia Automatic Coffee Dose Machines Here
Capsule Machines
Capsule machines are a new departure in espresso machines. But there are now many machines, and types of capsule, on the market. Whilst capsule espresso machines remove some of the art and mystique of espresso making, for those with busy lifestyles they offer a number of advantages
Coffee is supplied in a vacuum sealed capsule, This keeps the coffee fresh for long periods and is clean and quick to operate, you use only what you need that moment - Load the capsule and away you go!
When finished the capsule can be removed from the machine (some do this automatically) a process that is quick clean and easy.
However like all things there are important points that make a difference to the function and use of Gaggia machines.
Type of coffee available.
Most manufacturers operate a closed system forcing people who purchase their machines to buy their coffee from them only, this limits choice and supply. Gaggia offer the CaffItaly system which is open to any coffee manufacturer to use for their coffee. This will lead to a wide range of coffees becoming available increasing choice and supply and keep a competitive market to keep prices in check.
The coffee dose is or course pre-set in a capsule, Gaggia Ecaffe capsules come with an 8gram dose, A number of manufacturers however will make do with less, some as little as 4 grams per capsule.
Finally you may change your mind about using capsules, or wish to convert your conventional machine into a capsule machine. Although this is not possible with all machines many can be converted to capsules, and back to traditional whenever required. All current Gaggia automatic and semi automatic machines except the Cubika can be converted to capsule using the optional capsule kit and in the reverse for all models with the exception of the K111 / K111D and the L'Amante.
For product comparison table on Capsule machines click here
Automatic Bean to Cup machines
These machines are the top of the range, they are simple to use and quick to operate, going through the entire process of espresso making completely automatically. Starting from the grinding of the coffee stored in an internal hopper, to the loading of the coffee into the brewing group, the tamping, and the production of the coffee to the pre set dose. All followed up by removal of the used coffee into an easily cleaned internal bin so the machine is ready for the next cup.
A wide range of adjustment for grind of the coffee, the coffee strength, the dose delivered to the cup, and on some machines even the temperature makes these machines almost infinitely programmable. Some will even switch themselves on and off so they are available from the moment you rise to the moment you go to bed without wasting energy. At the push of a button they can produce the prefect coffee for your tastes time after time after time in a way that even the best trained and enthusiastic barista would find had to emulate. Extra sophistication can include pre brew systems to soak the coffee with hot water for 2 seconds before brewing to release aromatic oils and flavour
Some of the machines have a Bypass Coffee Doser allowing you to omit the grinding process and add your chosen coffee directly into the machine. Most customers find this the ideal way to produce decaf coffee when their guests require it without having to empty the coffee bin.
Bean to cup machines can make excellent machines for an office or showroom environment where the simplicity of use and single touch control makes preparation of a variety of coffee types simple and quick.
For product comparison table on Gaggia Bean to Cup machines click here
For product comparison table on Saeco Bean to Cup machines click here
See the full range of Gaggia and Saeco Bean to Cup Espresso machines here
Piston (Lever) Machines
The Gaggia Achille is a piece of Kitchen sculpture, its gleaming artistically designed stainless steel is guaranteed to attract attention. Before pumps were user to generate the pressure needed to make the coffee the piston system enabled the barista to generate the pressure using a lever. They can produce fantastic espresso with the ambiance of a traditional barista but require a little proactive effort and experience to operate effectively. If you enjoy the process of making your coffee or are a coffee enthusiast or just must have its stylish looks in your kitchen this machine might be for you. But bear in mind the pulling the lever requires some arm strength and consistency of pull to provide the perfect coffee.
Office machines
A number of Gaggia and Saeco machines are particularly suitable for office use, especially those where staff and visitors demand the best! Any Bean to Cup machine can produce coffee at the push of a button, fresh every time and the Gaggia Titanium range and the Saeco machines are ideally suited to the up market office, small business or boardroom.
The Saeco Office One is a machine specially designed to operate in an office environment. Using Ecaffe capsules it allows you to offer a choice of coffee from Arabica to Decaff with no fuss, the extra large and lockable case and water reservoir means fewer trips to re-fill. It is designed for very simple operation with a flip down tray to take small cups and a large drip tray along with simple and clean disposal of the used capsules from the large internal bin.
See the range of Gaggia Espresso machines for office use here
