If you’re in the market for an affordable and capable super-automatic espresso machine then I hope you’ve taken a look at the Gaggia Brera in Black. Gaggia has a history of innovation in the world of espresso and the Brera was their ambassador to a more modern approach to super-automatic machines. The Gaggia Brera’s compact design and ease of use have made it a venerable addition to their lineup.
Compared to other machines under $500, the Brera boasts considerable aesthetic and functional superiority. The Brera brews with 15 bar pump and a stainless steel boiler. Depending on your preferences, the Brera allows you to use either whole beans or pre-ground coffee thanks to its bypass doser. You can also adjust the volume, strength, and aroma of each shot that you pull to match your personal preferences.
For frothing the Brera makes use of both rapid steam technology and the innovative Pannarello style steam wand to produce perfectly textured milk with ease. Depending on the size of your frothing pitcher the steam wand can be adjusted to allow for greater clearance.
As far as size is concerned, the Brera measures 10” W x 17.5” D x 12.4” H and weighs only 18.7lbs. The exterior of the machine is made out of ABS plastic while the front panel is stainless steel. For the sake of convenience, all of your vitals including the dump box, water reservoir, and brew group are all accessible from the front of the machine.
At Whole Latte Love we’ve been big fans of the Brera for quite some time. It’s a small but powerful machine that makes the most of its design and components. On top of that the Brera is one of the most competitively priced machines in its segment.