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.

Gaggia Achille Lever-Operated

The vibe:
This vintage-looking espresso machine is a real throwback, and with its cylindrical body, stainless steel housing, and domed water reservoir - you'll journey back to the golden age of espresso,

Operation:
The main power switch is the only switch used to operate the Achille. Once the Achille is powered on, the boiler maintains a steady pressure and temperature. To extract the shot raise the lever on the front of the machine then lower it at a pressure you descern.

Frothing:
The Achille has an easy-to-use Turbo frothing wand, that is capable of creating creamy micro-bubble froth.


Water:
Equipped with a large capacity boiler constructed of stainless steel, the Achille is ready to brew or steam within 10 minutes. Its temperature and pressure, can be monitored using the Achille’s pressure gauge, are controlled with a pressure regulator. The oversized boiler cycles on and off consistently and is set to maintain steady pressure and has the ability to go from brewing to steaming without wait.


Tips:
The exterior of the Achille has a beautiful high-gloss chrome and stainless steel finish. Any cleaning should be done with a soft, damp cloth. The boiler should be decalcified at least 3 times a year, depending on usage, with Cleancaf by Urnex to maintain optimum performance. In addition, the boiler should always be turned off when not in use since there is not an energy saving feature on this lever machine.

Cons:
This machine isn't for everybody; it takes time and experimentation to get the best out of it - but you know what they say: no pain no gain!

Summary:
The machine makes wonderful espresso...after a few weeks of experimenting (and using your biceps) to get the correct combination of grind fineness and tamping pressure. Once that's figured out, it can truly make some of the best espresso achievable from a homebrew machine.