Gaggia Brera Review 2023: Beginners' Best Super-Automatic?

Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine

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Gaggia Brera Overview

At a Glance

• A minimalistic super-automatic espresso machine that comes with a compact retro design.
  
  
• Most of the machine is made of plastic, with the exception of the stainless steel boiler and stainless steel front panels.
  
  
• The Gaggia Brera is extremely easy to operate. It only has 4 buttons, one selector switch, and a 3-color LED screen with icons.
  
  
• There are 2 pre-programmed drinks: the espresso and the long coffee (lungo) drinks.
  
  
• For each drink, you can customize the strength (3 levels) and the water volume.
  
  
• The Brera comes equipped with a ceramic flat burr grinder with 5 adjustments. Although 5 adjustments are lackluster, the ceramic material is a plus. Ceramic grinders stay sharper for longer and generate less heat. This means a more consistent grind if you are making multiple back-to-back coffees.
  
  
• The internal brew unit can hold 7 to 10.5 grams of coffee - which may not be enough for some users
  
  
• The Pannarello steam wand is easy to use and can texture milk for different specialty drinks.
  
  
• The Gaggia Brera comes with a pre-infusion cycle which helps it dispense a very tasty espresso. 
  
  
• The coffee drinks are not as good as other premium machines, but still very good. This home espresso machine earns high marks for its low cost-to-drink quality ratio.
  
  
• The Gaggia Brera comes with automatic rinsing cycles and a manual descaling cycle. It comes with cleaning alerts to help you keep your machine in good condition.
  
  
• The brew group is removable and can be manually cleaned.
  
  
• The cost of this machine is unheard of for an automatic espresso machine from a reputable company.
  
  
• There are some gaps in between the panels - they don’t fit as snuggly as more premium models.
  
  
• This machine lacks programmability and many features such as temperature control, user profiles, or pre-programmed drinks.
  
  
• This machine does not include a milk jug or water filter.

Some Useful Specs

• Model: Gaggia Brera
  
  
• Type: super-automatic espresso machine
  
  
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 10 x 12.5 x 17 inches (25.6 x 32.0 x 43.2 cm)
  
  
• Weight: 18.6 lbs (8.45 kg) 
  
  
• Pump pressure: 15 bar
  
  
• Water tank capacity: 40.6 oz (1.2 L)
  
  
• Bean hopper capacity: 8.8 oz (250 g)
  
  
• Adjustable Spout Height: 3.3 to 4.5 inches (8.4 to 11.4 cm)
  
  
• Grinder Type: Ceramic flat burr grinder with 5 adjustments
  
  
• User Profiles: None but has memo function
  
  
• Number of Pre-programmed Drinks: 2
  
  
• Hot water dispenser: Yes, through the steam wand
  
  
• Display Type: LED with a 3-color display and icons
  
  
• Brewing System: Internal brew unit with stainless steel boiler (7 to 10.5 g)
  
  
• Milk Frothing System: Pannarello steam wand
  
  
• Ground coffee bypass: Yes
  
  
• Warranty: 1 year
  
  
• Power Requirements: 1250 W

Design and Build Quality

The Gaggia Brera super-automatic espresso machine features a retro look with its four large buttons surrounding the LED 3-color screen. Under the screen sits the hot water/steam selector switch, adding to its “old school analog” feel.

The Brera comes with stainless steel paneling in front, which is surprising for a budget espresso machine, although the rest of the coffee machine is made of plastic. However, nothing really feels cheap or prone to breaking.

My only complaint here is that there are large and sometimes uneven gaps between the panels; for example, the gaps between the main front paneling and the water tank and puck basket panels are a bit uneven. This is just a small oversight given the cost of this machine and it does not really distract you from the overall aesthetics.

The Brera is one of the most compact super-automatic espresso machines on the market. At 10 x 12.5 x 17 inches (25.6 x 32.0 x 43.2 cm) in width, height, and depth, it should comfortably fit on most kitchen counters.

Its small design does not sacrifice any necessary features. A classic Pannarello style steam wand protrudes from its left side, the coffee spout can be adjusted from 3.3 to 4.5 inches (8.4 to 11.4 cm), the water reservoir can hold up to 40.6 oz (1.2 L), and the bean hopper capacity: 8.8 oz (250 g). All of these are very standard values for an espresso machine of this size.

In short, the Gaggia Brera features a compact retro design that matches well with modern or more traditional kitchens. Its construction materials are sturdy, including its front-facing stainless steel panels. However, the paneling gaps are a bit uneven and don’t fit as snuggly as more premium machines.

Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine

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Features and Ease of Use

The Gaggia Brera is extremely easy to use thanks to its minimalistic and intuitive User Interface. It’s so easy to use that you’ll soon forget the instructions manual even exists (despite it being excellently written!).

There are only 4 buttons and a selector switch to worry about when operating the Gaggia Brera.

Two of these represent the two coffee recipes, which are the espresso and the espresso lungo drinks. On the left side of the LED screen, you’ll find the espresso and long coffee brew buttons, while on the right side, you’ll find the stand-by button and the Aroma (coffee strength) and pre-ground selector button.

The LED screen consists of icons that light up depending on the status of the machine. For example, you can quickly press the espresso or coffee brew buttons twice for back-to-back drinks. After this function has been activated, an icon showing two cups lights up to indicate that two cups of coffee are being prepared.

There are 3 coffee strength levels to choose from. These can be selected by pressing the Aroma button (the one with the coffee bean) which cycles through mild, medium, and strong aroma levels. The aroma levels (or the Optiaroma levels as Gaggia prefers to call them) are shown on the screen by means of one, two, or three coffee beans.

Another feature worth mentioning is the Memo Function. This function remembers the amount of coffee dispensed so you don’t have to remember later on. Simply hold the espresso or coffee buttons for 5 seconds, and then press the espresso or coffee button again to stop once the desired amount of coffee has come out. The machine will remember the volume for the next brew.

You can also customize your coffee using the ceramic flat burr grinder. Yes, that’s right, a ceramic burr grinder! Not even the much more expensive JURA E8 or the Breville Oracle can boast having ceramic grinders.

Compared to stainless steel ones, ceramic grinders remain sharper for longer and generate less heat. This latter point becomes important if you brew many coffees in a row - a stainless steel grinder will get hot and potentially impact the resulting grind level. However, 5 grind levels in my opinion is the bare minimum. During my testing, I was able to use different coffee beans. But you may run into trouble when trying vastly different coffee beans that have different roast levels.

If you crave coffee in the evenings but are worried about not being able to fall asleep then you’re in luck! For these emergency situations, the Brera comes equipped with a pre-ground coffee by-pass. Otherwise, stick with freshly ground coffee!

The Pannarello steam wand function as a hot water dispenser which is perfect for Americanos or any tea drinkers in your household. When it comes to steaming, the steam wand is perfectly capable of texturing milk for different drinks such as lattes or cappuccinos.

However, the steam wand is manual so you’ll have to learn a bit about how to texture milk for different types of coffee and milk drinks.

So at first glance, the Gaggia Brera seems minimalistic and devoid of features, but this little bean-to-cup coffee machine packs a punch!

Sure, it certainly does not come with premium features. For starters, it's not programmable. It lacks a large pre-programmed one-touch drink menu, coffee and milk temperature controls, automatic milk texturing, user profiles, a fancy color touchscreen, a cup warmer, and luxurious finishes and aesthetics.

But again, the Brera can cost 6 times less than high-level super-automatics!

In short, the Gaggia Bera is extremely easy to use and comes with the essential features to customize and make a great cup of coffee! However, the experience won’t be luxurious and many premium features are missing.

Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine

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Coffee Drink Quality

Question: Can a super-automatic espresso machine that costs less than $500 brew a decent espresso shot?


Answer: yes, the Gaggia Brera can!

Indeed, this little automatic espresso machine can make a mean espresso, especially if you take the time to tinker with the settings for a bit. It even comes with a pre-infusion cycle, which is important to pull an even espresso shot. I was surprised by the espresso quality of this low-end super-automatic machine.

Related Reads:

• How to Pull the Perfect Espresso Shot: The Best Beginner’s Guide
• How Espresso Machines Work & Their 5 Main Parts

However, the espresso quality will not be as great as that one from a higher-end model or a traditional espresso machine.

The main reason is the variable internal brew unit has a maximum coffee dose of 10.5 g. Other automatic espresso machines can brew larger quantities of coffee at once, resulting in stronger drinks.

Another reason is the 5-level adjustment grinder. Five adjustment levels sometimes won’t cut it, and the espresso grind may fall somewhere between “too coarse” or “too fine”. So you may not be utilizing the full potential of your espresso beans.

The Pannarello steam wand works well, albeit on the slow side. It’s a fully manual steam wand so you’ll need to brush up those milk texturing skills if you want steamed milk with different textures for different drinks.

In short, the Gaggia Brera can easily prepare a decent shot of espresso or a delicious flat white. However, if you are a connoisseur you may feel a bit disappointed by the available customization options and brew unit capacity.

Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine

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Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning and maintaining the Gaggia Brera is almost equally as easy as using it.

For starters, there are non-optional automatic rinsing cycles every time you turn on and off your machine. Although this may be seen as annoying by some, I’m 100 percent with Gaggia here. Not all of us have to propensity to clean our coffee maker every time we use it, and keeping your machine clean not only improves the coffee taste but also improves the machine’s lifespan.

There is also a descaling indicator which is neat because who keeps track of when you last scaled your machine? The descaling process itself is time-consuming - it can take 30 to 40 minutes to complete.

The Pannarello steam wand can easily be disassembled for a quick wash. I recommend you do so every time you steam milk unless you want to have a non-zero chance of finding rancid milk chunks in your drink.

I'm happy to report this espresso maker comes with a removable brew group; it can be accessed by opening the service door (the right panel of your machine). You should wash it at least once per week and then vacuum away any grounds inside the removable brew unit's compartment.

In terms of daily chores, you should empty and rinse the drip tray, and the used grounds basket and wipe your machine with a soft wet cloth. I also recommend rinsing and refilling your water tank at the end of every day.

The drip tray, coffee grounds drawer, and water tank are located in front of the machine for convenient access. All you have to do is pull them towards you and off they come.

The water tank is compatible with water filters but the Gaggia Brera does not include one. It’s compatible with the Intenza water filters which I urge you to purchase to minimize the number of descaling cycles you’ll have to go through (in addition to improving your coffee taste!)

The Gaggia Brera’s design allows for easy and convenient cleaning and has the necessary cleaning prompts to remind you when it’s time to clean your machine.

Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine

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Related Read:

• Properly Cleaning and Descaling Your Espresso Machine!

Value for Money

As you may have guessed, the Gaggia Brera scores very high in this category.

It’s hard to beat an automatic espresso machine that costs less than $450, is made by Gaggia (one of the most reputable espresso machine makers), has an attractive retro look, and most importantly, makes good espresso drinks.

Yes, as I noted, the Brera has many missing features but I need to keep on reminding myself how much this machine costs.

For the price of a high-end super-automatic espresso machine, you could get 6 Gaggia Breras…

Another way to illustrate my point is by comparing the Gaggia Brera’s cost with purchasing coffee every day. Assuming you buy a $3 coffee every day, you will spend just under $550 in coffee per 6 months. That is more money spent on coffee chains in 6 months than the total cost of the Gaggia Brera.

So yes, it makes total financial sense to purchase this machine, even if you are not an avid coffee drinker!

I should note that there are a few things that are missing that would justify a slight increase in price: a milk pitcher (yes, you'll need one to froth milk) and a water filter.

In short, the Gaggia is the lowest-cost super-automatic espresso machine we’ve tested and it did not disappoint. If you don’t care for fancy features and just want a decent coffee drink, then look no further.

Final Verdict

Gaggia Brera Super Automatic Espresso Machine

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Who is the Gaggia Brera For?

The Gaggia Brera is ideal for beginners looking for easy-to-use bean-to-cup coffee machines. This automatic coffee machine only comes with the essentials and does not break the bank!

If you are not entirely convinced with the Gaggia Brera, make sure you check out the Philips 3200 LatteGo or the DeLonghi Magnifica ESAM3300.

These two machines are more expensive but still cost less than $1,000 and are great beginner machines.

Who Should Avoid Buying the Gaggia Brera?

Those with higher budgets or care about bean-to-cup coffee recipes and want automatic milk texturing. Also, if you are a coffee aficionado you should avoid this machine given its lack of customizability.

If you want all the bells and whistles check the Oracle Touch, the JURA E8 (or ENA 8 for compact spaces), or the Miele CM6350.

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Frequently Asked Questions