Just been sent some offers through on Gaggia machines – I currently have a Classic and had been pondering an upgrade for a while – they are offering the Brera for £330 and the Unika for £275

Anyone have any thoughts on these?

Ta

Anyone????

I’ve got the Brera. Had it for about 18 months and really impressed, I like the coffee it makes. Had a couple of Krups machines before, both broke after about 12 months. The Gaggia so far has never missed a beat. If you can get one for £330 do it. No doubt others might disagree with me but I like the simplicity when I want a decent cup of coffee.

I have the Brera too – It’s ace, and at that price a bargain. Get One you won’t regret it.

Does the Brera have two heaters (ie separate ones for the coffee and the steamer)?

I have the Titanium. It was a reconditioned unit from their clearance shop. Looked like new, had only made 125 cups but was nearly £200 cheaper than new. Had it around 4 years now and no problems but it doesn’t like the oily beans as they tend to clog the grinder. Once it was setup I haven’t had to touch it other than cleaning. It tells you when it needs descaling and being in a soft water area that been twice since I bought it.

Have a platinum event, I bought it for parts and fixed it. It is temperamental, but when it works it makes a superb cup of coffee.

Coffee machines are great when you have to make endless cups of coffee quickly, like in a cafe. For your morning jolt you’ll get better results using an espresso pot.

Coffee machines are great when you have to make endless cups of coffee quickly, like in a cafe. For your morning jolt you’ll get better results using an espresso pot.

Nah – I have one of those and I do like to use it sometimes but (as far as I am concerned, in my opinion) a coffee from a machine is much nicer. And as my coffee of choice is cappuccino, a machine makes it much easier than faffing with heating milk and manually frothing it.

(IMO)

I have a syncro compact digital for 6 years now and it has been faultless, makes a great espresso or Americano. I haven’t used the steamer function so cannot comment.

Overall I rate it and it has lasted much longer than I expected!

(I also disagree with the espresso pot comment!)

suburbanreuben – Member
Coffee machines are great when you have to make endless cups of coffee quickly, like in a cafe. For your morning jolt you’ll get better results using an espresso pot.

With respect, that’s bolleaux.

I have a Titanium as well

Great consistent coffee. So far mine has made nearly 8,000 cups of coffee.

I generally drink espresso but it’s easy to froth up the milk if you need it.

Well I tried a Brera today and the espresso was very good.

But I still can’t decide whether I *want* the ease or if I prefer the faff I get using my Classic – it’s part of the experience isn’t it?

And inside – PLASTIC! Lots of it. Certainly not a solidly-built as my present one.

Hmmmmmm