Working in a company like Whole Latte Love that encourages you to test the products it sells is a wonderful experience. Especially if you like using the products! Customers get great information and opinions from actual hands on testing, and I get to enjoy some of the finest coffee drinks anyone can make for free! I really like and crave coffee, so being able to try all kinds of brewing equipment is a wonderful perk.
One machine that has steadily gained my favor is the Super Automatic Gaggia Brera. I use it about 5 times a day. Several co-workers have blogged about its features and the technical aspects of its boiler, grinder adjustability, brew group, etc. I am not going to blast you with more of the same; however, I do want to make a few points about the usability and performance of the Brera.
The Gaggia Brera is very compact and has easy access to the water reservoir and the dredge drawer from the front of the machine. But, when push comes to shove, does any of that really matter when you wake up in the morning craving a great cup of coffee? I personally am only thinking “I want my cup of coffee and I want it now!!!!
The Brera helps me to get that first cup easily. I can set my cup under the brew spout, push a button, and walk away knowing when I come back the brewed coffee will be the same quality as the cup I had earlier or the day before. Typically the first three trips to the Brera are for a normal cup of black coffee (Café Crema). Later I will usually make two cappuccinos using the Brera to brew the shots of espresso.
Now with all the different espresso machines I have access to, you might ask why I am using a super-automatic. It comes down to one simple explanation. It is one of the easiest espresso machines to use. So if you’re looking for a machine that is easy to use, produces great espresso coffee consistently, get a Gaggia Brera. I am confident you won’t be disappointed.
Stay tuned! I will continue to write honest opinions about the machines I test. If I don’t like it you will know!