This is the same machine as Gaggia Pure.
This is my first machine, and so far it's been a very good little machine. There's an external water level indicator, and a removable tank which makes it quite easy to fill. The machine does NOT like overdosing. You will get unpredictable results and possible pressure leaks around the group head if you overpack with coffee.
The power button is located on the back of the machine.. slightly inconvenient, but I suppose stops you from pressing it by mistake. When I first got the machine, it had a bit of a vapour lock, and I had to open the steam valve, and then turn it on and start the pump to expel whatever air bubble locked in there.
After that, the machine has performed quite nicely. You can supposedly get a 'perfect crema' filter adaptor for it, but there's no point. So far, for the handful of blends I've tried, and a couple of single-origin coffees, there's no problem getting a nice crema.
The frothing wand is on a ball joint, which is nice as it helps get a taller pitcher underneath. I wouldn't really recommend a large pitcher tho. Maybe 12-20oz max - the machine doesn't really enough power to steam any more than 60seconds.
The machine is pretty simple to use, I've found the following gives me the best results:
With a full tank, after turning it on, turn on the pump for a few seconds to make sure there's water in the boiler
Let the machine heat up with the portafilter in locked in (about 7+ minutes) (I pre-measure 14-15g of beans to put in my grinder for a double shot at this point)
Place your espresso cup under the portafilter, and turn on and pump to fill the cup with about 1.5oz of hot water
Remove the cup, remove the portafilter (there may still be hot water under the filter) and wipe out and grind out your espresso into the dried portafilter
Distribute, tamp lightly, tap the sides gently, tamp and lock into your machine
Pour out the water from the now heated cup, wipe, and start brewing for 20-30seconds.
Give your espresso a stir and serve
Knock out your grounds, wipe down the group head (and run a bit of water through to flush) |
