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Reddit Reviews
https://preview.redd.it/rkonrbcm5dvf1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=249f372cd79b92df50e6664c72a40e426a6f6fb0 You can try to find a Gaggia Brera .. I got this one local for 30 usd That last sale on eBay was like 350 for one
For that amount a Gaggia Brera, or any of the slightly better Gaggia models…worth considering a refurbished unit from someplace dependable such as wholelattelove.com.
HI, Just over a year ago, I purchased a Gaggia Brera SA machine. I love the Superautomatic - but I find the "tall" coffees a bit lacking. I KNOW it's an espresso machine, and I'm not expecting what I'd get from a pour over or French press, but wondering if there are any good machines >$1000 that make good, great, or even just "pretty damn good" tall coffees? I have strength settings maxxed for my Gaggia, and though I'm not nearly the coffee expert all of you are, I love the espresso and think the "tall" coffees are just ok. I'd like to improve on that if possible.
I liked my Gaggia Brera. I got it for $70 usd secondhand and the prev owner bought it brand new for $500 or so in 2021. It was damn near brand new and does the job. I switched to semi automatic machine with a grinder to make better coffee because I got hooked though.
I just got the Breville infuser with a baratza encore which is basically the big brother to the duo temp lol. As good as the combo is, the gaggia is so much more convenient.
Impressed with the Gaggia Brera. You can find them cheap second hand and they’re very serviceable for a layman.
We have a Gaggia Berra that costs less than $500. It makes espresso and demi-tasse. Has a steam wand. It’s maybe 8 years old. Gaggia is a decent brand and even the lower end Brera attests to that.
My Gaggia Brera has been going strong for 3-4 years now. Really good coffee imo, but I only do espresso shots, never used it for milk. Maintenance is easy, just an occasional cleaning. I finally had to dig in and clean out the grinder and it was pretty simple (Im a lousy mechanic). Hope to get many more years out of it.
It's pretty much the default recommended starter automatic machine on this sub so I think you did good. I was between one of those and the Gaggia Brera. I went with the Gaggia because I don't drink coffee with milk so no need for auto froth and if I do I would rather use a steam wand. I also preferred the aesthetics of the Gaggia and that's it's made in Italy and not China. The magnifica is a super solid choice though and allegedly can make slightly stronger espresso due to the ability to hold more grounds. I'd say your main thing to be mindful of is anything that the milk flows through. Seems likely to get gross pretty fast. Enjoy it! I look forward to my espresso every morning, and I have many.
Gaggia Brera. Under your budget, and makes a good shot of espresso at the touch of a button. No fancy automatic milk frothing but does have a steam wand if you are so inclined. I love mine.
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