Fine Tuning the Gaggia Brera Espresso Machine

[@jkpirie]

Hi, Unless the US model is different, you don't have to hold the water button while you are programming it. You hold it until the cup icon flashes and then let it go and watch progress. When you want it to stop, simply press the button again...Simples :) Thanks for the video James

[@GMSRadioPictures]

One thing missing from this tutorial, according to the manual, on page 30 under the heading 'Coffee Grinder Adjustment' it says the grind size should only be changed 'when the grinder is working' (only press and turn the knob while the motor is running and the grinder is grinding beans). Changing the grind size when there are beans sitting in the grinder can break the grinder and/or the knob.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi, Thanks for the comment. True grinder should be running when making grind size adjustments to a finer setting. It's generally okay to adjust to a coarser setting without the grinder running and also to adjust 1 step finer without grinder running.

[@tommydarko]

I'm Italian and i have a new gaggia brera. Thanks for the helpful guide but i think that for a perfect italian espresso you have to : 1- choose a great coffe quality beans (of course) 2- Set the grinder not to the finest but a step up 3- Set two beans not three in the display. 4 the amount of water depends on your taste 5- You have to try and try for your personal choice of coffee have a nice italian coffee !!!

[@johnrobertson7583]

Thanks. Nice short video. I guess the 15 dislikes are from someone with a cheaper machine, jealous of the versatility of this machine.

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi John, Thanks for the comment!

[@f4ckingb5]

The comment about the dosage by Tommaso should be emphasized. Had a couple of gaggia and saeco machines before and they are definitely designed to work around the default "two bean" dose setting. You can change grind, water volume and water temp as you see fit but leave the dose alone or it the machines will not brew consistently.

[@phoreal9273]

How do I reset the coffee length to factory setting? Thanks

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Brandon, I don't think there is a factory reset for coffee length on the Brera. But, you can easily reprogram coffee length by pressing and holding a button until icons flash. When the desired amount is delivered press the button again to save that amount.

[@Myway65]

I have Gaggia Brera. Fines grind , max amount of coffee, fresh grind, but extraction time is only 6-7 sec after pre infusion. How to get 20 sec?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi rz, Thanks for the question. What liquid volume are you getting in 6-7seconds. That is very fast. If you are set to the finest grind something else might be going on. What do the spent grinds in the bin look like? Do they seem far too coarse for espresso? If so, cleaning and calibrating the grinder should help. If you are in the US and continue to have issues please contact our tech support dept for assistance: www.wholelattelove.com/contact-us wherever you are you can check our support wiki for the Brera here: wiki.wholelattelove.com/Gaggia_Brera/troubleshooting

[@mattstringer5828]

Just for info, the machine in this video requires De-scaling. The warning light is the bottom left one, and comes on when the machine requires de-scaling, and goes off after you've completed the cycle.

[@KajoMarton]

Matt Stringer DO you have experience with that? My problem is that I did de-scaling exactly according manual, but this signal is still there. In manual there is request to hold beans button for 6 seconds, but I was holding it like forever and tried that dozens of dozens times, but light is still on. Can you advice something pls?

[@keithlawrence8150]

Yeah I had this same issue. The advice in the manual for de-scaling is out-of-date, the Brera actually has an auto-descaling process now. Just hold the two buttons on the right-hand side of the machine for a few seconds to start the de-scaling process. Ensure you've already put your descaler in the water compartment.

[@CV_CA]

I am doing all that, yet my expresso is still very weak.

[@phoreal9273]

Hi WLL my coffee comes out to quick and it's been adjusted to the finest grind?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Brandon, Can you tell me how fast it's coming? How long to make 2oz/60ml? These machines tend to be faster than commercial semi-auto machines as they use a smaller coffee dose. So too quick might be right. But other things can be going on. Are you using the maximum 3 bean strength setting? Also might check the used grinds bin and the condition of the coffee pucks. Does grind in the used puck stay together for the most part, does the grind look like a fineness which reflects your grind setting?

[@phoreal9273]

Whole Latte Love 20 seconds for an espresso shot

[@phoreal9273]

Anyone or WLL have photos of the used coffee pucks. I think mine is not ground to finest even though it's set to finest setting. That's why my coffee comes out not rich enough. Thanks

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Brandon, If having grind size issues you may want to clean and re-calibrate your grinder. Here's a video that shows you how to do that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGG5mpmba6yLfrc From our Gaggia Brera support wiki: wiki.wholelattelove.com/Gaggia_Brera#Puck_Consistency Puck ConsistencyA large misconception is that super-automatic machines should have a dry coffee puck after the machine is finished brewing. While this is true of other styles of espresso machine, this is not true of a super-automatic unit. Super-automatic machines utilize heat and pressure as part of the brewing process, which is key to espresso brewing. The machine achieves this through a device called a brew unit. The brew unit uses a similar but different brewing process to a semi-automatic or prosumer style machine. As a result the pucks will not always come out firm and dry. They may come out muddy or broken. This is perfectly normal; the machine will still produce a good extraction that contains crema and tastes good.

[@dbbbarney]

Any way to adjust the water temperature so it is hotter?

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi Dean, Thanks for the question. There is no temp adjustment on the Brera. Internally, it brews at 195 - 205F. Coffee temp out of the spouts depends on use and ambient temps.

[@anthonygiampa3027]

having descal problem. light won't go off after all steps were compleated

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi AG, Hmm... the light should go off if all steps were completed. There was a more automated descale procedure for Breras starting with machines manufactured a few years ago. Newer Breras with different descale procedure can be identified by the logo on the face of the machine with the Brera logo above the Gaggia logo. If in US you can call 888-411-5282 if you continue to have a problem. There may also be useful information in our support wiki for the Gaggia Brera found here: wiki.wholelattelove.com/Gaggia_Brera

[@TJB_333]

Cheers!

[@Wholelattelovepage]

Hi RR TF, I may have shared this with you before, but just in case I did not here is a link to our support wiki for the Gaggia Brera. It's a one stop resource for all Brera info, videos, etc: wiki.wholelattelove.com/Gaggia_Brera