Gaggia Cadorna Barista Plus unboxing, features, review: Superautomatic espresso latte art steam wand

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

If this video helped you want to buy, please consider buying through the affiliate link, this will help the channel so I can keep making these Gaggia Cadorna Barista Plus (in video) bit.ly/3MkVrfR

[@orrinbelcher6593]

Nice video fun and informative

[@nigel7227]

Enjoyed that thanks for making it fun. I think the big attraction to me is the simplicity for those in the household who just want a good cup of coffee and can hit the favourite button and get on with their lives. The wand I think is a better option than on most other machines in this category and Gaggia is a decent brand of course :-)

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

absolutely! Just don't be fooled by the no maintenance factor on these machines, you actually have to keep up with some cleaning etc.

[@Misterhome]

Hi from France, thanks a lot for the review, I totally get what you're saying about wanting a full expresso experience, that a super auto just can't provide. I'd recommend the sage barista for an great semi-auto machine. But I'm still getting the Gaggia cause I live with someone who's not a coffee geek and wants a simple solution to their morning coffee crave !

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

I'm getting the breville dual boiler (sage) and convincing my brother in law to get the oracle which is the most automated semi auto you can get

[@kerem_altun732]

👍 it was a pleasure watching you

[@martinm4211]

A really great honest review - very helpful! Thank you

[@thinksoybean]

Your really explain it so well 💋

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

Thanks :)

[@ronansmailbox]

Really good actual insight into the machine. My Cadorna Milk is in the post. Looking forward to it arriving. Great video! You can never over caffinate!!

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

Glad it helped! I tried to provide information as a user/owner VS someone selling it online in a 5-10 min promo video. Lemme know how you like it! I keep seeing videos on Whole Latte Love and quite a few of the people there seem to be liking it, in a video posted today they said they use the Prestige every day at the office.

[@ronansmailbox]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee it was a toss up between the milk and prestige for me. Mainly drink espresso, Americano etc with the odd flat white so milk will hopefully be enough for us. Ile update when I get that caffeine buzz going.

[@danr8472]

@@ronansmailbox So is your Cadorna milk still going strong? How is the coffee like? I'll be getting mine in a couple of days

[@JW-iu6tk]

Thank you for the great video. So glad I found it. Just placed my order.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

Glad it helped!

[@sportykil]

Very helpful, thank you for the review

[@rongarcia6582]

Great review! I've been toying with a semi vs super auto and we decided the super is the way to go in our house. Hope you enjoy your semi-auto journey!

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

That's great you found your thing. Did you try both? Do you drink darker roasts? I find those work pretty well on super autos but if you want the light delicate stuff, a super auto just won't extract that punchy flavor

[@rongarcia6582]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee Yeah I had a semi years ago when I was single and had more time! The convenience of the super auto is the big selling point with our current lifestyle, and we're happy with medium/medium dark roasts and blends, which the super auto handles pretty well.

[@AL-pi1jv]

Thank you from France 🇫🇷 Almost bought the Gaggia Cadorna Prestige but I don't like the silver colour so I'm waiting for the release of the Gaggia Magenta Prestige in January.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

they have different colors for that? someone else mentioned that model, must be a new one. Might not even make it to North America

[@AL-pi1jv]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee the Cadorna Style, Plus and Milk are black but unfortunately the Prestige is Silver, at least in Europe. The Magenta Plus, Milk and Prestige are black. This model was released in September but the Prestige will be available in January. Can't wait!

[@tpolizos]

Thank you for this! I am thinking purchasing Milk and I kind of got to know the machine before i buy it. I think your video is very helpful and to the point.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

I'm so glad it helped! Comments like this remind me why I do these :) It was a little long but I prefer to have a fully detailed video for those that need it than try to shorten it in a 10 minute "sales pitch". I'm a retailer, I'm a user. I buy this with my own money. Are you closer to making your decision?

[@tpolizos]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee Definitely! I had second thoughts and i was between this machine and a semi-automatic with all additional equipment. Your video made me realize that my main target should be to make my everyday life simpler.

[@JeffJacquesmd]

Great review and very enjoyable video Jess! I enjoyed this, the thorough nature of your walkthrough and how you clearly make the point that these super-autos aren’t for those of us who want to experiment. They provide a consistent, high quality product, but can’t provide a journey of discovery through dialing in, temp and pressure surfing , etc. Would love to get your Breville Dual Boiler review and how you feel about that choice and how it compares to the Gagia.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

I filmed it already and am working on the editing :) hopefully it's not difficult to edit, there are a lotttt of features to cover and editing my scattered brain is a feat lol

[@JeffJacquesmd]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee based on your other videos you do so with aplomb and humor! Looking forward to it!

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

@@JeffJacquesmd you resumed the super auto vs semi auto beautifully and in much less words than I lol and thank you for the kind words

[@JeffJacquesmd]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee 🙏🏻

[@Stone815]

Yay new video!

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

and it's a longgggggg one too. It's like a Friends episode. Except no Friends, and less funny. +5 for you if you actually finish it from start to end.

[@FrankLewis-nl]

Thanks, very helpful ...

[@CourtApprovedTheft]

The steam wand is similar to a Silvia Pro.

[@dgerson76]

Thanks for this! Hard to find anything about this machine, appreciate the review. I’m very much on the fence with semi auto and full. This seems like the best value for a super auto out there. In terms of taste, for milk based drinks, how much better do you find the semi autos?

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

I almost didn't make the review so this comment makes me happy! Thanks. I don't find I have enough of that deep rich coffee taste personally but I'm also in a weird transitional phase of my coffee taste buds. There were 1-2 cups I liked but the rest weren't bad I just wasn't getting the taste I wanted. I don't have my semi auto yet and that's going to take some time. I'd say it's like 80%. Might be a whole before I report anything since I'll need time to figure out the semi auto unless I'm a secret coffee guru. Subscribe and stick around!

[@SiLLieGyrl]

We just bought this! Do you have any new updates on it? Pros and cons after a few months of use? Thank you! And this review was super helpful to help us make our decision. There are not a lot of reviews on this machine specifically.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

allo Hu! I'm glad it helped :) I noticed there weren't reviews so I decided to make one before returning it , thank you for the kind words :) I returned it and got myself a Breville Dual Boiler + Sette 270. Definitely upped my espresso budget >.< So any comparison I have between my BDB and Gaggia Cadorna is based on a semi-auto VS super-auto. The Gaggia Cadorna looking back definitely pulls good shots, good flavour but that depends on the bean (go third wave!) but it's a "strong coffee" not real espresso and it won't pull the same viscosity (body) and extract the same amount of flavour as a semi-auto with a non pressurized basket will. But listen, ultimately, it's about what YOU like. If you're happy with the flavour, the use of it, then do yourself a favour and don't go down the rabbit hole or think semi-auto is "Better". It's all down to your taste. You happy with it? (BTW if ever you buy any cleaning supplies for it, I have Amazon affiliate links in my description which will give me a small kickback if you purchase through it :) but only if you're planning on buying them anyway )

[@photograffito]

my ground coffee function doesnt work. it just dumps the grounds into the puck basket.

[@MrJusmobile]

You have to try different variables, there is a way to make it stronger and better tasing

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

I've tried. It got stronger but it will never be close to a semi auto.

[@judithdasta3969]

I have had the Classic Pro and the Cadorna Prestige Plus. Forget the manual machine! On the super automatic machines, you can set the grind, temp, strength, etc. And I would never go back to the steam wand, where it is hard to get a good foam. Perfect foam on the Prestige. Also, you get perfect foam if you just heat the milk and use a hand frothier! Steam wands are a waste-but, for some reason, we are made to think that you have to have one on your machine.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

I think that's a very general comment, it depends on what's important for you. You will never get the same degree of taste from a super auto with plastic components and plastic puck/pressure than a semi-automatic that's 100% guaranteed. It just doesn't have the strength to withstand and extract the same flavor. And for the froth, that depends on preference! A hand wand will let you get the microfoam necessary for latte art. If you like cappucino and fluffier foam, than non steam wand works but even more automated steam wands can do a great job like on the Bambino Plus or the new Breville machine

[@teclalegge6488]

I just bought the Cadonrna Barista model after 11 years using a Saeco Exprelia Evo with both milk pitcher and panarello wand. We gravitated to using the Saeco's wand and permanently shelved the pitcher. The wand was much quicker to maintain than the milk pitcher system. Decided to find a superautomatic with a full steam wand, and so happy that Gaggia made this machine. We find the this steam wand works great. Love the video - the best review of seen so far.

[@jw6180]

Thanks for this video!! I’m also binge-watching Whole Latte Love’s YT channel on all things espresso. However, I cannot find a review of the steam wands vs the superauto milk jug where it steams and froths the milk for you. I’m wondering about the texture difference, if any.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

A super auto milk jug will never give you the nice consistency of a manual steam wand + skills. Superauto milk jug is going to be super frothy, cappuccino like. Watch a few super auto videos where they make milk based espresso drinks, you'll see.

[@runemllegaard1544]

It looks like they forgot the control panel when they designed it, and then had to put it on after they had finished the machine.

[@AndreyBorodaS]

I have a question. It is normal if the water tank is stuck in the machine and It is impossible to remove it without splashing water everywhere? I'm not the first who has had the same experience. In you're video you can this section when you removed water tank.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

I don't have the machine anymore, I couldn't help you here, if anyone else has this machine with the same issue - chime in! I think it's a question of being more careful, any full water tank will have this issue.

[@ckt991]

When your machine starts up and does the rinse cycle, do you get water in your bottom tray even if you have a cup under the spouts??? Mine does and I can't figure out if that is normal or not. Appreciate your review.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

Hmmm that doesn't sound right it sounds like water might be leaking elsewhere. BTW, how you enjoying the coffee from it?

[@ckt991]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee It’s really good. Just got it a few days ago and still learning how it works. But that water deal is driving me crazy especially costing this much.

[@pattii55]

Just got mine, and mine has water in the tray also even though I put a cup under it for the rinse. I assume it is correct. There is coffee color in that water so I assume it is rinsing something in the back end that is necessary, besides the front spouts. I dump and rinse my tray every day or 2 at the most.

[@lifewithinphotography]

Do you think it is important the water hardness in this kind of machine?

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

water hardness in anything boiling water would be an important factor

[@jw6180]

Water hardness determines the descaling cleaning schedule to keep it clean. Hope this helps. :)

[@Yirgamalabar]

These are extremely short shots, taking only a few seconds. Can you grind finer to get a 25 second extraction? Is this machine even affected by grind level or does it use a pressurized valve?

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

pressurized valve? Not sure what you mean by that, it is a pressurized basket as I've mentioned in the video. 98% of super autos will be like this. I did find 1 super auto that had a non pressurized basket but that thing costed several thousand dollars. I would suggest at that point to get a semi-auto and learn (it's fun and challenging and at times frustrating). It def runs short but those are compromises you make with these types of machines. That is why it's espresso like, with fake crema, it's not "real espresso" at true 9 bar pressure at the puck. Grinding finer doesn't really increase the extraction time if I recall, but it will also make your coffee taste awful if you go too fine and over extracted. Time is actually one of the last things you'd tweak when making coffee, well in a regular espresso machine anyway. Espresso Science hierarchy of importance: 1) Dose 2) yield (to get your ratio) 3) time (adjusting grind size) 4) brew temp (finesse some items you're tasting) With a super-auto there is only so much you can control because it's a machine meant to be more automatic and simpler, if you want the ultimate taste, you gotta go semi-auto - which is what I did!

[@Yirgamalabar]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee I already have espresso machines (one with an E61 grouphead and another with a lever). I'm actually looking for an super-automatic machine for my mother, to replace her nespresso. This Gaggia looked promising, except for the very short shots. I guess I'll have to taste the coffee to see if it's closer to nespresso (which I consider to be undrinkable) or to what I'm getting from my machines. In any case, thanks for the detailed reply. I appreciate it!

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

@@Yirgamalabar it'll never live up to a semi auto. Not super auto will (maybe the ones that are 4000-8000$ but then... Why get that). That's the sacrifice you make. You cna consider the breville oracle that automates quite a bit

[@cindyctcheung]

Curious to know what semi auto you chose? I'm still playing with stretching the milk

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

Got a breville dual boiler, I will make a review at some point! the milk is definitely an art form. I've only got it good a handful of times in the last few weeks of owning the machines and got rh heart à handful of times as well

[@cindyctcheung]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee oh a double boiler! I went with a hx with the lelit marax. It definitely took some time to learn with the machine and the milk. I only have been able to make a tulip (sorta)

[@TLOH7]

Hi, idk maybe you mentioned it and I missed it but does it get warn on top as warming cup? And how's it being so far? I'm planning to get one. Thank!

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

You def missed it 😢 I get it, it's a long video but it's the most detailed out there from what I've seen. The top gets warm but not that much. Barely does anything tbh. And I mentioned in the video as well I returned it. Got myself a breville dual boiler, the review I am in the process of editing. Stay tuned!

[@TLOH7]

@@GadgetsGearCoffee Yeah, my bad, thanks though. Hmm, this tells me that it's not probably worth to throw $1k + on this machine. I'll definitely stay tuned, thanks again.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

@@TLOH7 it's good if you aren't the pickiest about coffee, want simplicity, it doesn't make true espresso, none of the nespresso, aeropress either, they're about the same as the other super auto. It has its limitations.