Commercial Size, Style Portafilter handle
Style:
The portafilter is designed like a commercial espresso maker and works in the same way.
The coffee is ground fine and is pressed into place.
Size:
The size of the espresso coffee maker portafilter is also the same as a commercial espresso cappuccino maker.
It has a diameter (58 mm) so that the water is distributed over a wide surface area.
Construction:
The portafilter is made up of two parts, the handle and the filter holder.
The handle is made of high quality plastic.
The chrome plated brass filter holder keeps the temperature stable throughout the entire brewing process,
therefore producing a quality one cup of espresso.
Controls with Temperature Ready Light
The Home Espresso maker contains three arm switches.
The one on the bottom is the main power switch.
It has an indicator light built into it that is illuminated whenever the coffee espresso maker is turned on.
The middle switch is the steam switch.
When turned on it will heat the boiler up to steam temperature.
The Top switch operates the pump and is also known as the brew switch.
To start the brewing process just turn on the brew switch, wait until you have reached your desired volume
and then turn off the switch.
There is an indicator light built in that is illuminated whenever the boiler reaches operating temperature.
Cup Warmer
Preheating your cups is important.
The cappuccino Espresso and coffee maker has a cup warmer that will hold two cups.
It is a passive type heater which means it is heated with the residual heat from the boiler.
Removable Water Reservoir
The 64 ounce water reservoir is removable for cleaning, and you may also fill it from the top of machine.
The water volume is easy seen from almost any angle.
Improved Turbo Frother Steam Wand
The Espresso maker comes equiped with a new Turbo Frothing steam wand.
The air is injected into the milk to help produce foam quickly and easy.
You may remove the wand if you wish to heat the milk without producing as much foam.
To release steam from the espresso coffee maker, simply turn the steam control button on the right side of the machine.
First use
Advice - Run lots of water through the Gaggia Espresso maker upon first use.
Fill up the reservoir and power on the unit.
Open the steam knob fully counterclockwise and press the brew switch.
The pump will sound like a cement mixer with a "new" home espresso maker. Don't panic! This is normal.
Running water through any new espresso cappuccino maker serves two important purposes:
Water removes any residue from the manufacture and testing processes
that your best espresso maker went through prior to leaving the factory.
Running water through an espresso and coffee maker that has just been switched on helps it warm up.
Okay, you do not need to waste water.
A couple of reservoirs worth of water is good after
the initial out-of-the-box break in period.
For general use, a few 5-second bursts of water through the portafilter heed warm-up and facilitate a superior brew.