After reviewing the wonderful manual Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine I thought i’d take the time to look at Gaggia’a more affordable automatic espresso machine for the home. The Gaggia for Illy Espresso Machine is the cheapest automatic espresso machine for the home that Gaggia manufactures. So this is my Gaggia for Illy Espresso Machine review, after reading you can see the cheapest place to purchase the machine here.
What Is The Gaggia for Illy Espresso Machine?
It’s a small, compact for the kitchen counter, “iper” pod based espresso machine. You simply input the pods, press one button and within a few seconds your espresso is ready. The pods come in four varieties (see below) which enable you to make slightly different drinks. You also have a milk frother wand so you can make latte or cappuccino if you wish.
If you purchase this machine, you are compelled to buy the pods. The pods are manufactured by Illy, another Italian coffee company with a long and proud history. If you like to maintain complete control over your espressos, perhaps with your own blend or strength then an automatic machine like this will not provide you with the functionality to do so. However, if you’re after ease of use, lack of cleaning and plenty of espressos fast, then an automatic machine like this one that can pump out shot after shot of delicious espresso will be more the machine for you.
I shall now go into each of the Gaggia for Illy Espresso Machine’s features and explain them in a little more detail.
Ease of Use
As with any automatic or pod based espresso machine, the aim of the game is ease of use. You need to be able to crank out that morning espresso with minimal effort. Does the Gaggia for Illy Espresso Machine succeed in this department? Hell yes!!! Simply lift up the lid and place a pod in the slot, close the lid and press one button. Within 30 seconds you’ll have a delicious espresso ready for your enjoyment. The machine is designed so that when you open the lid again the used pod drops into the waste disposal unit at the back of the machine. This is large enough for several days worth of used espressos. As far as ease of use goes, this really is up there with the Tassimo or Dolce Gusto coffee machines.
Build Quality
For this price range, you’re not going to get a tank like espresso machine. It’s built of high grade plastic. It looks good! It’s a good weight! I have no complaints about how it looks or feels. It has rubber feet so it will not slip and slide around your kitchen counter. The parts; drip tray, used pod container, froth wand and water dispenser are all easily removed and replaced for cleaning.
Water Tank
The water tank slides in and out of the side of the machine with ease. It holds enough for roughly ten espressos. Normally, I recommend only filling your water tank with what you need at that moment in time to stop the water from tasting distorted. However, with the Gaggia for Illy Espresso Machine, the water is taken through a four stage filtration process. I always recommend you make espresso with filtered water and so this saves you a job. The water is also only heated once you press the button to start the espresso. Unlike some manual machines, this means your water is not being repeatedly boiled before it’s used in the espresso, something else that can distort the flavor. Since the water is taken through all four stages of filtration there is minimal limescale buildup which of course makes cleaning all the easier.
Froth Wand
There are not many automatic espresso machines that have a milk frother attached to it, and other models of this machine are in fact made without the frother. If you intend on using this machine simply as an Italian espresso machine then you’ll have no need for the froth wand. Often these wands are just added as a secondary thought to add a little extra to the machine. The wand does in fact do an okay job at heating the milk, or water for an Americano and is also easy to clean after using. However, i did notice, as did several online reviewers that the wand doesn’t always heat up the liquid to a hot enough temperature. This may not be a problem, as it wasn’t for me. Feel free to heat your milk in the microwave for example. You can of course also use the wand to heat up water for tea or for heating soup. But i’m sure you already have other kitchen appliances that do these jobs better.
Gaggia For Illy Espresso Machine – IperCapsules
It’s the IperCapsules that contain your espressos! They actually come in four different variants; medium roast, dark roast, lungo (a slightly longer espresso) and decaf. You can try them all to see which one you prefer. Unfortunately, you don’t get any free with the machine so you can’t sample any of the flavors but they are all readily available. Amazon sells the capsules for $16.29 for a tube of 21. This works out at around $0.77 per espresso. You’ll pay less if you can get free delivery which Amazon does! You can also get the capsules from Walmart which, from time to time may be a little cheaper. The cost is considerably more expensive than making a manual espresso, however of course we all know how long that takes, plus all the cleaning involved.
The espresso itself is made using an Arabica bean blend. The taste is very smooth and bold, a deliciously strong taste. There is a thick and creamy crema produced that has the look of a manually created espresso. You can tell the difference with the taste, but it’s certainly superior to the majority of coffee shop espressos. Remember that this is all done within 30 seconds and no mess made at all. You have very little control over the espresso quality or quantity other than by changing your capsule variant, however the results are consistent 100% of the time.
One downside of the capsules, if this is something you’re concerned with is the amount of waste. You use the capsules once and then they are consigned to the bin. I’m afraid there’s no getting around this point!
What Others Are Saying About The Gaggia for Illy Espresso Machine?
The Gaggia for Illy Espresso Machine has received an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon from people who have bought and use the machine. Here are a few of their comments:
- A very smooth, bold, strong, robust taste = Absolutely Delicious!
- Gaggia for Illy Espresso Machine is Impressive right out of the box! Well packaged, pre-assembled, just plug in the power-cord and you are basically “Good-to-Go”!
- The Gaggia for Illy Espresso Machine makes a most welcome addition to any kitchen, and a most appreciated Gift, no matter the occasion. Highly Recommended!
- I have been using this machine for a week and I love it. This machine produces shot after shot of delicious espresso.
- I bought the Illy-Gaggia Iperespresso Pod machine for my wife. She absolutely loves it.
- This machine is very easy to use. If you are looking for quality, great tasting espresso without all the fuss and no clean up, then this is for you.
Where Can You Buy The Gaggia for Illy Espresso Machine?
There are several online retailers where you can purchase the machine such as the Illy USA website, where the machine will set you back a cool $295 plus delivery. But don’t worry, i’ve done your homework for you and have found a far cheaper place to purchase the machine here! It’s even cheaper considering delivery is free! You’ll be pleased to see that the capsules are also roughly half the price there than at the Illy website.