Between two best competing models for home espresso brewer, Gaggia Velasca is the winner because it beats Brera in many features. It’s bigger in hopper capacity, water capacity, and grind settings. Velasca offers more drink customization options than Gaggia Brera.
As for runner-up, Brera is still a quick and effective automatic espresso maker. Ideal for somebody looking for an attractive all-stainless-steel design.
Gaggia Velasca vs Brera – Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gaggia Velasca vs Brera – Differences
To quickly summarize, the Gaggia Velasca wins 2-1 against the Gaggia Velasca thanks to its capacity size, and performance.
Construction
Velasca is made up of just ABS thermoplastic which is food-grade and safe plastic used in most kitchen appliances. However, when you compare it with Brera’s stainless steel housing, it does feel like a cheaper alternative.
ABS thermoplastic shows its wear and tear in the way that stainless steel doesn’t. It is prone to scratch, stains, and other such minor drawbacks. But it is strong enough to withstand on its own without damaging any of the necessary parts.
Since the Brera is part stainless steel and ABS thermoplastic, it does have winning qualities that make it the better choice. You have to clean it often than the Velasca. And it has a design that looks more expensive than it is – thanks to the polished metal gloss.
Size
This is where the Gaggia Velasca wins back its charm from the Brera. Because it’s bigger in hopper capacity, water capacity, and grind settings than the Brera.
Velasca features a 10.5-ounce hopper, 54-ounce water tank, and 10 grind settings. This enables precision in the brewing performance and also convenience. You have to refill the hopper with fresh coffee beans and the water tank with water less frequently. This means you spend less time making your morning cup and more time drinking it.
So compared to the Gaggia Brera, the Velasca offers more size and adjustability which, if you ask me, speaks for itself.
Performance
With 5 strength selections, 3 temperatures, and 10 grinder settings, the Velasca offers more drink customization options than Gaggia Brera which has only 3 selections of auroma strength, 5 grind selections. Moreover, The Brera can not set up the temperatures.
Quick Rundown of Gaggia Velasca
- Manual frothing for milk-based drinks: Pannarello steam wand for frothing milk
- Programmable: programmable brewing options for Espresso and Espresso Lungo with 3 different temperature settings
- Ceramic burr grinder and brew unit: ceramic burr grinder with 10 fineness settings, 5 brew strength settings, and bean hopper with 10.5oz capacity
- Front loaded water reservoir: features a 54oz capacity and pulls out from the front of the machine, ideal for low hanging cabinets
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Gaggia Velasca is an outstanding and affordable espresso machine. Perfect for one person, two people, and more. It can withstand the usual wear and tear. Only that since it has a plastic body, it shows it sooner. But you can still use it 4 to 5 times a day and it’ll still be easy to use and quick to maintain.
What really works with the Velasca, and why so many people end up buying it, is because it’s of a great size. It’s convenient for daily use as it fits under standard cabinets and on kitchen counters easily.
The programmability of the Velasca is also impressive. It features 10 grind settings which lets you precisely adjust the strength of the espresso. Precision in espresso makers is the one thing that works for most people – be it a beginner or a barista.
In many ways, Velasca is an improvement on the Brera. It pre-infuses coffee and features quick temperature adjustments via its one-touch control panel.
Quick Rundown of Gaggia Brera
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- FROTHING FOR MILK BEVERAGES: Pannarello wand frothing for cappuccinos & lattes. Wand doubles as a hot water dispenser for americanos & tea.
- EASY ACCESS: The dregs drawer, drip tray, and water tank are all within reach and accessible from the front of the machine for quick and easy cleaning and maintenance.Volts:110V-120V
- USER-FRIENDLY DISPLAY: Push-button controls and an LED display with illuminated icons make for an easy and intuitive experience.Watts:1250 W
- RAPID STEAM TECHNOLOGY: Quick heat up times and robust brewing and steaming operations. Coffee bean capacity : 250 gr
Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Brera is for someone who genuinely cares about the quality of coffee and the aesthetic. The Brera also offers benefits that surpass expectations. Such as the manual Pannarello wand for frothing cappuccinos and lattes. You can also use this as a hot water dispenser for Americanos.
Same as the Velasca, the Brera also functions as a one-touch, bean-to-cup automatic machine. This means more programmability and rapid heating for back-to-back espresso shots.
The ceramic grinder, descaling indicator, LED display, and removable parts make the Brera a classy choice. And it’s still quite affordable considering its premium-grade features and seamless functionality.
The front panels and Gaggia Adapting System ensure that everything is easy and comfortable. Even the water tank, although it is smaller than the Brera is front-loading which means it takes up less counter space than other super-automatic espresso makers.
Product Videos
Final Verdict
Espresso always tastes better when you understand how an espresso maker works. Its quick and simple features, barista-style functionality, and convenient longevity. If you’re looking for a quick and effective automatic espresso maker, the Gaggia Brera is the safer choice. But if you don’t mind the plastic housing (it’s not flimsy at all!), you will find much to look forward to with the Gaggia Velasca.
As you can see, both are excellent choices. So the decision to choose from either one depends on your personal preferences with regards to convenience and durability. Because both deliver strong, rich, and full-bodied espresso consistently.
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I am a passionate coffee drinker. Since I left my job as a barista a few years back in 2012, I’ve been sharing my expertise on coffee and buying the best coffee equipment online. That’s how Wild Boar Coffee came to life.
I write about everything coffee-related under the sun. Where to buy the freshest coffee beans from? How to test coffee beans based on texture, aroma, and acidity?
I know all this from scratch – all thanks to my years and years of experience as a barista. So I’ve gotten real up-close-and-personal with coffee beans and different brewing techniques.