Gaggia Carezza Deluxe Espresso Coffee Machine Review

When it comes to manufacturing quality coffee machines, Gaggia has a reputation that is beyond reproach. After all, we’re talking about the company whose founder, Giovanni Achille Gaggia, practically invented the espresso machine as we know it.

A prime example of the type of quality that this iconic brand brings to the table can be seen in the Gaggia RI8525/08 Carezza Deluxe Espresso Coffee Machine. The Gaggia Carezza is a manual espresso maker, which means that it will require a little more hands-on activity than a bean-to-cup or a strictly pod machine.

For those who are seeking more of a barista-style espresso making experience, you’ll definitely get it with the Gaggia Carezza, but with the help of its efficient operation, you’ll no doubt churn out some exquisitely flavourful coffee.

Gaggia Carezza Deluxe review

Gaggia Carezza Deluxe

What are you buying?

The Gaggia RI8525/08 is perfect for the home barista who wants a greater sense of control over the coffee making process. It features a 15-bar pump that provides plenty of pressure to help force hot water through the coffee grounds, which is the golden key to unlocking those amazing flavours.

The machine actually comes with two different filters – one for the regular coffee grounds (it allows for up to two cups of ground coffee), and the other one for Easy Serve Espresso pods.

It has a generously sized 1.4 litre removable water tank, which is definitely a plus in the convenience department. The Panarello steamer attachment does an excellent job of frothing milk, and this is primarily due to the machine’s pressurised double-walled crema filter that offers superior crema extraction and isolation.

True to the nature of manual espresso machines, the Gaggia Carezza requires you to manually twist the portafilter into place, which might require you to brace the machine with the other hand to keep it from possibly sliding around on your worktop.

With a button-driven interface, there’s really no mystery as to how to operate this machine, although its manual nature might require a bit of finesse for you to really master the coffee making process.

How easy is it to use?

As I’ve mentioned a couple of times already, this machine is not entirely free from a learning curve, but making coffee with the Gaggia Carezza is far from a complicated endeavour.

As soon as you turn the machine on, it will perform a rinse cycle to prepare the machine for brewing, which means that you’ll have to wait a bit before you can load up the portafilter. It heats up quickly, which means that you won’t have to wait forever before you can begin brewing your coffee.

The milk frother does carry somewhat of a slight learning curve, so you might have to endure a few rounds of airy foam at the beginning before you master how to create the right consistency for your crema.

The RI8525/08 also features an automatic descaling warning, which will alert you whenever a descaling cycle is required. Having this convenient feature built into the machine’s operation really helps you prolong its lifespan.

What accessories are included?

Being a manual espresso machine, the Gaggia Carezza is basically a self-contained unit, with no additional features needed in order to begin making great coffee. Just bring the ground coffee or the pods, and you’re in business!

Key features of Gaggia Carezza Deluxe

Pros

• Attractive design looks great in any kitchen.
• Allows for simultaneous brewing.
• Milk frother offers excellent performance.
• Produces remarkably delicious coffee!

Cons

• Learning curve is somewhat steep for beginning baristas.
• Slightly noisy (then again, what 15-bar machine isn’t?).
• Instruction manual offers English that seems a little “lost in translation” from the Italian version.

Anything else you should know?

One of the things that I wanted to make sure I mention is the delightful design of this machine. It features a look that leans towards a cool vintage feel, but with a touch of elegance that moves it several levels above kitsch.

Even the stylised font chosen for the Gaggia logo on the front of the machine is reminiscent of the classy Art Deco lettering styles of the Twenties and Thirties. This attractive design makes it a welcome addition to any kitchen decor scheme.

Conclusion

Whilst the RI8525/08 requires a little getting used to in terms of its operation, the effort you put into learning the peculiarities of this machine will pay great dividends in terms of its final product. This machine produces coffee with a fantastic depth of flavour, so if you’re ready to take your espresso making skills to the next level, I would definitely recommend trying out the Gaggia Carezza Deluxe.

Check also other best home espresso coffee machines that we have reviewed.

Where to buy?

• Amazon UK: Click to check today’s price