After owning a Krups Crematic combi machine for 5 years, I wanted to own something a step up, although there was nothing really wrong with the Krups and it served me well on a daily basis.
Although the new Gaggia Titanium has been out for at least a few months there don't seem to be any reviews of it yet, so I hope this is of help. I was in 2 minds whether to plump for this model or the slightly cheaper Gaggia Synchrony Digital Compact. The main reason the Titanium won was because the water tank was double the size of the Compact, the look was better, and the features were improved. One of the other differences between these two models is the Titanium has an "active" cup-warmer whereas the Compact has a "passive" cup-warmer. Active means it has it's own heater, not just the heat from the machine.
So - on with the review. Set-up was easy - almost plug-in and go. The instruction manual is fairly comprehensive, so no trouble there. The finish on the machine's body is generally good, although a couple of niggles:
1) The coffee nozzle is silver painted plastic - shame it's not metal. 2) Small scratches on the plastic control panel round the buttons - not worth sending it back for, but a negative point. 3) The small flap at the side of the machine where you can lift the steamer out to a much higher angle (should you need to) is flimsy.
Making a coffee couldn't be easier - obviously there is the usual experimenting with grind settings (18!) and dosage strength. It's very quick, and with 2 separate boilers there's no waiting for the steam to heat up.
One of the great things I loved about the machine is that you can easily change the 3 cup-size buttons to suit your cup sizes exactly. Also you can set the machine to go to standby anywhere between 15 minutes of no use and 3 hours, as well as being able to program the machine to come on and go off at specific times of the day.
There are 2 methods of frothing milk for cappuccinos - one is to use the regular steamer already attached to the machine which is fine. Or you can use the "Cappucinatore" attachement which looks rather unattractive, but sucks the milk from one container, heats and froths it (very well) and dispenses it into your waiting coffee. If this wasn't so unattractive it would be great to use it all the time.
The machine also has automatic cleaning and descaling programs, reminds you to re-fill the beans, empty the dregs, empty the drip-tray, clean the brew-group, etc, etc.
The machine also gets rid of any water left in the pipes after turning the machine back on ensuring that no cold water remnants from a previous session end up in the next cup.
Another feature is the by-pass dosing facility, where you can use ground coffee (decaff for instance) instead of the beans in the machine.
My only complaint is that the regular frothing tube is a bit loose and can easily slip off. But apart from this, which I'll be contacting Gaggia about, the machine is great - stylish, easy to use and great coffee!
UPDATE: Unfortunately, the machine completely broke down after 3 months, refusing to pump water through. I returned the machine and chose to replace with the Jura Z5 which is a much more sturdy and quieter machine.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
The Gaggia Titanium is a brand new fully automatic machine from Gaggia with a metal ... more
chassis and very attractive brushed stainless steel panelling on the front. This machine brings together Gaggias expertise and experience with beans-to-cup machines and...
Postage & Packaging: refer to website Availability: In stock
Advantages: Bean-to-cup, Easy to use, Fresh coffee quickly, Nice design, Ground coffee bypass Disadvantages: Coffee bean container not removable, Does not steam while making coffee
robl 19.09.2006 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Gaggia Titanium
Advantages: Bean-to-cup, Easy to use, Fresh coffee quickly, Nice design, Ground coffee bypass Disadvantages: Coffee bean container not removable, Does not steam while making coffee
robl 19.09.2006 (19.09.2006)
·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Gaggia Titanium
Advantages: Bean-to-cup, Easy to use, Fresh coffee quickly, Nice design, Ground coffee bypass Disadvantages: Coffee bean container not removable, Does not steam while making coffee
robl 19.09.2006 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Gaggia Titanium
Advantages: Temperature of beverage; Taste; Great looks; Large water capacity; Quiet operation Disadvantages: Price of consumables; central coffee spout could raise higher
Apr 26th, 2005
(Aug 1st, 2005)
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