VELASCA PRESTIGE

If you prefer to obtain excellent results in a fast way, a superautomatic machine is what suits you the best. Equipped with a patented brew group, makes espresso, cappuccino and other hot beverages just by pressing a button, that can be customized as you prefer in a few easy steps. Moreover, the integrated 100% ceramic grinders let you have freshly ground coffee at every use and preserve all the aromas. While, if you like to relive the barista rituals at home, a manual machine is the right choice. Learning how to make an impeccable espresso requires care and practice, but it is definitely worth it.

The machine has default settings, but you can easily make your personal and customized espresso just by following these simple suggestions:

1. Always select high quality blends. Blends with Arabica are characterized by a higher acidity and a more aromatic flavor, while blends with more Robusta have a stronger taste.
2. Be sure to turn the machine on a few minutes before using it, so it can properly warm up. This guaranteees a perfect extraction of all coffee aromas.
3. Use the Optiaroma function to set the quantity of ground coffee used. It is possible to select among 5 different settings: from light to strong. Press the button; the new setting will be saved with the first espresso brewing.
4. Set the length of your espresso via the MEMO function. For a traditional Italian espresso, set it to 30ml.
5. Activate and regulate the pre-brewing for an even more intense flavor. A first hot water shower moistens the ground coffee before the actual brewing, so to extract all coffee aromas.
6. Adjust the grind size among the 10 available selections by pushing and turning the knob inside the beans container with the end of the measuring spoon, only when the grinders are working. For a stronger taste or for light roasted beans, choose a finer grind, while for a lighter taste or dark roasted beans, select a coarser grind.

It is possible to adjust the grinder settings by pushing and rotating the knob inside the coffee beans container using the grinder adjustment key (end of the measuring spoon), one notch at at time, and only when the machine is grinding. You can choose among 10 different settings, from 1 – the boldest (for light roasted coffees) to 10 – the lightest (for dark roasted beans). You will taste the difference after 2-3 brewings. For the 120V models, this adjustment must be done by following the same procedure but only when the grinders are NOT working.

A correct grinding is fundamental to make the authentic Italian espresso: not too coarse or you’ll get a watery coffee and not too fine or coffee won’t come out. Moreover, different beans react best with different grind sizes. Optiaroma allows to regulate the amount of ground coffee used per cup, for a light or strong taste according to one’s preferences. Adding more coffee makes it harder for the water to go through, slowing down the extraction time and resulting in a stronger coffee. Pre-brewing affects the intensity, and could be set to have a stronger coffee. With this process, ground coffee are moistened with hot water for some seconds before the actual brewing, releasing a wider range of aromas.

We suggest to use whole cold milk (at circa 5° C / 41° F), with a protein content of at least 3% and a fat content of at least 3.5%. Proteins will incorporate air in the cream, while fats will make it dense and steady. Also semi-skimmed cow milk, some lactose-free milk and soy drink are proven to deliver a good result.

It is possible to customize and memorize the length of coffee and milk simply by pressing and holding the corresponding button for a few seconds until “MEMO” is displayed. When the desired quantity has been reached, press the “STOP” button. The length is memorized for next uses.

Yes, you can use mineral still water or tap water. Avoid sparkling water as it can negatively affect the brewing process.

In order to use the “ground coffee” option, you need to click the specific button until the coffee doser icon is displayed. Now, by using the included coffee doser, put 1 scoop of ground coffee in the proper round compartment, placed next to the coffee beans container. Click on the “espresso” or “espresso lungo” button to start the brewing. Remember that, by selecting this option, it will be possible to brew only one coffee at a time.

In order to brew two espressos or two espressos lungo simultaneously, place two cups under the spouts and click the specific button (espresso or espresso lungo) twice. You will activate a first grinding and brewing, followed by a second one, to guarantee an always fresh aroma. This option can be selected only when using coffee beans.

This automatic rinsing cycle – that happens when the machine is switched on or goes in stand-by mode – is necessary to keep the circuits always clean and to heat the coffee circuit to guarantee an extraordinary result from the first use.

Scale is a normal consequence of using the machine, and it depends also on the quality of the water you use. It is necessary to descale the machine when the display alerts you to proceed. We suggest to follow the step-by-step procedure illustrated in the instruction booklet and to use only the GAGGIA descaler that is especially thought especially for our espresso machines.

To descale your Gaggia coffee machine use only the Gaggia decalcifier, a unique solution made to ensure excellent performances of the machine throughout time. Vinegar and any other descaling agents must be avoided. Never use descaling agents based on mineral acids such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and sulfamic acid. These descaling agents may damage your coffee machine’s pipe and tube system.

The Gaggia Velasca range 230V is compatible with Aquaclean water filter, while 120V models are compatible with Brita/Mavea Intenza+. Both the water filters are designed to protect the machine against scale.

Drip tray, drip tray plate, coffee pucks container, water tank, pannarello, cappuccinatore, CappinCup and milk carafe are removable and should be washed under tap water, with a bit of dish soap, but no abrasive substances nor solvents. The removable brew group must be washed with no soaps. The drip tray plate can be washed also in the dishwasher.

You can find our official distributor for your Country in the contacts section: https://www.gaggia.com/contacts/