There are several machines available on the market and it can be daunting for a potential purchaser to comprehend all the techinical features of all the machines. We suggest asking a few questions before you start.
What is it for?
How many cups do you want to dispense per day?
If it is for a restaurant serving, say,20-50 covers and you do not envisage a high usage of water or steam, a machine such as the TD/TE or the D90 models with a 1 group head or TD/TE with 2 group will suffice. They have a 4.9 ltr boiler with one steam arm.
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS ARE AT ITS LOWEST IN THE TE/TD models as they only have a 4.9ltr boiler. Therefore they require only 13 amp connection.
The new TS model is for low usage. This model has a refillable 2.5 ltr tank with a 2.3 ltr boiler. Ideal for small restaurants and bars who are looking for an entry level machine.
If your requirement is higher, atleast a two group machine will be required.
The more group heads you have the higher the capacity available for coffee making. This does not mean the boilers have to be bigger. All GAGGIA models with 2 or more groups, other than the TE/TD model have atleast 13 ltr boiler capacity (2 group - 13 ltr, 3 group - 21 ltr and 4 group - 28 ltr) and have 2 steam arms.
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS WILL ALSO BE HIGHER - You will require 30 amp or 3 phase connection.
What is an automatic portion control?
When you are making an espresso you either make 1 or 2 cups at a time. The water flowing through the coffee for a 1 cup size is normally 1 fl oz. If the machine has a portion control pad then you can set the machine to dispense this preset amount. The machines with this automatic portion control facility are more expensive than manual portion control machine where you have to press the swith to stop the flow manually.
The GAGGIA model numbers are such that you can identify which is a manual portion control machine and which is an automatic portion control machine. The letter 'E' on each model number represents manual models and letter 'D' represents automatic machines. For example the E90 is manual and D90 is automatic, TE is manual and TD is automatic, XE is manual and XD is automatic, etc.
What are the differences of the different models?
E90/D90 is GAGGIA's top end model. This has a solid steel body with an elegant look that has captivated thousands of bar and restaurant owners worldwide. This model has the largest range of sizes. ie 1 group to 4 groups. The quality of parts used and how they are constructed have received acclaim from not only professionals but even the competition.
The pump is external to the machine.
See the different pages for individual features of machines.
Will you have trained staff?
It is always good to have trained people to operate coffee machines. The level of training is dependent on the type of machine used. If you are using a traditional machine the skill required is much greater than if you are using a 'bean to cup' automatic machine. GAGGIA provides barista training courses on a regular basis.
Do you need a large amount of hot water?
Do you need a grinder?
How long do you want to use the machine for?
What is your expectation of quality of coffee served?
Do you need training?
Do you need installation?
Do you need break down service?
Do you need full maintenance?
Why don't you telephone us and we shall assess your requirements and advise you accordingly or E-mail us