Gaggia Brera Vs Jura A1 is a showdown of two models from Italy and Switzerland. Considering what the two bring to the table, I believe that the A1 is the better espresso machine with higher brewing quality.
The Brera offers what one might expect from a super-automatic machine. There is a built-in grinder, customizable recipes, and a steam wand. It is the more suitable one to serve a large group of people.
Having a slightly different approach, the Swiss model A1 focuses on brewing the most potent and delicious espresso shots. Jura put all resources into the brewing process, and it definitely shows.
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Gaggia Brera Vs Jura A1 – Differences
The Brera covers all the fundamentals. It pulls espresso shots for the base of your drinks, froths milk foam, and gives you hot water for an Americano or a cup of tea. There is also more holding capacity.
The A1 has a laser focus on making the best cup of coffee. You can see an emphasis on brewing quality in its grinder, drinks menu, and extracting technology. This dedication gives it a victory of a 3-2 score.
Coffee Flavor
The Winner: Jura A1
The Brera uses a stainless boiler, while the A1 has a thermoblock. A thermoblock requires less heating time and is more energy-efficient. On the other hand, a boiler maintains a more stable water temperature for successful extractions.
Despite that, the A1 still produces more flavorful coffee thanks to a quality grinder and advanced extraction technology. Its grinder is the conical burr AromaG3 with perfect cutting angles and great efficiency.
The extracting innovation is called Pulse Extraction Process a.k.a PEP. In a nutshell, this process pumps water through the pucks in short and precise intervals. By doing so, it will give your shots more chances to develop their flavor and aroma fully.
The Swiss machine is not the only one with signature technology. The Italian unit also has a smart feature called Gaggia Adapting System. After a certain number of extracting processes, this system will learn the best setting for your coffee ground.
The problem is I don’t really know which setting Gaggia is talking about here. In some places, it says grind time. In other places, it says dosing. There are documents that mention tamping compression as well.
The disadvantages of the Brera show more clearly in its grinder. It is also a ceramic grinder but does not last very long. After six to seven months, you can expect sudden failure.
Another issue is the beans chute from the hopper often gets jammed. It is not the grinder’s but is rather annoying still.
Milk System
The Winner: Gaggia Brera
My job is really easy with this one. The Gaggia model wins this round by default, as its opponent has no milk frothing system.
The steam wand of the Brera is a Panarello wand. It creates foam by getting air through a tiny hole on the sleeve and infusing it with the milk.
So when your milk is expanded enough, lift your pitcher up to cover that hole with liquid. By doing that, you can keep heating up your milk without having more foam.
Utilities
The Winner: Gaggia Brera
This is another win for Brera, but this round is not as easy as the previous one.
The Gaggia model has larger water and bean containers with convenient frontal access. The brewing unit is removable for cleaning as well. There is a heated cup tray too.
Meanwhile, the Jura has more cup clearance and a slightly bigger pucks compartment. Making a drink with this machine is also easier. All of its beverage options are one-touch.
When it comes to customization, the two models allow you to adjust grind size, coffee strength (aroma), and coffee length. The only difference is that the Italian model has one more strength level.
Appearance
The Winner: Jura A1
They are two small-scale espresso makers that will fit nicely on your counter. Both go for a clean and sleek look but from different angles.
The Brera has an industrial appearance with stainless steel housing, buttons, and a dial. Its opponent boasts a sharp, futuristic visual with a minimalist two-tone facade.
To achieve this ultra-modern look, the A1’s touch panel sits on top of the machine. Instead of a common split spout, it has an elegant tube-like spout.
There are no overcrowded buttons and displays. Everything is smooth and concise.
I have to admit that I am really impressed with this design. I believe this is a perfect look to go with a refined kitchen or a suave office.
Cleaning And Maintenance
The Winner: Jura A1
I am used to cleaning a removable brewing unit, like in the Brera. Just pop it right out and rinse it under a faucet. There is no need for cleaning products.
The A1 does not allow me to do the same. Its brewing unit is unremovable and requires specialized pills from Jura to be cleaned. The nice thing is I do not need to get my hands dirty.
Also, unlike removable units, I don’t need to schedule your cleaning so the brewing unit can dry overnight anymore.
The Jura model has a more flexible approach with its descaling requirements. You can do it the old way with descaling solutions and a lot of water or just use the CLEARYL Blue.
It is a smart water filter from the brand. Once installed, the filter will remove the need for descaling. The thermoblock of this model creates less limescale anyway because it holds no water when not used.
Another convenient thing about this model is it has no milk system for me to clean. If its opponent can have a free point on the milk system round, it is only fair that this machine gets a plus for this.
That means the A1 has sealed the deal with another point.
Quick Rundown: Gaggia Brera
No products found.
Pros:
- More programmability
- Fast heat-up steam wand
- Heated cup tray
- Larger water tank and beans hopper
- Convenient front-load mechanism
- Smart learning feature
Cons:
- Less cup clearance
- Not alert empty water tank before making a shot
- Drip tray cover scratches easily
>> Read Customer Reviews: Here <<
Quick Rundown: Jura A1
No products found.
Pros:
- Super-sharp facade
- Pulse Extraction Process for maximum aroma
- Truly one-touch machine
- More cup clearance
- Convenient to maintain
- Avoid descaling with a specialized water filter
- Larger pucks container
Cons:
- No support for milk-based drinks
- Only 2 coffee strength levels
- Unremovable brewing unit
- Smaller water tank and bean hopper
> Read Customer Reviews: Here <<
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