Owning the Gaggia Carezza De LUXE When we first saw the Gaggia Carezza, we forgot what year it was. The retro Italian styling is a blast from the past, belying what we’ve found to be substantial brewing power for its class. A built-in temperature gauge shows a real-time readout of the boiler, which heats up rapidly. In fact, the Carezza De LUXE is ready to brew in within moments of powering on; ideal for anyone on a tight schedule. We think this machine does a lot of things right. Its automated pre-infusion function evenly soaks your coffee to maintain temperature and aid in the extraction of your coffee's flavor profile. The Carezza’s specially designed Crema Perfetta double-walled pressurized portafilter is specifically designed for use with ESE pods and ground coffee, eliminating the need for a grinder. Tamping isn’t necessary either, but our tests found that a light tamp can really improve your shots. The Carezza De LUXE blends innovation with ease of use. As a hybrid machine, it brings together the control found in a semi-automatic machine, and some of the convenient elements found in a super. All-in-all, the we find the Carezza to be super easy to master and maintain. Its small footprint, and independence from grinders makes this machine a must have for beginners or baristas on a budget. For added control over your drinks, check out the Gaggia Classic; it allows for both pressurized and commercial-style brewing and steaming.
