When I put the machines of Gaggia Brera vs Philips 2200 up for comparison, I was left confused by how they both excel each other in many important factors of an espresso machine. But after a long and hard consideration, Philips 2200 comes out as the more formidable option.
With the winner Philips 2200, I have been able to extract very smooth espresso with a rich aroma and crema, which is adjustable with various aroma strength options. I like the device’s stability in every aspect, from brewing and frothing to background water running. With its 60oz water tank, I don’t have to refill it so often. If you are starting out in the espresso world, 2200 is a great pick.
As for Gaggia Brera, I also highly recommend this model due to its rich espresso and potent steam wand with Quick Steaming technology. What I don’t like is that it leaks a lot into the drip tray and dreg drawer and wastes its smaller 40oz water tank.
Gaggia Brera vs Philips 2200: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gaggia Brera vs Philips 2200: Differences
Philips 2200 wins 4-1 against Gaggia Brera. It boasts a larger water tank, a stable alert system, and less hectic cleaning. With this said, Gaggia Brera is still a formidable opponent and worth considering.
Water reservoir capacity
Winner: Philips 2200
Philips 2200 boasts a 61oz water tank, while Gaggia Brera comes with a 40oz reservoir only. Undoubtedly, you won’t have to refill the tank as frequently with Philips 2200, for more reasons than one.
I have owned the devices for quite a while, and I noticed a leaking problem from Gaggia Brera after the first week of use. There are 2 compartments that give away the sign that Gaggia Brera suffers from quite a heavy leaking. I checked the drip tray and the dreg drawer, and they always seem to be filled with water, especially the dreg drawer. The used pucks are soaked and lose their compact form out of the group head after brewing.
In conclusion, the 40oz water tank of Gaggia Brera didn’t last as long as it was supposed to due to the leaking issue. Therefore, regarding the capacity aspect only, Philips 2200 already excels.
Espresso flavor
Winner: Gaggia Brera
In terms of espresso flavor, surprisingly, Gaggia Brera delivers more potent espresso than Philips 2200. And that’s why the device wins the round. With the same 15-bar pump system, there is a noticeable difference in the espresso flavor of the two. With Gaggia Brera, the coffee and espresso taste bolder. With Philips 2200, the flavor is softer and isn’t as robust, though it’s still delicious all together.
My advice with Philips 2200 is to set the aroma strength at the highest and choose a finer, if not the finest, ground setting. The grinder will do the work and improve the coffee strength naturally. That way, I have been able to achieve very delicious shots of espresso with this model. Nothing unimaginable!
GRinder’s design and operation
Winner: Philips 2200
Philips 2200 and Gaggia Brera come with very distinctive grinders. The former has a conical ceramic one with 12 settings, while the latter is designed with a flat ceramic grinder with only 5 settings.
Operational-wise, there is nothing bad to complain about the pair. But considering the design and settings, I prefer the Philips 2200’s grinder. With a conical grinder, the device is safe from jamming, and the formation of gunks can be easily avoided, especially when using a medium to light instead of a dark roast. With 12 settings, it’s easier for me or any other user to fine-tune the ground texture and the coffee strength to my preference.
There are more benefits to Philips 2200’s grinder than Gaggia Brera’s!
Milk frothing
Winner: Philips 2200
The milk foam made by Philips 2200 is exactly what I expect from a model of this price range. I have been able to brew very rich cappuccino with dry and fluffy foam from this machine. And it’s even better when I can do it with only a touch of a button. The milk carafe handles it all. So it’s worth paying attention to espresso makers’ presets, I advise you.
As for Gaggia Brera, the creamy milk foam is no difficult task for this machine’s Quick Steaming technology. I can get the thick, velvety foam in under 1 minute. But dry foam isn’t its specialty. Thus, recipes like cappuccino or latte macchiato won’t be this machine’s best works.
Alert system
Winner: Philips 2200
Both Philips 2200 and Gaggia Bera has quite an elaborate alert system that keeps up with the devices’ condition. You can expect from the empty water tank, full drip tray, full dreg drawer, or descaling alert.
What makes Philips 2200 the winner, though, is that all the alerts are very stable and don’t notify users of intervention when necessary. On the other hand, Gaggia Brera has one faulty alert, which is the dreg drawer one. It tells me to empty the puck container after 3-4 espressos, even though the maximum capacity of the drawer can hold up to 8 servings. So, frequent upkeep is inevitable.
Gaggia Brera vs Philips 2200: Similarities
With their front-loaded water tank and proper programmability for the price, Gaggia Brera and Philips 2200 make a good pair of entry-level devices. Check out how these machines’ similarities work for me.
Front-loaded water tank
The machines are designed with removable front-loaded water tanks. This type of design is very ergonomic and space-saving, which I want to comment on with every machine I review. With the front-pull reservoirs, there is no need to ensure that the machine is located in an open space, given that they don’t require the same top, back, or side space as other types of water tanks.
If you need to save some extra kitchen space, there is no reason why you shouldn’t consider the convenient design of this pair!
Programmability
This pair has few programmable features, but you can trust the coffee strength and volume control options. These are some standard factors that affect the espresso flavor directly, alongside the variable grinder settings, which are 5 for Gaggia Brera and 12 for Philips 2200. I always suggest setting the aroma at the highest level to achieve the best coffee aroma and strength.
Quick Rundown Of Philips 2200
- With Philips 2200 Series easily make aromatic coffee varieties like Espresso, Coffee and Cappuccino at the touch of a button.Filter type:Reusable.Recommended uses for product : Office, Home.
- LatteGo Milk System: Top your coffee off with a silky-smooth layer of milk froth
- Intuitive Touch Display: Select the perfect coffee for your mood with just one touch
- My Coffee Choice Menu: Adjust the strength and quantity of your beverage and choose from three different settings to suit your preferences. The Aroma Extract system intelligently strikes the optimum balance between brewing temperature and aroma extraction by keeping the water temperature between 90 and 98°C
- Powerful Filter and Easy Maintenance: Thanks to the AquaClean, enjoy clear and purified water - by changing the filter after being prompted by the machine, you will not need to descale your machine for up to 5000 cups
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Brera
- Note: 1)Too coarse a grind, too little coffee, or insufficiently tamping the grounds before brewing can all lead to inadequate pressure for a proper brew. 2)It is important to note that the amount of espresso extracted will vary depending on the grind size and amount and reprogramming may be needed when the size and amount are adjusted
- FROTHING FOR MILK BEVERAGES: Pannarello wand frothing for cappuccinos & lattes. Wand doubles as a hot water dispenser for americanos & tea.
- EASY ACCESS: The dregs drawer, drip tray, and water tank are all within reach and accessible from the front of the machine for quick and easy cleaning and maintenance.Volts:110V-120V
- USER-FRIENDLY DISPLAY: Push-button controls and an LED display with illuminated icons make for an easy and intuitive experience.Watts:1250 W
- RAPID STEAM TECHNOLOGY: Quick heat up times and robust brewing and steaming operations. Coffee bean capacity : 250 gr
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Product Video
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References:
- Philips 2200: https://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/EP2220_14/series-2200-fully-automatic-espresso-machines
- Gaggia Brera: https://www.gaggia.com/automatic-machines/brera/
I’m Floyd J. Alcock, an experienced barista with a deep love for coffee. I curate personalized coffee experiences, guiding customers through diverse flavor profiles and suggesting ideal brewing methods. My extensive knowledge of espresso machines enables me to recommend the best equipment to match specific needs and budgets. Sharing my expertise and passion with coffee enthusiasts brings immense satisfaction. I look forward to continuing my journey of coffee discovery with every customer I serve, fostering connections over a shared love for this magical beverage.