Yes. The instructions specify the descaling product but citric acid works just fine. The machine signals when it's time to descale. I've only done it once. It does require some ongoing maintenance but the coffee it produces is amazing and worth it.
The $119 Nespresso Machine and pod thoughts
- Thread starter Pablo
- Start date
Actually, my Gaggia Brera requires a small bit of ongoing maintenance because of the way I use it. Since it's at our beach house, I only use it 2-4 times/week in the summer and a bit more in the Fall and maybe 1-2 times/month in the winter.
So I need to rinse out the drip tray, rinse the brew group,dump the pucks and rinse the box and then leave it open to dry... occasionally put a bit of silicone on the 0 rings. Not daily but sometime before we pack to return home.
I find it to be a fascinating little machine.
I make my own version of a Breve or Cortado but I froth the half &half, I almost never use the steam wand.
So I need to rinse out the drip tray, rinse the brew group,dump the pucks and rinse the box and then leave it open to dry... occasionally put a bit of silicone on the 0 rings. Not daily but sometime before we pack to return home.
I find it to be a fascinating little machine.
I make my own version of a Breve or Cortado but I froth the half &half, I almost never use the steam wand.
I agree with you regarding the Bustelo caps. Last week, I tried a brick of La Llave with my moka pot and was impressed with it.
Super-Automatics are still a compromise. Luke warm espresso and more maintenance than most care to do (descaling, regular cleanings of the brew group, drip tray, expensive water filters, etc.) Plus, beans don't stay fresh long sitting in a hopper or in an unsealed bag. I'll take my Nespresso or one of my other capsule machines over the S-A. Here's one of my more recent acquisitions, which the espresso capsules rival restaurant/bar quality shots at the touch of a button:
How much did that beauty set you back?
More than I wanted to.
I don't use the milk feature, just the espresso function.
I don't use the milk feature, just the espresso function.
