The world of coffee machines is vast and varied, with options ranging from manual espresso makers to fully automated bean-to-cup machines. Among the latter, the Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe stands out as a promising contender, combining affordability, ease of use, and the allure of Italian coffee craftsmanship. This comprehensive review will explore the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of the Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe, providing a clear picture of what this machine offers to coffee enthusiasts.
- One of the cheaper bean-to-cup machines available.
- Simple operation with buttons and knobs, no complex menus.
- Front-loaded water reservoir and waste container for easy refilling and emptying.
- Includes a steam spout attachment for frothing milk.
- Automatically cleans itself on power-up and power-down.
- Ceramic grinder with 5 settings for customizable coffee grind.
- Can make espresso, espresso lungo, frothed milk, and hot water.
- Lacks advanced customization options for coffee temperature and brew composition.
- Relies on buttons and knobs instead of a digital interface.
- Frother attachment feels tacked-on and requires manual handling.
- Slight delay between brewing coffee and dispensing hot water.
Design and Features
The Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe is designed for those who appreciate the convenience of a bean-to-cup coffee machine but are reluctant to spend excessively. Priced at around £399, it is one of the more budget-friendly options in its category. The machine’s design is practical, featuring a curved plastic front that, while not particularly flashy, is functional and unobtrusive in a kitchen setting.
The Naviglio Deluxe is essentially a rebranded version of the Philips Saeco HD8750, a model from 2014. This heritage is reflected in its straightforward design and operational simplicity. The machine lacks a digital display, relying instead on a series of buttons and knobs for control. This minimalistic approach may appeal to those who prefer a straightforward, no-nonsense interface over a complex, menu-driven system.
A key feature of the Naviglio Deluxe is its bean-to-cup functionality, allowing users to grind fresh coffee beans for each brew. However, milk preparation must be done manually unless using the included auto frother extension. This steam spout attachment simplifies the process by drawing milk from a separate container, though it feels somewhat tacked-on compared to more integrated solutions in higher-end models.
User Experience
One of the most commendable aspects of the Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe is its user-friendliness. The machine boasts a 1.5L front-loaded water reservoir, making refilling easy and hassle-free. The design symmetry is further enhanced by a front-loaded container for discarded coffee grounds, which are compacted into neat pucks. This ensures a clean and tidy operation, with minimal effort required for maintenance.
The drip tray is generously sized, spanning the entire length of the machine. This not only reduces the frequency of emptying but also adds stability to the unit. The machine also performs a quick rinse cycle upon power-up and power-down, maintaining cleanliness and reducing manual cleaning efforts. Additionally, it automatically switches to standby mode after 25 minutes of inactivity, enhancing energy efficiency.
However, the Naviglio Deluxe offers limited control over the brewing process. While there is a dial to adjust the amount of coffee used, there is no option to control the temperature of the brew. The machine features two main coffee presets—espresso and long coffee—along with options for steam and hot water, both dispensed via a movable wand.
Coffee Quality
Despite its simplicity, the Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe delivers solid coffee quality. The machine produces a consistent, dark crema, and the feed of both water and steam is steady and reliable. The grinder settings, adjustable within the beans compartment, offer decent control over the coffee grind, though frequent adjustments are not practical.
The espresso produced by the Naviglio Deluxe, while not as bold as that from a manual machine, is satisfactory for most users. For those who prefer a stronger brew, the machine allows for double-pressing the coffee buttons to deliver two hits in sequence, effectively doubling the strength of the coffee. This flexibility is crucial for customizing the brew to individual preferences.
However, the machine’s single boiler design means there is a slight delay between brewing coffee and dispensing hot water, which might be a minor inconvenience for some users. Additionally, the long coffee setting may require manual topping up with hot water to achieve the desired strength and volume for an Americano.
Conclusion
The Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe is a well-rounded bean-to-cup coffee machine that caters to those who value convenience and simplicity. Its practical design, easy maintenance, and satisfactory coffee quality make it an attractive choice for budget-conscious coffee enthusiasts. While it may not offer the advanced features and fine-tuning options of higher-end models, it compensates with its straightforward operation and reliable performance.
For those looking to enjoy the experience of freshly ground coffee without the complexity and expense of manual machines or high-end automatics, the Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe is a worthy consideration. Its blend of affordability, ease of use, and Italian coffee heritage ensures it remains a strong contender in the competitive world of bean-to-cup coffee machines.
Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe Specifications
Price: £399.00
Water Reservoir: 1.5L, front-loaded
Milk Frothing: Auto frother extension (steam spout attachment)
Grinder: Ceramic grinders, adjustable with 5 settings
User Interface: Buttons and LED indicators
Beverage Options:
- Espresso
- Espresso lungo
- Frothed milk
- Hot water
Dimensions: Compact tower design, minimal footprint
Coffee Spouts: Adjustable height (70 – 110 mm)
Maintenance Features:
- Front-loaded waste container
- Automatic rinse cycle on power-up/power-down
- Automatic standby mode after 25 minutes
- Manual clean button
Made in: Italy
Materials: Stainless Steel (available color)
Other Features:
- Memo function for personalized settings
- Optiaroma with 3 coffee strength selections
- Simple, no-display design
Unique Selling Points:
- Affordable for a bean-to-cup machine
- Practical design for easy maintenance
- Reliable and consistent coffee quality
Frequently Asked Questions about the Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe
1. What beverages can the Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe make?
The Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe can make espresso, espresso lungo, frothed milk, and hot water. This allows you to prepare a variety of drinks including lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos.
2. How does the milk frother work?
The Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe includes an auto frother extension, which is a steam spout attachment that draws milk from a separate container. This frother simplifies the process of preparing milk-based drinks, though it requires manual handling.
3. How do I adjust the grind size?
The ceramic grinder in the Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe has 5 adjustable settings. You can adjust the grind size by accessing the beans compartment and using a tool to change the settings.
4. How often do I need to clean the machine?
The Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe performs a quick rinse cycle on power-up and power-down, which helps maintain cleanliness. Additionally, it has a manual clean button for a more thorough clean when needed. The drip tray and waste container should be emptied regularly.
5. Is the water reservoir easy to refill?
Yes, the Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe features a front-loaded 1.5L water reservoir, making it easy to refill without moving the machine.
6. Can I customize the coffee strength?
Yes, the Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe has an Optiaroma feature with 3 selections for coffee strength, allowing you to customize your brew to your preference.
7. Does the machine have an energy-saving mode?
Yes, the machine automatically switches to standby mode after 25 minutes of inactivity, enhancing energy efficiency.
8. How large are the coffee spouts?
The coffee spouts on the Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe are adjustable in height, accommodating cups between 70 mm and 110 mm.
9. What materials is the machine made from?
The Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe is available in stainless steel, ensuring durability and a sleek appearance.
10. Is the machine suitable for making large quantities of coffee?
The Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe is designed for home use and can handle regular daily coffee preparation. However, for large quantities, you might need to refill the water reservoir and empty the waste container more frequently.
11. Can the machine make hot chocolate or tea?
Yes, the Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe can dispense hot water, which can be used to prepare tea or hot chocolate.
12. Is the machine easy to operate for beginners?
Yes, the simple button and knob interface, along with the lack of a complex menu system, make the Gaggia Naviglio Deluxe user-friendly and easy to operate, even for beginners.
