BESANA

If you prefer to obtain excellent results in a fast way, a superautomatic machine is what suits you the best. Equipped with a patented brew group, makes espresso, cappuccino and other hot beverages just by pressing a button, that can be customized as you prefer in a few easy steps. Moreover, the integrated 100% ceramic grinders let you have freshly ground coffee at every use and preserve all the aromas. While, if you like to relive the barista rituals at home, a manual machine is the right choice. Learning how to make an impeccable espresso requires care and practice, but it is definitely worth it.

In order to make it easier to use your Gaggia Besana, we designed a simulator that shows the different situations that can happen. Visit the section “Discover the interface”, here in this product page, choose a situation from the list on the left and you will see, on the right, its representation with a specific and useful description.

The machine has default settings, but you can easily make your personal and customized espresso just by following these simple suggestions.

1. Always select high quality blends. Blends with Arabica are characterized by a higher acidity and a more aromatic flavor, while blends with more Robusta have a stronger taste.
2. Be sure to turn the machine on a few minutes before using it, so it can properly warm up. This guaranteees a perfect extraction of all coffee aromas.
3. Set the length of your espresso via the MEMO function. For a traditional Italian espresso, set it to 30ml.
4. Adjust the grind size among the 5 available selections by pushing and turning the knob inside the beans container with the key, only when the grinders are working. For a stronger taste or for light roasted beans, choose a finer grind, while for a lighter taste or dark roasted beans, select a coarser grind.

It is possible to adjust the grinder settings by pushing and rotating the knob inside the coffee beans container by using the grinder adjustment key, one notch at at time, and only when the machine is grinding. You can choose among 5 different settings, from 1 (the smallest spot) – the boldest (for light roasted coffees) to 5 – the lightest (for dark roasted beans). You will taste the difference after 2-3 brewings.

We suggest to use whole cold milk (at circa 5° C / 41° F), with a protein content of at least 3% and a fat content of at least 3.5%. Proteins will incorporate air in the cream, while fats will make it dense and steady. Also semi-skimmed cow milk, some lactose-free milk and soy drink are proven to deliver a good result.

It is possible to customize and memorize the lenght of coffee (espresso or espresso lungo) simply by pressing and holding the button for a few seconds the machine starts grinding, and “2 cups” button and “ON/OFF” button flash simultaneously. When the desired quantity has been reached, press again the coffee button. The lenght is memorized for next uses.

Yes, you can use mineral still water or tap water. Avoid sparkling water as it can negatively affect the brewing process.

This automatic rinsing cycle – that happens when the machine is switched on or goes in stand-by mode – is necessary to keep the circuits always clean and to heat the coffee circuit to guarantee an extraordinary result from the first use.

Scale is a normal consequence of using the machine, and it depends also on the quality of the water you use. It is necessary to descale the machine when the display alerts you to proceed. We suggest to follow the step-by-step procedure illustrated in the instruction booklet and to use only the GAGGIA descaler that is especially thought especially for our espresso machines.

To descale your Gaggia coffee machine use only the Gaggia decalcifier, a unique solution made to ensure excellent performances of the machine throughout time. Vinegar and any other descaling agents must be avoided. Never use descaling agents based on mineral acids such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and sulfamic acid. These descaling agents may damage your coffee machine’s pipe and tube system.

Gaggia Besana is compatible with Brita/Mavea Intenza+ water filter, especially designed to protect the machine against scale.

Drip tray, drip tray plate, coffee pucks container, water tank, pannarello are removable and need to be washed under tap water, with a bit of dish soap, but no abrasive substances nor solvents; the removable brew group must be washed with no soaps. The drip tray plate can be washed also in the dishwasher.