Hi All,

I have posted most of this on another coffee forum out there, but I figured it was acceptable to share my little review with my new discovery of the home-barista community too, as it isn't a question .

Just to initially wet your taste buds before I start, I've taken some nice big photos for you all to look at here. Don't worry, there are no ads and they should load up nice and quick.

A few weeks ago, I had a Kitchenaid Proline/Artisan coffee grinder, and had just bought a new Gaggia Classic (House of Fraser relocation sale). Straight away it was clear that the Kitchenaid wasn't up to scratch for espresso, so, that week, after no luck with my grind, I bought a new Compak K-3 Touch grinder, which has been fantastic.

After I had my new grinder, it really showed that there were some limitations to what I could do with the Gaggia, and it really seemed like quite a dance to get consistent results from it. Although I am still honing my technique, I felt like I was battling the machine at times too... which leads me on to my next purchase...

After only 2 weeks of starting the espresso game with my Gaggia, I have made my next purchase... it is the La Nuova Era - Cuadra.

Outline of the features...

Full stainless steel chassis.
Copper Boiler 1,8 lt.
Current 1400W.
Water tank 3 lts (removable).
Vibration Pump 230/110V.
Steam and water spray.
Removable tank.
Professional brewing group (E61 HX Lever)

La Nuova Era, don't seem to a hugely well known company outside of mainland Europe, but they do seem to crop up regularly on some German coffee forums. After some further research, it seems that La Nuova Era is a small family company; they're Italian and it seems they're also particular on who they give permission to act as resellers for their products. They require their resellers to provide a full end to end service (e.g. sale, repair, advice) if they are to allow them to sell their products (great philosophy imo - although seems to make them more troublesome to source). They also seem to have quite a focused product line, which sounds good to me. Jack of all trades, master of none etc (the fact that Expobar sold plastic cup dispensing coffee vending machine put me off the Expobar Lever - it's like they sold their soul to the coffee devil).

Initial impressions are that this is a whole different beast to the Gaggia. It is larger, heavier, significantly better made, and really quite beautiful. It really adds a whole new level of pleasure to the dance of making yourself an espresso, or a latte.

The difference between my Gaggia Classic and the Cuadra espresso wise is night and day. I am able to consistently get good shots, and I've got a large scope for experimentation, as I know I can rely on my Machine. I'm now also able to quite easily get closer Microfoam (not quiet yet there) when using the 2 holed steam nozzle supplied. The nozzle is a screw on metal nozzle, so I'd imagine you can screw on other variants easily (my roaster has a large commercial machine which uses the same steam/hot water wands). The steam wand is also angled perfectly for me, and it has a great angle to get a good whirlpool going on in your milk. Having hot water on tap is also really convenient. The cup tray on top also gets nice and warm, which I didn't find with my Gaggia. The drip tray is also of a decent size, and solidly constructed.

It's worth noting, that if you buy a Cuadra /new/ now (mine was an ex-demo that was used several times then left collecting dust), they have added ball joints to the steam/hot water wands and changed the knobs to star knobs.

I was so frustrated with my Gaggia, I would go through 300g of coffee in one day, and feel like I've taken 10 steps back and left myself as an overcaffeinated wreck. I've been nothing but happy with my Cuadra and haven't felt frustrated once!.... yet .

Well, there's some initial info for you all to get your teeth into. Feel free to ask any questions. I'm quite new to all this so I perhaps haven't gone into details I should have. Fire away!

Thanks for the comments Jim. I really didn't know there were that many variations! There's something really enjoyable about pulling the lever to get my espresso . Just more of a connection and enjoyable process than flicking a plastic switch like on my Gaggia.

It's funny you should mention about the next time I get the bug... you know, I've already started eyeing up my next grinder! I'm going to have to force myself to stay with my Compak a bit longer though . Just long enough to see how the WBC baristas utilise the K30 Vario I think .

I'm not familiar with the La Nuova Era name. It is a gorgeous machine. Best of luck with it and keep us posted on your results. Should you get "upgradeitis", I'll join another-jim with his grinder advice.

I wasn't familiar with the name either to tell you the truth. I'm thrilled with it though . The biggest difference is in the cup. I'm really able to make purposeful changes and get the results I'm expecting. Something I felt I couldn't do with the Gaggia. The sanity it has given me compaired to how insane the Gaggia drove me is worth the price tag alone.

I even did my first Rosetta today (If you can call it that.)! Thanks to losing the microfoam destroying 'turbo frother' on that Gaggia.

Very nice machine. Can you please provide detailed measurement of space it occupies
when pushed to the corner like on your pictures?
Also what space is available in the empty space in the corner behind it ?

Thank you!
Kuba

Hi Kuba,

These are the measurements I already had filed away somewhere, I didn't take them, but I believe them to be accurate.

Size: 36cm W, 39cm D, 37cm H

I'll measure the space I have behind it too when I get the chance.

If you could PM me your email address I have a comprehensive PDF document which I'll send you. It'll give you some good info on the machine.

Thanks, actually I ordered this machine but the local distributor did not get back to me with concrete deal. Seems like they are more into big commercial beasts and not very interested in small home market
I'd appreciate if you send me the PDF, at least I will tease myself with a brochure.

Thanks!
Kuba

pretty cool looking!

i especially like the 1400Watts of current.

Hi,

I have just bought this beautiful machine. I have a problem though: the pressure is stopping at 0,5Bar and pressurestat was turning off. This seems very low and steaming quite weak. Can you tell me what is your setting please?

Thank you,
Kuba