Gaggia 9306 Syncrony Compact Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Silver
by Gaggia
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: GaggiaBrand: Gaggia
Model: 9306
Color: Silver
Product features:
- Super-automatic espresso machine housed in durable Thermoset plastic
- Automatically grinds whole beans, doses, tamps, brews, and dispenses used grounds
- Built-in burr grinder for dark or light roast; by-pass doser; frothing wand; 44-ounce reservoir
- Includes 7-gram measuring scoop, grinder cleaning brush, and brew-group key
- Measures 15-1/4 by 11 by 15 inches; 1-year warranty
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Gaggia 9306 Syncrony Compact Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Silver
Customer Review: Recommended
Summary: 4 Stars
Where to buy:
I have owned the Syncrony Compact for a year now. It's the first Super Automatic Espresso machine I have owned. It was purchased as a refurb from Wholelattelove dot com. I don't remember what we paid for it, but somewhere in the 400 dollar range is about right. Wholelattelove shipped our refurb unit without the guts of the machine, so I had to speak with their extremely helpful customer service rep, and they shipped the part next day with no hassle.
Walkaround
The machine is fairly attractive, and looks nice sitting on the counter. I would probably find it more attractive if the case were made of steel with a nice, high gloss paint, but the plastic is fine. The display is several buttons and LEDs (more on that in a bit). The water tank is in the back, and it holds enough water for several days. It is removable, so you can take it off and hold it under the sink, or do what another reviewer said, and simply place your unit close enough to the sink to use the sprayer. It is translucent, so you always no how much water is there. Directly in front of the water tank is the bean holder. Inside of the bean holder you will fine two dials, one controls the grind, the other controls the amount of beans (I think). The front of the unit swings open to reveal the aforementioned guts. The guts come out very easily to be cleaned. There is a tray in the bottom that slides out with the door open. It is on this tray that you find a small bin where the pucks of ground beans are tamped.
Using it:
If you buy this machine, do so with the understanding that you may have to learn how to use the machine on your own as the directions supplied are pretty terrible. The display has blinking lights on it to tell you what's going on with the machine. Depending on what light is blinking, and in what manner, you will learn you need to add water, dump the puck bin, add beans, it's warming up, or it's too hot... got all that?
Once you get the hang of the lights though, the machine is easy to use. To make an espresso (or americano, or just a cup of joe) all you have to do is, add water, add beans, and press a button. To make a latte, it's a bit more involved. The same heating element is used for steaming milk and espresso, so there is some wait time as it heats up for milk, or cools back down for espresso. Once the element is heated though, steaming/frothing milk is as simple as turning a nob.
In terms of gripes, I have relatively few, but there are just enough to warrant not getting five stars. First is the location of the power switch. It's located in the rear of the unit, so you have to reach around to switch it off. Not a big deal, but it would have been nice if it were on the front of the unit with all the other controls. Second, the unit is pretty loud. I would expect the grinder to be loud, but the tamping of the grounds is loud, the water being forced through the grounds is loud, the pump is loud, and the automatic kick out of the puck is loud. Being this is my first super automatic machine, I don't have a good reference though, perhaps they are all like that.
The Coffee (the most important part!)
Few things here, first, you have to find a good, dry bean. By dry bean I mean not greasy. This can be a challenge depending on where you live and what kind of coffee is available in your neck of the woods. I had to try several different companies and roasts before I found two or three good beans. Why not greasy you ask? Greasy beans will stick together, requiring you to push them down into the grinder instead of them just sliding down into the grinder of their own volition. It is a real pain to have to constantly push greasy beans into the grinder. Second, you have to find the right grind for how you want your coffee. this takes some playing around with at first, but once you find it, you never have to adjust it again. Once you have your bean, and grind right, you get a perfect, and I mean perfect espresso with just the press of a button. The crema is outstanding. A latte can be made that is as good or better than what you wait in line for and spend 3.50 on. In short, the coffee is pretty incredible, and once it's set up, it's hassle free.
Value:
Well, this is where you have to do some math. How often do you go to the local espresso shop? Break out the calculator and determine what kind of habit you have. It was worth it to me, for you it may not be.
Conclusion:
Fine, relatively inexpensive unit that produces outstanding espresso. Once it's set up, it's easy to use.
Description of Gaggia 9306 Syncrony Compact Super-Automatic Espresso Machine, Silver
The Gaggia Syncrony Compact is the first in a new generation of super automatic espresso/Cappuccino machines. Gaggia packed a lot of features into this small footprint. At the touch of a button, it grinds whole beans, doses, tamps, and extracts authentic espresso complete with a thick, golden crema. The grinder is fully adjustable for dark or light roast. The Compact has two buttons that you can program to dispense any amount of water through the coffee that you want. The amount of coffee ground is adjustable from 6 to 9 grams. One of the very unique features on the Compact is its bypass doser. If you dont want to use the beans you have in its bean hopper, you can put in up to 9 grams (one shot) of pre-ground coffee. This is prefect for using decaf at night, or for your guest when you entertain. The used coffee grounds are automatically ejected into an internal dump box. It includes a 7g coffee measuring scoop, grinder cleaning brush & brew group key!Espresso Machines
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