In the series of entry-level espresso machines, a review of the Solis Barista Gran Gusto is essential. The Solis Barista Gran Gusto belongs to the group of thermoblock espresso machines. With an acquisition price of around 320 Swiss francs and 350 euros, it combines decent performance for a very competitive price.
Thermoblocks and the most important test questions
All thermoblock espresso machines have two things in common. They are ready for operation within a very short time and are very energy-efficient. Unlike boiler espresso machines, a large and sluggish boiler does not first need to be heated with water, but rather an aluminum block. This usually succeeds in three minutes. From this point on, the espresso machine can, in principle, draw brewing-hot water.
However, the big questions are:
- How consistently does the Solis Gran Gusto deliver the desired water temperature of approx. 93 degrees?
- How hot is the portafilter and how do the machine's heating intervals proceed?
- How is the milk frothing behavior of the Solis Barista Gran Gusto? Is it possible to froth fine-pored milk foam for latte art?
Espresso preparation with the Solis Barista Gran Gusto
The most important thing about an espresso machine is the taste of the espresso. This also forms the basis for all milk-based drinks such as cappuccino, latte macchiato, and flat white.
The Solis Barista Gran Gusto delivered two good, three decent, and five bad espressos out of 10 standard extractions. With an adjusted brewing rhythm, the balance improved to three good, five decent, and two bad extractions.
As is often the case with thermoblock espresso machines, it's a matter of getting the brewing temperature under control. We have developed some tips for this.
Getting the brewing temperature of the Solis Barista Gran Gusto under control
The Solis Barista Gran Gusto has no heat transfer to the portafilter. This remains cold when the thermoblock heats up. If you use it without first warming the portafilter, the brewing water loses its temperature to the portafilter. The first important step when using the Solis Gran Gusto is therefore:
Leave the portafilter inserted and extract water without coffee. This allows the portafilter to absorb heat.
The first double espresso extracted after this usually tasted best to us with darker coffees. The temperature briefly rises to 95 degrees, but then drops below 90.
Temperature Solis Barista Gran Gusto.
If a second double espresso is to be extracted immediately, we recommend flushing immediately before extraction. So first clean the portafilter, then add the coffee powder to the portafilter and tamp. We have also described the exact procedure in our article on preparing espresso.
The next extraction will now have a higher temperature and then fall again, but not as low as the first extraction. The subsequent extractions become progressively hotter. The temperature excerpt graph shows the temperature spiking during the 6th extraction if flushing for at least 4 seconds is not performed before extraction.
Workmanship and external dimensions of the Solis Barista Gran Gusto
From the outside, the Solis Barista Gran Gusto makes a good impression. The body is made of stainless steel, the railing is robust. Few sharp edges disturb the exterior. The drip tray is a bit small and the unfortunately only placed drip tray slides quickly when cleaning. But all of this must be considered in relation to the very reasonable price.
Many similar-priced machines look cheap and are dominated by plastic. Not so the Solis Barista Gran Gusto. This also extends to the accessories. The tamper and portafilter are particularly noteworthy.
The Solis Barista Gran Gusto has a 58mm brew group that accommodates Faema E61 compatible portafilters. The portafilter itself is high-quality and sturdy. The included basket holds 19 grams of coffee. A real statement! If you want further upgrades, the more precise IMS Competition baskets or VST baskets are a good choice. It's ingenious that these fit.
The included tamper also lives up to its name. 700 grams of its own weight feel like something when tamping with it. There remains a small gap next to the tamper. If it fit more precisely into the sieve, the risk of channeling would be reduced. However, the gap is not so large that it leads to automatic channeling.
Also included and perfectly suitable: a 0.35 l milk jug for frothing milk. Let's put it this way: it's not the jug's fault if the milk doesn't froth well. The milk jug is even very suitable for latte art.
The quality of the milk foam here masks the poor frothing behavior.
Milk behavior in review
In addition to temperature consistency, the milk frothing behavior of the Solis Barista Gran Gusto is challenging. The Solis Barista Gran Gusto transports very little steam power into the jug. This makes it very difficult to induce a rotation, which is necessary for frothing milk.
In our test, Michel has to tilt the jug extremely to even get it to rotate. The rotation is part of the stretching phase of frothing and thus the second step of a frothing process. In the first step, air is pushed under the milk in the so-called stretching phase and volume is created. Even this is difficult, but possible.
We conclude: Frothing milk with the Solis Barista Gran Gusto is not easy, especially for beginners. With practice, it should be successful. However, if milk-based drinks such as cappuccino or flat white play a major role in your daily drink routine, we would recommend the Sage Bambino Plus instead.
Descaling the Solis Barista Gran Gusto
Thermoblock machines are inherently less prone to calcification. This is due, among other things, to the fact that the thermoblock is emptied after a brewing process. Compared to the risk of calcification with single-boiler, dual-boiler, or multi-boiler machines, the thermoblock espresso machine is the least at risk.
Nevertheless, thermoblock espresso machines can also calcify. You will notice this in everyday use when the power of the frothing steam decreases more and more.
A good choice for a descaler is one based on lactic acid. Solis' branded product called Solipol* works great and is made from lactic acid. The product is food-safe and yet persistent enough to dissolve limescale. However, generic brands also work.
Descaling the Solis Barista Gran Gusto in five steps:
- Add the descaling agent to the espresso machine's water tank according to the manufacturer's mixing instructions and fill to the maximum.
- Place a large container, such as a pot, under the spout and draw approx. 150 ml of water in coffee mode using manual extraction.
- Switch to steam mode and wait until the button's flashing light changes to a permanent light. Now turn the steam to maximum and blow steam into the ready pot for approx. two minutes at full power.
- Next, let the machine rest for 15 minutes to allow the descaler to work. Then repeat the process several times until the liquid in the tank is largely used up.
- Now rinse the water tank thoroughly and fill it to the brim with water that is as soft as possible (ideal: 2 – 5 German hardness total hardness). Now repeat steps 2 and 3 until the water in the tank is used up again.
Done. The machine is descaled and ready for use again after refilling the tank.
Conclusion on the Solis Barista Gran Gusto
There are as many different espresso and coffee habits as there are people. This makes it difficult for us to make an absolute recommendation for espresso machines. Unfortunately, one reason for this is that espresso machines, especially in the more affordable segment, have strengths and weaknesses.
The strengths of the Solis Barista Gran Gusto include:
- With our tips, a good espresso can be brewed relatively reliably.
- Like almost all thermoblocks, the machine has low power consumption of only 0.10 kW per hour.
- It heats up quickly and is therefore ready for use.
- The external workmanship is good, and the included equipment is functional and very good.
- The compatibility of the portafilter with classic 58mm portafilters is pleasing and also makes buying additional tampers and baskets easy.
Unfortunately, there are also some weaknesses:
- The machine's frothing performance is not very enjoyable.
- The drip tray is difficult to clean because the plate is merely placed on top.
- The temperature without manipulation rockets to over 100 degrees. This leads to an extremely bitter taste.
- The steam wand of the Solis Barista Gran Gusto drips.
Are you more of a milk foam drinker? Then definitely take a look at the Sage Bambino Plus. For espresso and co. you should compare the Solis Barista Gran Gusto with the Quick Mill Orione 3000 and the New Gaggia Classic.
If you want to learn how to prepare the perfect espresso, then visit our Home Barista Course. It is available as an online course on the web as well as with us on-site in Basel. It's worth a trip!
We also recommend the following articles and videos:
Prepare espresso and Clean espresso machine.
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