There are two models the Titanium and the Titanium Stainless Steel (SS). The Titanium has a stainless steel front while the SS has a fully stainless steel case (front and sides). The additional stainless comes at a $200 premium to the the standard model. This is one of the best looking and most solidly constructed consumer espresso machines available. These models will fit nicely alongside your other stainless appliances.

Unpacking: The Titanium comes from Gaggia double boxed and well packed for shipping. This guy is heavier than most machines though at 26 lbs. This is likely because of the all steel construction.

You will need to install the dreg box and drip tray, rinse the water reservoir and fill with water. When you first set up the machine you need to run through the priming routine to prime the pump. To prime or "ventilate" you turn the steam dial counterclockwise 180 degrees and wait until the machine begins pumping water. The machine may indicate the need to turn the steam knob back to it's off position (prior to being primed and pumping water). You'll hear the pump and after a few attempts the machine will be primed and ready for use.

Top: From the top of the machine you have easy access to the bean hopper, cup warmer and bypass doser. The bean hopper comes with a tight fitting (clear cover) and hinged silver colored cover. The tight fitting lid helps keep the beans fresher a bit longer. The bypass doser comes with a stainless steel cover (not pictured here). The cup warming platform warms quickly in about 2 minutes after switching the machine on. You can configure various energy saving modes to control the cup warmer.

Rear: From the rear of the machine you access the water tank. The tank holds 10 cups or 80 oz. of water. This tank is larger than some of the the other superautomatics on the market. The water tank has a handle that swivels inside the tank, a water filter and silver colored plastic lid (pictured below).

Drip Tray and Dregs Box: The drip tray is made from plastic and holds up to 24 ounces. The built-in float will indicate when the drip tray is full and ready for emptying. Open the front panel to slide the drip tray and dreg box out to empty and clean.

Frothing: The Panarella wand will accommodate larger milk pitchers up to 6 3/4" tall. A 32 ounce size or smaller works really well. The machine has a separate frothing boiler and can produce constant steam to froth a pitcher of milk in a few seconds. The next espresso can be brewed right away since it uses it's own boiler (many machines that use a single boiler require a cool down period).

Using the Automatic Frothing Attachment: The included automatic frother makes quick work of steaming milk. To use this attachment first remove the Panarello from the wand and attach the automatic frother. Be sure to snugly tighten it onto the steaming wand. Dip the frothing hose into a pitcher of cold milk and let a small amount of steam run through to drip water out and start steaming the milk. Place your freshly brewed espresso under the the steaming attachment and turn the steam lever to create perfectly frothed milk. The frothing attachment rinses easily.