I've so missed seeing you, Gail. You have such a deep knowledge of the products and a knack for knowing exactly what questions the viewer is asking. I've watched ever since the early days with Kat, your warmth and friendliness is just so unique and it really puts a smile on my face seeing you back. We needed a closer up shot of the traditional garlic latte art!
No 1 presenter Gail, you’ve just made my night, great to see you back, don’t worry about the art, I can’t do it either. Kind regards from 🏴🏴🏴 Slainte Mhath.
I have been using this machine for six months, I don't have much more to add to Gail's review. I can just confirm that I could not be happier with this machine and its overall performance. The milk steaming performance is just off the charts, after a few seconds you are getting commercial equipment level steaming performance, which is just amazing from a machine at this price point and modest footprint. Not mentioned, but this has a 54 mm portafilter, is PID controlled, and the componentry looks very similar to Breville/Sage Barista products. Since they share the 54 mm portafilter, I strongly suspect this machine is built by the same contract manufacturer that Sage uses, and that's a good thing. The build quality is superb. I frequently use the ESE pod basket for decaf in the evenings. Matched with a Niche grinder, I'm getting very good shots out of the Perfetta using 17.5 grams in the non-pressurized double basket. If you are looking for something that does not eat up all your kitchen counter space, I can recommend this one without any reservations, especially if you frequently are making milk based drinks.
First time I’ve heard of this brand but the three way solenoid and stainless steel portafilter seem legit. Also it’s design to sit on the table straight for tamping looks pretty good too
@SolisOfSwitzerland Seriously, Gail is worth a lot for her credibility and competence and following. You will benefit from this video for years. She should get really valued.
Omg I was looking at this on Amazon, clicked the video, saw special guest, and Gail popped up! I was so gagged had to stop by TH-cam to comment. Thank you so much for bringing her back, what a treat.
Welcome Back Gail!!!! You are the best! learn a lot about coffee from you. Best wishes to you on your retirement. May you have fantastic adventures and great tasting coffee and amazing road trips with your beautiful RV!
As an ex-Bambino owner (well I still have it, so a current owner...) it's garbage. Lovely when it works, but they don't work for long. This seems like it might be much better quality.
I was looking high and low for a Breville Bambino Plus, and it's sold out everywhere (including from Breville's own site). Then I came across a Reddit thread comparing it with this one, and this one just seems like a MUCH better deal and a better machine overall. So I bought one from you right away. Looking forward to receiving it in a few days! It seems like the one thing the Bambino does better is it heats up in 3 seconds instead of 40, but it takes at least that long to grind the coffee, so who cares? Having a choice of filter baskets, a pressure gauge, and a MUCH nicer portafilter means this ends up being a lot cheaper since now I won't have to upgrade all the parts right away anyway.
How has the Solis held up for you? I'm trying to decide between this and the Bambino. Have you experienced any issues with water leaking or brew temp being too low?
I suspect that the internal parts are interchangeable with the Barista Express. These 2 machines share so many common features that they are very likely made by the same factory in Asia.
Did you grind the coffee fine enough and TAMP the coffee in the single wall basket. - If you did NOT tamp, the water will flow through the coffee without building up much/any pressure. - If you did not grind the coffee fine enough, even if you tamp it, the coffee bed may be so porous that it cannot create the resistance to water flow to build up pressure. Note. On mine, when I use the double wall/pressurized basket, the max pressure I get is about 6 bar. To get more pressure, I have to use the single wall basket and do it with grind and tamp.
When I was calibrating the volume, I found that mine is inconsistent on the shot volume. When I weighed the output for a single shot, it varied 18 grams +/- 4 grams. Yes, that is a 20% variation. And the consistency of a double shot was no better. Dialing in the machine to your taste becomes difficult when the ratio of coffee to water may be changing each time you pull a shot. So check the level in your glass to see if your shots are consistent or not.
Hi there! The three "teeth" that come off the sides and front of the portafilter should slide up into grooves that fit them, there's a guide on the brew group that should help. You then need to firmly twist to the right to lock it in. If it's not staying in place it likely isn't being twisted all the way. I hope that helps!
I owned a Solis SL 70 and I really liked it, however.... The coupling to the steaming wand was kind of cluggy and would pop loose spraying steam all over the electronics. It just got worse with time. While the wiring was Teflon insulated, the plastic spade connectors were not and got brown and brittle over time. It all became rather spooky as it aged. In all other respects it was a nice machine to use and I felt that it was a shame that Solis seemed to just quit on the quality when they got to the steamer.
First off Gail ROCKS and thank for coming back to do a video on my new machine. Yesterday I stopped at the Kirkland store and after spending some wonderful time with Alex I walked out with the Solis. What a great machine. This replaced a Breville and makes a much better shot, at least at my skill level. I would add that I pull a blank double shot once it heats up to warm up everything. They also provide a test strip for your water so you can dial in your filter. Simple instructions and something that I am very pleased with. I drive 90 mike's to get to Seattle Coffee Gear to spend time with Alex and certainly was not disappointed. Thanks so much and I know there are many, many enjoyable coffees in my future.
Hi SCG, thank you for all the reviews, tips and trics on TH-cam. Enjoyed the Solis Barista Perfetta info. Here in Europa Solis also sells a Entry level+ machine. The Solis Gran Gusto. Is it available in America? and if so can you do a review? It is a great machine with programmable buttons and only unpressurized baskets.
RETURN OF THE QUEEN! Hi Gail!
How on earth can you miss someone you’ve never spoken to, let alone met?!
So nice to see you back Gail - the remedy to lockdown blues 😁
The return of COFFEE LEGEND. So happy to see you Gail.
I bought a Solis SL-70 from SCG some 13 or 14 years ago and it is still working good today.
I've so missed seeing you, Gail. You have such a deep knowledge of the products and a knack for knowing exactly what questions the viewer is asking.
I've watched ever since the early days with Kat, your warmth and friendliness is just so unique and it really puts a smile on my face seeing you back.
We needed a closer up shot of the traditional garlic latte art!
No 1 presenter Gail, you’ve just made my night, great to see you back, don’t worry about the art, I can’t do it either.
Kind regards from 🏴🏴🏴
Slainte Mhath.
Poor Gail forgot to pick something at the office and they immediately miced her up and said "we have this machine you need to review"
lol
So true!
I have been using this machine for six months, I don't have much more to add to Gail's review. I can just confirm that I could not be happier with this machine and its overall performance. The milk steaming performance is just off the charts, after a few seconds you are getting commercial equipment level steaming performance, which is just amazing from a machine at this price point and modest footprint. Not mentioned, but this has a 54 mm portafilter, is PID controlled, and the componentry looks very similar to Breville/Sage Barista products. Since they share the 54 mm portafilter, I strongly suspect this machine is built by the same contract manufacturer that Sage uses, and that's a good thing. The build quality is superb. I frequently use the ESE pod basket for decaf in the evenings. Matched with a Niche grinder, I'm getting very good shots out of the Perfetta using 17.5 grams in the non-pressurized double basket. If you are looking for something that does not eat up all your kitchen counter space, I can recommend this one without any reservations, especially if you frequently are making milk based drinks.
Like a breath of fresh air in these bizarre times. Great to see you again Gail!!!
“Anyone got a doughnut?” 😂🤣 Comedic timing is brilliant.
So good to see Gail back! Thank you Gail and Seattle Coffee Gear for making us all so happy!!!!
We missed you Gail. Glad to see you back. Saludos desde México 🇲🇽
So great to see you back, Gail!
Yay Gail. We missed you.
Wooo! Glad to see you back Gail! P.s. you can't quit until you've created latte art containing at least one heart.
Gail does the best reviews!!! Your knowledge, personality, and professionalism shine on your reviews.
First time I’ve heard of this brand but the three way solenoid and stainless steel portafilter seem legit. Also it’s design to sit on the table straight for tamping looks pretty good too
welcome back Gail! please do a comparison between this machine, the Bambino and the Dedica... we would love to see a 3-way shootout 😁
With a job like this, who would want to stay retired :) Welcome back Gail!
Glad to see u Gail, happy to know you are on good health 😊
Gail has perfect comedic timing! She is sooooooooo fun to watch and she knows her stuff. Thank you Gail!
She should make some deal to do reviews only..Soooo nice to have you back!
This Queen is a legend! Compliments on the Video. Personal fan over 9 years! You will get your donuts.
@SolisOfSwitzerland Seriously, Gail is worth a lot for her credibility and competence and following. You will benefit from this video for years. She should get really valued.
@@Ma_Ba Fully agree! Thanks allot for your comment.
Hi Gail!!!!!!!Your crew has been doing a good job with their reviews of the machines. They had a pro to learn from.
Omg I was looking at this on Amazon, clicked the video, saw special guest, and Gail popped up! I was so gagged had to stop by TH-cam to comment. Thank you so much for bringing her back, what a treat.
It’s Gail!!! She is back!!! OMG! We have missed you so much!!!
So happy to see her ❤️😩 I don’t know why I was heartbroken when I knew she won’t come back 🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I have felt the same since she announced her retirement. So sad, yet so refreshing to see her.
Thanks for the surprise review, Gail!
Love your work Gail. Thanks for the review. Looking forward to your next Guest Appearance.
Hi Gail, Hello from the Canada, No one can Review a Product like you!!!
Very good to see you, Gail.
Welcome Back Gail!!!! You are the best! learn a lot about coffee from you. Best wishes to you on your retirement. May you have fantastic adventures and great tasting coffee and amazing road trips with your beautiful RV!
Great to see our Coffee Aunt again
omg Gail yessss ahhhhhhhh. Wonderful review 😻😻 The legend has returned just for tonight. She’s like WWE The Undertaker of Seattle Coffee Gear.
They really need to give us a Gail + Kat video before they let her *really* retire.
Gal is back??? Welcome back!!! We missed you!
Hi Gail! Could we please get a comparison between the Solis Perfetta and the Breville Bambino Plus?
th-cam.com/video/zvj0bDWDKg4/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=SeattleCoffeeGear
As an ex-Bambino owner (well I still have it, so a current owner...) it's garbage. Lovely when it works, but they don't work for long. This seems like it might be much better quality.
So happy to see Gail back!!! It’s just not the same without her. 😄 Also… nice machine.
“Anybody got a donut” totally helped me make up my mind. Love her, love her!
I was looking high and low for a Breville Bambino Plus, and it's sold out everywhere (including from Breville's own site). Then I came across a Reddit thread comparing it with this one, and this one just seems like a MUCH better deal and a better machine overall. So I bought one from you right away. Looking forward to receiving it in a few days!
It seems like the one thing the Bambino does better is it heats up in 3 seconds instead of 40, but it takes at least that long to grind the coffee, so who cares? Having a choice of filter baskets, a pressure gauge, and a MUCH nicer portafilter means this ends up being a lot cheaper since now I won't have to upgrade all the parts right away anyway.
How has the Solis held up for you? I'm trying to decide between this and the Bambino. Have you experienced any issues with water leaking or brew temp being too low?
Lovely to see you Gail. We missed you
OMG we missssssssssed u Gail!! Gail need to have her own youtube chnl alrdy!! :)
Yay Gail! Great to see you again!
We want more of this very special guest! Great to see Gail back doing reviews!
Welcome back Gail!! Love seeing you doing videos again :)
Welcome back Gail!
Love seeing Gail :) Gail for President!
Any thoughts how does it stack against the Breville Bambino plus? From a express drinker point. Not the late
This I bet is better
Gail is back???!!! whaaaaat? 🤣 Welcome back!!!
Oh my we missed you Gail! So nice to see you 🤗❤️🇨🇦
you have a fan here in Turkey as well Gail. would like to see you more and wb.
Thanks Gail good to see you. But let's get one of the younguns in to do some art on this machine!
was struggling between breville bambino and Solis prefetta plus. watching this video just helps to make up my mind and go for Solis. Thanks Gail
Did you get it? Any good?
Any hand grinder recommendations for this machine?
Return of the coffee Queen.
will love to see a comparison with breville bambino, looks really alike and same price
So, can we have coffee webinars with Gail? Gail, would you be up for it?
YEAHhhh Gail is back! We missed you!!
The legend herself
Nice fern leaf there Gail. :-D Always love to watch your product reviews/demos!
Do you think this machine will be serviceable? I've been able to fix my Barista Express a few times which is part of the reason I like it.
I suspect that the internal parts are interchangeable with the Barista Express. These 2 machines share so many common features that they are very likely made by the same factory in Asia.
Awesome review, thank you just purchased it along with the Solis Scala grinder!
"Perfect for in an RV" We've all seen your RV Gail....
what is the brand and model of your grinder please? thanks
I'd like to see some of these smaller machines reviewed on the quality of the shot, no milk.
Great to see Gail again!
Always enjoyed your personal reviews and demos. 🙂
We missed Gail. Welcome back!
Hi! I just bought this machine but it doesn't mark any pressure when making the espresso, any idea of what's happening?
Did you grind the coffee fine enough and TAMP the coffee in the single wall basket.
- If you did NOT tamp, the water will flow through the coffee without building up much/any pressure.
- If you did not grind the coffee fine enough, even if you tamp it, the coffee bed may be so porous that it cannot create the resistance to water flow to build up pressure.
Note. On mine, when I use the double wall/pressurized basket, the max pressure I get is about 6 bar. To get more pressure, I have to use the single wall basket and do it with grind and tamp.
Gail is back..Yeahhhhhhhhhh
Gail !! Glad you are back.
GAIL!! OMG I know its been a very short time, but boy have I missed you =)
I bought one yesterday to replace my Breville. No comparison for me, I take the Solis.
When I was calibrating the volume, I found that mine is inconsistent on the shot volume. When I weighed the output for a single shot, it varied 18 grams +/- 4 grams. Yes, that is a 20% variation. And the consistency of a double shot was no better.
Dialing in the machine to your taste becomes difficult when the ratio of coffee to water may be changing each time you pull a shot.
So check the level in your glass to see if your shots are consistent or not.
She is just a great presenter. She needs to keep doing videos on for as long as she wants.
Seriously? I'm 1.5 minutes in, and it seems like pointless meandering to this point.
Good to see you Gail!
So nice to see another Gail review! Love ya!
Welcome back!!!
Woohoo! I miss Gail and her reviews so much!!
Yeah Gail!!
Great review, thank you! Do you know what size the portafilter is pls, is it a standard 58?
@Neil Fellows No!!!!!!! Watch the video on rewind. 54. P.S. Your name is close to coffee equipment company "Fellow." Just sayin'.
GAIL!!!! You can see me anything!! Gads, I miss you!!
So glad to see you!
I just got this and I can’t get the filter to stay in place, how do you push it all the way in? Please help!
Hi there! The three "teeth" that come off the sides and front of the portafilter should slide up into grooves that fit them, there's a guide on the brew group that should help. You then need to firmly twist to the right to lock it in. If it's not staying in place it likely isn't being twisted all the way. I hope that helps!
I have a grinder that says Solis in front but its really a Baratza Encore. Is this a brand of Baratza?
Do not know, but fyi - Baratza's instagram announced that they are with Breville now.(Oct.2020)
Baratza was the importer for Solis machines and built grinders for Solis.
I owned a Solis SL 70 and I really liked it, however.... The coupling to the steaming wand was kind of cluggy and would pop loose spraying steam all over the electronics. It just got worse with time. While the wiring was Teflon insulated, the plastic spade connectors were not and got brown and brittle over time. It all became rather spooky as it aged. In all other respects it was a nice machine to use and I felt that it was a shame that Solis seemed to just quit on the quality when they got to the steamer.
What is the difference between this and the plus version?
can I buy replacement parts online?
We love you Gail
Gail is the OG, that's why she's back
Oh yeah, true dat.
I wonder a what temperature did she pull that shot , making my mouth watering and as am watching it's midnight !😛
Happy to see Gail again.
The Queen of latte art has returned!!!
Just bought the Gaggia Classic Pro, but definitely would have considered this machine had I known about it sooner!
What a lovely surprise. Hey Gail. :-) That's a tempting buy.
Gail; Zen and the Art of Coffee Reviews. Welcome back!
Does this have a filter in the water canister?
Yes it has.
Wonder why Gail does the milk first then the brew?
First off Gail ROCKS and thank for coming back to do a video on my new machine. Yesterday I stopped at the Kirkland store and after spending some wonderful time with Alex I walked out with the Solis. What a great machine. This replaced a Breville and makes a much better shot, at least at my skill level. I would add that I pull a blank double shot once it heats up to warm up everything. They also provide a test strip for your water so you can dial in your filter. Simple instructions and something that I am very pleased with. I drive 90 mike's to get to Seattle Coffee Gear to spend time with Alex and certainly was not disappointed. Thanks so much and I know there are many, many enjoyable coffees in my future.
OMG hi Gail I literally squealed with joy! You're looking great! Hello from Melbourne! 🐨🇦🇺❤️
Hi SCG, thank you for all the reviews, tips and trics on TH-cam. Enjoyed the Solis Barista Perfetta info. Here in Europa Solis also sells a Entry level+ machine. The Solis Gran Gusto. Is it available in America? and if so can you do a review? It is a great machine with programmable buttons and only unpressurized baskets.
Gail! We are not worthy!!!! Do you realize just how much your fans love and adore you? More Gail!!!!!
Yeah!! Gail is back !!