If you’re looking for an espresso machine that combines performance and affordability, then the Gemilai G3006 could be a great option.
I’ve been using this machine for a while now, and I must say, I’m completely in love with it. From the sleek design to the impressive brewing and steaming capabilities, it has transformed my coffee routine without costing a fortune.
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Check out my hands-on Gemilai G3006 review on our YouTube channel.
First Impressions and Unboxing
The Gemilai G3006 arrived well-protected in a double box. Inside, there was an accessories box with everything you need to get started.
When I took the machine out, I noticed it had some heft to it, though not as heavy as the G3007L. My first impression? The design is sleek and modern, giving off a prosumer vibe despite being an entry-level machine.
In the accessories box, you’ll find a quick-start guide and a detailed manual.
There’s also a stainless steel steam lever that feels solid and well-made. You screw this lever onto the steam valve on the side of the machine.
The machine also comes with a 58mm portafilter—the same quality as the G3005E and G3007L models.
You also get a scoop, a single-shot filter basket, a blind disc for backflushing, and a tamper with a stainless steel base and plastic handle.
A screwdriver is included too, I think it’s for changing the filter baksets. It’s a solid set of accessories, though I wish it had come with a milk pitcher.
Design and Build Quality
The design is the first thing that stands out. It’s eye-catching and different from most entry-level machines.
Typically, machines in this price range have the usual ‘C-shape’ layout, with the control panel in front and the group head below.
But the G3006 takes a different approach. It looks more like an E61-style metal brew group, with a bold steam wand and buttons positioned on top. It even has a large stainless steel lever on the side, adding to that prosumer-like feel.
On the left side, there’s an LCD for controlling temperature and settings. On the right, there’s a pressure gauge. The machine’s design is also enhanced by its large toggle switch for powering on—it feels very satisfying to use.
The G3006 comes in two colors: classic stainless steel or cream-white. Both are great, but I personally love the cream-white version.
The body is mostly stainless steel, with some plastic at the base and back, making it sturdy yet light compared to the G3007L.
The water reservoir is removable and holds 1.7 liters. It’s at the back of the machine, and I also love the mirror-like finish of the drip tray cover—it makes the machine look more upscale. Inside the drip tray, there’s a float indicator to show when it’s full, though the capacity is a bit limited.
Controls and Settings
The machine has four backlit buttons on top. I think it would look even better if they were all toggle switches, but they work well. You have programmable single and double-shot buttons—press and hold to set your brew time. There’s also a manual brew button, that’s what I use for brewing. Press it once to start and again to stop. Lastly, there’s a steam button to activate the steam.
A great feature of this machine is the PID controller. You can long-press the plus button below the LCD to adjust the brewing temperature. The minus button sets the pre-infusion time.
This is similar to the 3007L, but there’s a downside—the pre-infusion is simply a waiting period rather than a continuous low-pressure flow. This means the coffee puck isn’t always fully saturated. Still, having the LCD timing for shots and steaming is super convenient.
Brewing Performance
The G3006 uses a single thermoblock system, unlike the G3007L, which has dual boilers.
The upside here is that the heat-up time is quick—it’s ready in about a minute. However, for the best temperature stability, I like to let it warm up for four or five more minutes. Once heated, the temperature is stable, similar to an E61 group head.
When pulling shots, I use my DF64V grinder. It lets me fine-tune the grind size.
The 58mm portafilter holds about 18 grams of coffee, which is pretty standard. Getting the grind right is key to making a great shot. I aim for 25-30 seconds extraction, yielding around 36 grams of espresso—a 1:2 ratio.
If the shot pulls too quickly, I make the grind finer; if it’s too slow, I adjust it coarser until I find the sweet spot.
When the machine is new, the portafilter can feel a bit tight because of the new gasket. Make sure to hold the machine steady when locking it in. Avoid using the group head for leverage as it gets hot. The tightness gets better with use.
I prefer using the manual brew option and weighing the yield—it’s more accurate. The flow rate looks great, and there’s rich crema. The pressure reads a bit high, around 11 bars, but the shot still tastes great.
Overall, the G3006 produces rich, flavorful espresso. The temperature stability holds up well, and the shots are consistent—even back-to-back. There’s a slight drop at the end, but it’s better than what I’ve seen in many other thermoblock machines.
Steaming Performance
The Gemilai G3006 has really impressive steam power. I was shocked when I first turned the steam on.
It uses two steam holes, and the steam is powerful. After pulling a shot, you need to wait about 45 seconds for the temperature to get up to steam level. You also need to purge some water first, but after that, it’s nice and dry.
The long steam wand gives you enough space to find the right angle, even with a larger milk pitcher.
I steamed milk in 34 seconds, and the texture was perfect—smooth, shiny, and ideal for latte art. If you love pouring latte art, you’ll love the silky microfoam you can get from the G3006.
Final Thoughts
To wrap it up, the Gemilai G3006 is a stylish and high-performing espresso machine. It has great temperature control, a well-designed group head, and powerful steam performance. It stands out among single thermoblock machines and is better than most in its price range.
Whether you’re upgrading or just starting out with home espresso, the G3006 gives you a lot of value and versatility. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading, and happy brewing!
