The Gaggia Classic is one of the best selling espresso machines on the market for good reason. It is a nice, high quality espresso machine that will brew you good shots, and look good on your countertop. If you don’t have thousands to spend on an espresso machine but do not want to compromise espresso quality, this is the machine for you.
Gaggia has included a heavy duty chrome plated boiler and a 3 way solenoid usually found only on commercial grade machines. The boiler is strong and quick and the 17 bar pump produces plenty of pressure. It has a nice powerful frother that may be a bit too much to handle at first. The heavy chrome plated portafilter helps stabilize the pressure during brewing and should last you a good long time.
This machine is very well designed and built with a stainless steel outer case and controls that feel solid. The portafilter well made and feels substantial in your hand and both single and double shot filter baskets are included.
Using the Gaggia Classic for the first time is much like the first time you drove a manual shift automobile. You probably stalled the first time because it takes more time to learn how to control. But once you have overcome this you are rewarded with a much more engaged and enjoyable experience. This is a semi-automatic espresso machine, which means that you have control over grinding, tamping, dosing and timing of the shots.
The Gaggia Classic does not automatically pressure the coffee in the porta filter for you, which means you’ll have to input the exact quantity and pressure to the coffee yourself. Many consumer machines will do that automatically, but not the Gaggia Classic.
Some may find the look of this machine to be a bit plain. The simple shape and smooth lines does make it easier to clean. The brushed stainless and black finish of the Gaggia Classic fits nicely in most modern kitchens. It won’t scream out at you from the counter top either. The 72 ounce water tank is easy to fill and the switches and controls are well placed.
I wouldn’t recommend this machine for the casual espresso drinker. This is more of a hobbyist machine. If you are not ready to mess with the tamper and grain coarseness, this machine is not for you. Of course, if you are a hobbyist or you don’t mind spending time fiddling with your technique you are going to drink a superior espresso than with consumer machine.
Overall, the Gaggia Classic is an excellent machine – It is solidly built, good looking and makes excellent coffee.
My Overall Rating
Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel
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 List Price: $599.00 Sale Price: $387.85 Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days |
Product Description
Consumers Best Buy! The Gaggia Classic is one of our best sellers for several reasons. Commercial grade quality: Rugged construction of heavy duty materials for longevity. High performance: Forged brass components to stabilize temperature with a three-way solenoid valve and independent expansion valve. Gaggia is in the process of rolling out a new Turbo-Frother wand replacing the metal frothing wand and sleeve. The Gaggia Classic turns anyone into a "Barista" in their own home. Includes two stainless steel filter baskets (single and double shot), coffee tamper and 7g measuring scoop
Details
- Coffee/espresso machine with 72-ounce removable water reservoir
- Stainless-steel housing; brass portafilters and grouphead for temperature stability
- 17-1/2-bar pump with high-voltage boiler; hot-water dispenser; frothing wand
- Single- and double-shot stainless-steel filter basket, tamper, and measuring scoop included
- Measures 14-1/4 by 8 by 9-1/2 inches
