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Technical 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
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 scoopAmazon.com Review
Combining advanced technology with a classic design, this coffee/espresso machine for making hot drinks at home includes all the benefits of a commercial system. Designed in Italy by Gaggia, one of the most respected names in the espresso industry, the unit uses standard 58 mm filters to provide ample room for brewing rich, full espresso. Its commercial-grade construction includes stainless-steel housing, a high-power 17-1/2-bar pump with a high-voltage boiler for quick warm-up times, and an independent expansion valve. A three-way solenoid valve is also included, providing immediate pressure release from the grouphead once an espresso pull is completed, allowing the portafilter to be removed and the next shot to be prepared instantly. For excellent temperature stability, its portafilters and grouphead are made of heavy-duty marine-grade brass with chrome plating. The machine works with coffee pods and is designed to deliver two cups at once. Other convenient features include a hot-water dispenser for tea, a frothing wand for crema, and a cup warmer. A single- and double-shot stainless-steel filter basket, coffee tamper, and 7-gram measuring scoop are included. Its 72-ounce water reservoir is removable for easy filling or cleaning. To keep the espresso machine clean, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. The unit measures 14-1/4 by 8 by 9-1/2 inches. --Catie UngerSimilar Products
Customer Reviews
2010-09-01
By A. Martin
I've had this machine over a year now, so I can put a review after extensive use of the machine.
The espresso quality you can get is truly exceptional. As you will quickly find out, you need to have a great burr grinder, which will cost you at least $300. Make sure you follow the known rule of having a better grinder than the espresso maker. The main secret for a great espresso is the grinder.
This machine does not pressure automatically the coffee in the porta filter, which means you'll have to put the exact quantity and pressure to the coffee. Most consumer machines will do that automatically, but not the Gaggia Classic. This machine is not consumer, but really pro-sumer, which is why I don't recommend this machine for a novice or casual drinker. If you are not ready to mess with the tamper and grain coarseness, this machine is not for you. Of course, if you are, you are going to drink a superior espresso than with a consumer machine.
I would not recommend this machine for latte and cappuccino lovers: it takes too long. Although the boiler is quickly hot enough to use the steam (2 min): 1) the wand is way too low and creates a mess, in addition to frustration 2) you'll have to wait for the machine to cool down or to purposefully run out of steam in order to make coffee. Which is why this machine is better made for an espresso than a milk-make espresso. I do wonderful cappuccinos with this machine, but it takes time.
Overall, an excellent machine. It is robustly built, good looking, not too noisy, and makes excellent coffee. My review wanted to stress a few points that only comes through having using it. Ask yourself the two questions: when you go to Starbucks, do you order an espresso or something else? Are you ready to spend $800 ($350-500 machine, $300-$500 grinder, $100 accessories)? I truly hope this helps you make a better purchase decision. This review will be posted on different sites. AM.
2010-08-11
By mousecall
A bit pricy but quick and easy to use. Can turn out cup after cup continuously. I don't use the steamer but have been told it can be messy to clean. Recommended to all espresso lovers.
2010-08-02
By anon
I have never used a coffee maker before in my life and this is very easy to use. I do not like and do not drink American style coffee but came to love espresso and cappuccino while in Italy a couple of months ago. When I came home I wanted to have it at home too. I was very nervous about foaming the milk for cappuccino after reading other reviews on foaming. Yes, it does take a time or two to get it perfected but it is very easy and the results are fantastic. My husband, who drinks all coffee types, thinks it is as good as what we drank in Italy. Make sure to let the machine heat up for 5 minutes or so even though the light comes on to say it is ready to make coffee, so it will be hot coffee. If foaming milk, make sure the black attachment is on as far as it will go and tightly so it doesn't blow off. Enjoy!!!
2010-07-22
By Michael Ehlers
The machine makes great coffee, and although the instructions are a tad obtuse, I'd heartily recommend it to anyone. However.............what sensible designer would incorporate a tiny black plastic part that fits---loosely---into the bottom of the filter holder, and is virtually guaranteed to be lost when the basket is cleaned? Unless the idea is to sell more tiny black plastic replacement parts, I would recommend doing things differently, or at least including a spare one with the $500 espresso machine. Michael Ehlers
2009-11-05
By Books4me
This is one of the last honest home espresso units you can find.If you get the MDF grinder that Gaggia also offers you will be very happy.
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