Espresso Machine Reviews

The Gaggia Classic espresso machine is a traditional piece of equipment that is impressive, both in looks and in features.  The Gaggia models have a long and illustrious history which continues to unfold, bringing enhancements and improvements with each new version.

Features

This espresso maker comes with a two-year warranty.  In 2003, the model began using brushed stainless steel instead of the carbon steel housing that was plated with nickel.  The brushed stainless steel provides a more durable housing element that is resistant to rusting or flaking.  The handle on the portafilter was also switched to construction of stainless steel for its dispensing “beak.”  When preparing two cups of espresso at the same time, the stainless steel allows for a more even and smoother flow when separated between two containers.  The portafilter kept its same sturdy composition of one pound of brass with chrome plating.  It also remains at a commercial size of 58 mm in diameter.

Another recent upgrade to the Gaggia Classic espresso machines is the change to a Pannarello Frother from the previous Turbo Frother.  The new frother has a wand that is reported to be both easy to use and easy to clean.  Testing on the product showed that the new wand froths milk more quickly and with less effort.  The froth is also reported to be of good quality.

A new stainless steel pod basket and single shot basket combined together is another enhancement of the latest upgrade to the machine.  Previously, the espresso machine utilized a pod adapter.  This development in the product allows the Gaggia machine to be able to use pods from any approved ESE (easy serve espresso) roaster.  The ESE consortium is the largest in the coffee industry.

The power that runs the Gaggia machine is of 1425 wattage, which is highest you will find in the industry.  It offers maximum strength for output with an electric pump that operates at 55 watts.  The rest of the energy is focused on the unit’s boiler system which uses two heating elements, and the elements do not come into contact with the water.  Instead, they are embedded into the exterior sides of the boiler.  Locating them inside the boiler eliminates a substantial amount of maintenance being sought for heating elements that have corroded from physical contact with water.  This method of heating has also been proven to be very efficient in allowing the boiler to fully become a heating element itself.  This serves to rapidly stabilize temperatures.

Convenience/Usability

The Gaggia Classic espresso machine includes a CD which offers a huge amount of information, along with 14 videos that are designed to increase your knowledge of how it works.  After perusing this literature and watching the videos, you should be able to tackle the machine with ease.  It includes the following accessories: a coffee tamper, a 7-gram coffee scoop, and two filter baskets for single pod or double shot use made of stainless steel that is a quality commercial grade.

Style

This is a beautiful piece of equipment that can easily fit in anywhere.  It has been designed using brushed stainless steel with a satin finish.  Its dimensions are 14.2 inches in height, 8 inches in width, and 9.5 inches in depth.

Value

The price on Gaggia Classic espresso machines is phenomenal when you consider the tradition of the appliance, the superior features, and the constant improvements that are being made to it.

What People Are Saying

Customers say that this is a great machine at an exceptional price.  It works great and makes a wonderful espresso or cappuccino.  Many users don’t want to be without it, so they take it with them as they travel.  They say they really miss it if they don’t take it with them when traveling.  It is small enough in size to travel reasonably well and also fits nicely in a smaller niche on the countertop.  Almost every reviewer has commented on the quality of the brew.  They seem very satisfied with their purchase of this product.

Conclusion

This is a great machine at a very reasonable price that produces a quality cup of espresso, cappuccino, or other coffee specialty drink.  If you are ready for the intermediate espresso step, going from a cheap machine to a top-of-the-line machine, this one is probably a safe bet.