Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine - Brushed Steel|14101

I have this machine for over 15 years and I can't be happier with it. It is also impressive that Gaggia Classic has sturdy, compatible and replaceable parts in case you need any. A caveat with a manual espresso machine is that if you have never done it before, you will have to learn how to properly make an espresso. You will find many guides how to make a good espresso with this machine on or if you just search the internet via google or bing. I will just add that it is very important how you grind the coffee for espresso so that is not too fine or too coarse.

I also recommend you get a higher quality espresso tamper. The one that comes with machine does the job, but it is made of plastic and is pretty light.

If you are looking for a manual, high pressure, espresso machine then look no further. If my Gaggia ever breaks, I'll get another one.

I had been using a Saeco Classico for many years and it served me well as I don't drink or make too many cups of espresso for myself or others every day. Maybe two cups of latte every morning for my wife and I and sometimes I'll make a solo espresso mid-day as a pick me up. I've always looked around for used or refurbished models as there are some great deals if you look around. Thrift shops are also good places to look.

I found a used Gaggia Classic on Craigs List in my area for $200.00 and after I took it home and cleaned it thoroughly and ran some descaler through it, I started to make coffee and I was impressed. The machine is nicely constructed and pretty heavy with large 58mm portafilters which have they're own heavy feel if you're used to the less expensive machines like I was. The coffee, the crema, the steam are all improved from my previous experiences.

Even at $375.00-$400.00 new, these are good buys. They'll last, parts are avilable, can be rebuilt,etc. I wanted to get a Rancilio Silvia but even used they were $300-400.The Gaggia Classic is definitely in the "prosumer class"!

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I did a lot of research on espresso machines before deciding on my Gaggia Classic. I chose it due to the overall rave reviews and a great sale on Amazon. I have worked in coffee shops and have a keen sense of what "good" espresso is and this machine makes "GREAT" espresso!

You will need more than this machine to pull great shots:

Grinder: For now I am using a Mr. Coffee Burr grinder (plan to upgrade to something better in the future) but even with this grinder I am pulling great shots almost consistently!

Tamper: You will have to purchase a good tamper. The one that comes with the machine is very light and doesn't allow you to get enough pressure. I purchased a stainless steel 58mm tamper on Amazon.

The machine: The frothing wand works well but isn't as adjustable as I would like it to be to fit under large frothing pitchers. If you use the frothing wand and then want to pull another shot you have to let the machine cool down (or add more water) to bring the temperature down or the coffee tastes burnt. You just have to pull all your shots then froth milk to avoid this problem.

It is very stylish, I have gotten a lot of compliments on the looks of it.

The portafilter is quite heavy and well built.

All in all, I love my new Gaggia and look forward to creating my beverage every morning. If you are new to espresso making I suggest going to youtube and searching for how to pull the best shots. It is a great resource, and with the knowledge of how to pull shots this machine will not let you down.

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There is no doubt that this machine can make great coffee, with a very solid group handle and construction, its some of the features that leave me shaking my head and asking myself... 'why?'

In order of irritation, I rank them as

1. The steam wand is utterly useless at making creamy aerated milk instead it blows huge bubbles into the milk, which ends up looking like a witches brew instead of shiny aerated milk. Taking off the 'steam enhancer' helps, but even then I got much better milk from a $200 Sunbeam with a plain steam nozzle. No idea why Gaggia did this, as it majorly detracts from the machine. On this basis alone, I wouldnt rebuy it because it irritates me every single time I froth milk.

With practice, I've got better at steaming milk, but other machines with ordinary nozzles do a much better job.

2. The wand is too long when the steam enhancer on, and too short with it off so short that it can barely touch the milk in a medium sized steaming jug.

3. The group handle basket is too low to fit anything under except short black cups too bad if you want to pour into a cappuccino mug... because it won't fit under unless you unscrew the spout and leave a fairly unsightly hole, or replace it with a single spout.

4. The lights are back the front. The red light goes on when its ready and off when its heating... the reverse of every other appliance under the sun.

As said above, the biggest problem is the steaming wand which I believe lots of people replace with a Silvia wand I bought one but the copper pipe thread was a different grade, so it wouldn't fit. One of these days I'll get it professionally replaced I think... then it would be quite a good machine... but my next buy will probably be a Rancilio Silvia

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An excellent choice for the best espresso, without the bells and whistles of other complicated machines, It is a true expression of simplicity with intelligence in design.

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