When I got my Gaggia more than several decades ago, it was not yet called a Classic. It was called a Coffee Gaggia. About 20 years ago, some minor changes were made, and the unit was renamed Classic. The new "Coffee Gaggia" is not the same as this machine.
This machine has a robust build, and high quality parts. Its tank heats the water quickly, and to a proper temperature, and the pump is powerful enough to do the job properly. I would strongly recommend using filtered water, especially with a low mineral content, so that deposits do not build up in the tank.
My version has an all metal frothing wand, which does as good a job as the skills of the operator will allow for. The newer versions have a "turbo frother," and an optional milk frother that will take the guess work out of frothing and place foamed milk directly into the cup. I can't comment on these newer features, but perhaps they will allow a better job to be done by those with less experience.
The newer models are brushed stainless, while the original models had an appliance enamel finish. Since the old finish allowed water to penetrate under any scratches or imperfections in the finish, this was a particular problem near the portafilter holder and underneath the drip tray. The new version should retain its finish far longer, although the old one still does not show any wear in places that are visible with the machine assembled.
Minor differences are that the new machine has a more robust looking steam knob that was moved to the side, and the thermostat light, which indicated that the unit was heating, has been replaced with a "ready" light that is integrated into the coffee switch and signals the opposite.
In the time that I've had my machine, I've had only minor problems with it. My steam thermostat needed to be replaced once, and the light on my power switch stopped working. These were larger issues before the Internet made it easy to find parts, as these items are hard to find locally. The other problem is that if the unit is not used for extended periods, and the tank is allowed to dry out completely, and the water used was hard, then some parts are subject to clogging. The troubleshooting steps in the manual are not helpful for these sorts of problems. The machine can be disassembled for cleaning by somebody who is mechanically inclined, but unless you feel comfortable with appliance repair, you are better off avoiding the situation by using filtered water, and/or descaling regularly, especially before any long term storage.
The other "parts" issue is that the gasket for the filter basket should be considered a consumable part, and should be sold by every dealer as an accessory, rather than just by repair facilities. The machine really should have included an extra one since this is the only part that will definitely wear out with regular use. It might take a few years or longer, and is easy to replace, but it will wear out.
Overall, this is a well built machine that should last you many decades. Although it seemed expensive when I bought it, it has averaged out to about 6 cents a day to own it, which was well worth the price, and I'll probably get another few decades out of it.
If you have used cheaper espresso makers, you will appreciate the robustness and quality of this unit. Features such as the three way solenoid controlled valve might be transparent to the user, but the lack of them become clear when you use a cheaper machine. This one just keeps going and going.
I bougt the $200 breville ESP8XL when I started my bean habit and was considerably satisfied. With the breville I learned just how tempermentle espresso can be. The grind, the tamp pressure (with a twist) as well as the temerature of every item the coffee contacts in the pull will effect the taste of your espresso. (To warm up cups fast, fill them with water and put them in the microwave for a minute and your set.)
I learned alot in 2 weeks and now considered my capucchino concoction worthy and much better than chain coffee houses. I use Lavazza preground espresso coffee and love it, its smooth satisfying and has an excellent crema. I'm considering a grinder but with the Lavazza (black can) I'm putting it off for a while.
I ordered the Gaggia Classic on impulse due to a sale hoping to improve my pulls with the presumably better machine. Which is better, well the short story is I packed the Breville up for return 2 days later.
The Gaggia arived well packed but after setting it up the pump didnt work. Disapointed but not wanting to give up on it. I opened the top easily with a screwdriver and found that the rubber gromet around the pump had loosened from its mount and pulled a wire (with slip on connector) off its termination point. I slid the motor gromet back into place and remedied the connection easily. From there the machine operated perfectly.
Gaggia Pro's: Better portafilter. Filter is easier to clean larger in surface area and the used coffee pucks come out easier and much drier. Also the espresso comes out of one hole in the middle and is then seperated into channels that flow into the 2 cups you see in the picture. The Breville has a smaller portafilter that is harder to get in place without looking and has 2 holes in the bottom. Most of the time the majority of the water came out of 1 side catching up at the end of the pull.
The plastic turbo frother steams faster, drier and is much easier to clean than the stainless tube provided on the Breville. The milk froth, adheres like paint to the metal tube and has to be scraped off with a knife or a brillo pad. Steam control and overall heat temperature is better on the Gaggia.
Breville pro's: easier to fill with water, drip tray is easy to handle. Dont think this doesnt matter. If you want your espresso hot, you need to run water thru the portafilter to heat it up and not lose temp. The excess water goes in the drip tray. You want this to be easy access!!! The gaggia's works fine but the Breville's fits better and is easier to handle.
If your considering this machine but are concerned with the cost, get the Breville ESP8XL For $200, it makes a nice espresso but use a quality cofee thats properly ground. If theres no concern go for the Gaggia. I got it here for $400 and feel the extra $$$ was worth it.
Update: September 2010
My Gaggia is still going strong. Temperature and pump strength have not varried at all. I've paired it with a Rancilio Rocky Burr-Grinder which was well worth the investment. I buy local italian roast coffee for $7.50/lb and make Espresso better than any Starbucks around. I've seen other's indicate that the plastic frother is poorly designed and falls off. I've had no problem with mine but I clean it thorouhly after every use. I admit I don't use it as much as when I first got it but it is always available for a mid afternoon espresso or an after dinner capachino. My only complaint is with the design of the water tank. You can fill it through the top but you will have to take it out at least weekly to clean as the standing water will attract bacteria after a while. Removing the tank requires the disassembly of a few parts. It's a trivial complaint but worth noting, fore if you dont clean the tank you can probably damage the pump.
Buy Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel Now
For the price, I'd give the espresso making part of this machine 5 stars. The portafilter and brew group are substantial and well-made. I've worked at two espresso shops with commercial machines, and the parts on this moderately priced Gaggia are nearly as heavy and substantial as the big multiple-thousands of dollars machines. I've had the machine for 4 days and have been brewing shots with Starbuck$ pods. The toggle switches are easy to use, the reservoir is easy to fill, and the shots are aromatic and full of crema every time. However, the steaming wand takes a star away from this machine. It does not rotate in every direction like the comparably priced Starbucks machine. This makes it hard to remove a cup full of frothed milk from under the wand without spilling. Also, the plastic frother contraption is silly. Actual frothing capability is pretty good, though the plain metal tips on the commercial machines produced finer microfroth, and were more fine-tuned to the trained barista's hand. Overall, it's a good-looking machine, and I'm satisfied with it for my main purposes iced lattes and americanos, and straight double shots, all of which do not require use of the steaming attachment. This is a good entry-level machine that will brew you good shots, and look good on your countertop. However, I'm expecting to outgrow it and move up to an Isomac with more refined steaming capability within a few years.
Read Best Reviews of Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel Here
I've used this machine extensively for the last 12 months. In every aspect, I learned a lot about making that still elusive perfect espresso: the bean, the grinding, the water, the temperature, the cleaning, the back flushing, the descaling, you name it. The purchase of this machine started a very rewarding journey into the unknown. From thermodynamics through agricultural techniques, I've read a lot. But only recently I started a new stream of Googling when I researched how to make a more thorough maintenance of the machine. I'm a chemical engineer, so by training, I know that machines need more than cosmetic cleaning to keep working.
And here is when the boiler issue comes along. Among the key components in any espresso machine, the boiler has obviously a very high importance. It's here where a truly exceptional machine shows it's quality. From the steam "disponsable" ones using stainless steel to the almost coffee bar quality solid brass boiler machines, the difference is astounding in terms of temperature stability and durability. There are cheaper machines that use aluminum instead of brass in the boiler. Like the Gaggia Classic. And that I didn't know when I bought it. Aluminum you see, corrodes VERY fast. Even if it creates a self protecting layer of aluminum oxide when exposed to the elements, it DOES corrode and it DOES end it's life in much faster way than a brass boiler. Why? simply because brass doesn't corrode as fast, and if you need to descale or clean a brass boiler, you can be much more aggressive in what you use to do that cleaning.
So, my boiler is now showing significant amounts of corrosion. I used bottled water and cleaned the machine every week extensively, used recommended anti-scaling and detergent agents and followed every rule. But next year this machine is ready for a full boiler replacement. Unacceptable in my mind. Go for the Rancilio Silvia (brass boiler), because that's the one I'm buying soon. It's well worth the extra money.
Want Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel Discount?
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.
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We having been using the Italian made Bialetti aluminum espresso maker for about 4 years and really like it. However, the aluminum Bialetti can't be used in a dishwasher (it oxidizes and turns dark.) We thought that a stainless model would be more convenient to clean. However, this Indian made coffee maker isn't made to as exacting a standard as the aluminum Italian one. The top and bottom pieces don't screw together as well and is very hard to prevent the steam from leaking.
