Is the Gaggia Classic Actually Worth the Money?

Consumer Reviews of the Gaggia Classic

The following reviews for the Gaggia Classic were collected from Amazon.com, WholeLatteLove.com, Zappos.com, and KitchenAdd.com, Target.com, Buzzillions.com,, and Bed Bath & Beyond.com.

By a pretty wide margin the  majority of consumer reviews for the Gaggia Classic gave the machine a convincing “thumbs up”.

We have gathered what we feel is a very fair and balanced collection of consumer reviews for the Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine because we want to help you gain confidence in your purchase decision.

Almost all consumers agree with us that reviews made by actual owners of the Gaggia Classic are the best source of honest, un-biased, and reliable feedback, which we think you will find very valuable when choosing a home espresso maker of your own.

By doing the research for you, and collecting a wide variety of reviews for this generally popular, easy to use, and affordable espresso machine, we hope that we can help save you many hours of time scouring the Internet yourself in order to gather this information, and ultimately to point you in the direction of the best place to buy your new espresso machine.

Review By Wayne

When I got my Gaggia Classic 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.

Review By J. Reiner

I started my espresso machine search with a review in Money magazine (of all places). In that article, the Breville 800ESXL was top rated, with the Gaggia Classic coming in second. The article rated the espresso quality of the Gaggia  as better, but gave the top rating to the Breville based on the combination of quality *and* the fact that it cost about $100 less than the Gaggia . I jumped into Amazon to see what others said about the two machines. What turned me off about the Breville were the negative reviews about how the filter kept clogging, and how one person was ditching this machine and going to the Gaggia . As luck would have it, at that moment, the Gaggia Classic machine was on sale on Amazon, by $100! So I get the machine that got the better all around reviews, for the same price as the other…a no brainer!

I’ve been very happy with the Gaggia. I admit that I’m still working on the proper mix of coffee grinding and tamping pressure, but right from the first cup (which had a perfect head of crema), I’ve been encouraged to expand my knowledge of the “science” of espresso, and feel that this machine is the right one to perfect my technique with. Unlike the Krups, this is a serious machine for people who *really* enjoy a good cup of espresso. It’s like the difference between people who “live to eat” vs. people who “eat to live”. If you’re just looking for a cup of strong coffee, throw an extra spoon of instant in your cup before you put the boiling water in. If you savor the intense taste of a perfectly brewed shot of espresso, stop here, do not pass “go”, buy this machine.

One heads up; the written instructions pretty much suck, so make sure you pop the c.d. into your computer first, and view it beginning to end…before you even start pulling all the parts out of the box. And in case you’re scratching your head wondering why they didn’t give you a power cord, it’s inside the water reservoir.

Enjoy!

Review By wjs1820

I bought the $200 Breville ESP8XL when I started my bean habit and was considerably satisfied. With the Breville I learned just how temperamental espresso can be. The grind, the tamp pressure (with a twist) as well as the temperature 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 a lot in 2 weeks and now considered my cappuccino concoction worthy and much better than chain coffee houses. I use Lavazza pre-ground 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  arrived well packed but after setting it up the pump didn’t work. Disappointed but not wanting to give up on it. I opened the top easily with a screwdriver and found that the rubber grommet around the pump had loosened from its mount and pulled a wire (with slip on connector) off its termination point. I slid the motor grommet 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 separated 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. Don’t think this doesn’t matter. If you want your espresso hot, you need to run water through 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 coffee that’s properly ground. If there’s 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 varied 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 others indicate that the plastic frother is poorly designed and falls off. I’ve had no problem with mine but I clean it thoroughly 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 cappuccino. 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 dis-assembly of a few parts. It’s a trivial complaint but worth noting, fore if you don’t clean the tank you can probably damage the pump.

Review By Winston Ashley

I went through about 10 different espresso machines and finally concluded that the Gaggia  Classic is the best one for under $1000. I had gone through 2 KitchenAid Pro Espresso Machines and they both broke. I then exchanged it for an automatic Jura-Capresso and that got clogged. I exchanged that for a Breville espresso machine but that exploded in my kitchen. I also had a Francis Francis! but it could not keep up with my 2 cappuccinos a day routine. The La Pavoni Europiccola manual espresso machine looked cool but burnt the espresso every time. I finally bought the Gaggia  Classic and was completely surprised by the power it had to blast through fine espresso & its quick start up time.

The Gaggia Classic has a higher wattage pump than all the others in this price point. Which I think helps a lot. It’s easy to clean, easy to fill with water, and I suggest steaming the milk without the provided plastic tube. THE Gaggia CLASSIC PRODUCES CONSISTENT ESPRESSO SHOTS EVERY TIME! I know what I am getting every morning and don’t have to waste coffee to get that perfect espresso shot.

Just thought I would share since I bought and used about 10 different machines and finally landed on the Gaggia  Classic. You won’t be disappointed.

Review By NAL

I have had my new Gaggia Classic for about a month now, I love it! I have had other slightly lower end espresso machines (pump driven, $250 range) and after repeated issues I felt it was time to upgrade. I drink cappuccino every morning, the espresso from this machine is fantastic and the frother is both easy to use and clean. I just got back from a trip to Italy and the cappuccino I make with this rivals anything I had on vacation. Assuming this machine holds up long term, it is well worth the money!

Review By Mediterranean Maven

I just bought a Gaggia  Classic after extensively reading online about which machines were the best pick (thanks to N. Caine for his excellent reviews and suggestions – you made the choice a lot easier). After much research, I chose the Gaggia  Classic and I’m glad that I did. This machine is very impressive: sturdy housing, 3 way solenoid valve and crema laden espresso that’s liquid gold. It’s easy to use and clean up is also a breeze. Although I looked at the Gaggia  Carezza as a possible candidate, I was turned off by the plastic housing and the lack of the solenoid valve. The Gaggia  Classic is worth the extra money and is a pleasure to use. I highly recommend this machine for anyone who is looking to upgrade from otherwise disappointing machines such as Krups or Delonghi. Look no further: the Gaggia  doesn’t disappoint!

Review By Matias Proietti

To make real Italian caffè, one would need a professional machine, retailing at around 5 grand (the cheaper ones – some go up to staggering 20 thousand dollars). Besides the somewhat restrictive price, these machines need about half an hour to heat up, consume an obscene amount of electricity and demand constant maintenance. But, of course, the coffee’s unbelievable.

The Gaggia  Classic is the next best thing. This is, by far, the best home espresso machine you can get. Efficient and fast boiler, large water compartment, powerful pump. It’s also easy to set up, easy to use, and easy to clean. It makes almost perfect espresso, and the frother is also very decent. And, as a bonus, the thing lasts forever. It is a bit pricey, but worth every penny.

Review By J. M Schwartz

Probably the single most important investment I have made this year! Delivers deeply satisfying espresso with rich crema every time. I have used the more expensive manual pump machines and the fully automatics–the Gaggia  Classic delivers as good or better than those more expensive machines. And, it’s built like a tank–very sturdy construction, feels and acts industrial grade, and looks great in the kitchen. Fits under kitchen cabinets nicely. had it for a month and I am completely sold! Oh, and I have not been to Starbucks once…no comparison.

Review By Martin

During the past few years I’ve changed 4 coffee grinders and 5 espresso machines trying to find a combo, which would be able to produce professional quality cappuccino and espresso shots. I wasn’t satisfied till I bought Gaggia  MDF Burr grinder and Gaggia  Classic espresso machine (~$700 for both). I am happy now.

I can make myself an espresso shot with quality comparable to what I would get in Florence or Venice. The machine has a powerful 17.5 bar pump (most others are built on 15 bar pumps), 3-way solenoid valve, heavy-duty commercial portafilter… People complain about the milk frother, but in my opinion it’s pretty good; it allows you to quickly produce wonderful creamy froth.

Review By Scott Lowe

I got a new Gaggia Classic for Christmas and it is my first espresso machine that is not a stove top machine. It is everything I want it to be.

Be warned: Gaggia  has provided 3 filter baskets. 1 is the standard filter with holes on the top and bottom of the filter. 2 are “pressurized” baskets with a bunch of holes on the top and 1 on the bottom. The instructions did a really bad job of explaining what that means since it looks like they changed to providing that recently. Basically use the standard one and make espresso like you see in coffee houses and on YouTube. If you use the pressurized baskets you don’t have to tamp the espresso hardly at all but it will produce a shot with a slightly different flavor and texture than you are used to. Also it is almost impossible to get the used grounds out of the pressurized filter without scraping them out. Since I wanted espresso like I was used to, I used the standard filter.

I have not frothed milk yet since I am way to lazy to do that and don’t have a pitcher. The frother looks like it will require some cleaning after use so I am in no rush to dirty it.

Some people complain about the included tamper and it is understandable. It does seem a smidge too small. It hasn’t ruined my life yet so I will upgrade at some unnamed date.

No complaints. Perfect for every day personal use.

Review By JacGil

If you know what you are buying, the Gaggia Classic is perfect for the price. I traded-up from a Coffee model, now owned by my son. Have a coffee DeLuxe in Florida. It is quieter, fells more solid but does not overwhelm the former model. Love the quick turn-around, even if it means a small aluminum boiler. The freshness and quality of the beans, plus a good (need not be expensive) burr grinder is the difference. I drink a better cup than all those “express” I was served on a 20 days trip to France. Better than most generic coffee bars; comparable to the best.

This machine will let you know, without ruining every attempts how to adjust dosage, grind and beans. I am very far from the Atomic stove top bought in 1973. (Sold that too. Now it’s a valuable collectible!!!)

Review 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.

Review 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!!!

Review By Dominika Lepak

For the price, I’d give the espresso making part of the Gaggia Classic 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 Starbucks 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 micro froth, 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 counter top. However, I’m expecting to outgrow it and move up to an Isomac with more refined steaming capability within a few years.

Review By A. Martin

I’ve had my Gaggia Classic 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 portafilter, 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.

Review By Kumar H. Shah

I have been using the Gaggia  Classic for over twelve years. The first machine is still going strong, but my ex-wife inherited it, so I am on the second and newer machine.

Both are well-made heavy duty units that are used to make 5-6 cups of espresso a day, and the occasional capuccino. The machine does this flawlessly.

Those of you who know espresso making know that a good cup of espresso requires these four things:

1. Temperature: Water temperature a bit below boiling; about 190F is right.
2. Pressure: Of up to 200 psi (about 15 atmospheres or bars)
3. Amount: You need 7 grams of coffee per espresso cup. The included scoop should give you the exact amount.
4. Time: About 25 seconds for enough water to flow through the coffee grounds to make one or two cups

The Classic does 1, 2 and 3 perfectly. By definition, you, the barista, are in charge of 4. This you achieve through grinding the coffee to the right degree of fineness and tamping it with the right amount of pressure. It is this you need to learn with just a bit of trial and error. But you must buy a burr grinder for your coffee to do this right.

A burr grinder does not have to be expensive. I have two (a Krups and a Capressa) at home that each cost less than $40. I have been using them for years without a problem. If they develop one, easy and inexpensive enough to replace.

When you start, try out three or four different levels of grinds, generally at the finer settings of your grinder. The grind should be about the consistency of table salt. Then try out three or so levels of tamping the grounds in the portafilter. Pretty soon you will zero on the combination that provides the right degree of resistance to the water pressure to take about 25 seconds. I found that a rogher grind with very high pressure, or the right grind with medium tamping pressure and a very fine grind with little or no pressure all do the job. Obviously, the right grind with medium pressure is the optimum. If the water flows out too quickly, the coffee will be weak and will not have any of the crema that is the mark of a well-made cup. If it takes too long, the coffee will be bitter and the crema will will be dark brown. I have also found that as I switch from one kind of beans to another, or even from one batch to another, I sometimes have to fine tune the grind setting.

In my experience it is very difficult to buy pre-ground coffee, or have it ground by the seller, such that it makes good espresso in my machine. I suspect you will find the same thing. An alternative around this is to use ESE pods, which Starbucks and others sell. These pods have the right amount and grind of coffee sandwiched between two pieces of teabag paper. All you do is pop one in the machine and you get, mostly, a good cup of coffee. But pods are expensive, at about $0.50 a cup, compared to about $0.15 per cup from beans.

My old machine had a plain steel wand for frothing. Took a little skill and experience to learn how to froth, starting with high steam flow and with the wand-end almost at the bottom of the steaming cup, gradually reducing the steam flow and moving the end of the wand closer to the surface of the milk. Worked like a charm with a little experience. Cleanup was easy; a wet sponge to wipe off the milk residue and a squirt of steam to clean out the inside. My new machine has a new-fangled plastic gizmo with many internal parts that slips over the metal steam wand. Now my dog could likely make perfect froth with this, except that it is a pain to clean. I find the easiest thing to do is slip off the gizmo from the metal wand right after the frothing is done, run warm water on/through it in the sink and slip it back on. Seems to stay clean and does not require dis-assembly of the internal parts.

I don’t do much maintenance of my machine. I descale it twice a year and replace the silicone gasket/seal every few years, when the old one wears out and water begins to seep from it. You can find details for descaling elsewhere. All I do is run two cups of water with two tablespoons of citric acid crystals (bought at a baking supplies place) dissolved in it through my heated machine, as if I was making coffee but without grounds.

The Classic is well made, feels substantial, and works flawlessly. Are there other machines out there that are as good or better? Who can tell, without using each of them for some time. All I an say is that the Classic has been more than meeting the requirements of this picky engineer and coffee lover for over a decade.

Review By Flying Saucer

If you’re looking to get a “real” home espresso machine, the Gaggia Classic would be the entry level to get. Enough pressure, solenoid valve, well made, stainless look. Got this when they had it for $499, must have been a special. Get this if you want a “real” ome machine that has a solenoid valve and don’t want to take the time to learn how to use the Rancilio. Within a handful of shots you will have espresso much better than Starsucks and as good as a hole-in-the-wall cafe. Beware though, buying a “real” machine will start you on the slippery slope of coffee-bean snobbery…next you’ll get a burr grinder and never get pre-ground beans again. Then you’ll only want boutique fresh roasted beans…I however, do not think i will home roast…

Review By Gaijinphotographer

This is a great machine. The only reason I do not give the Gaggia Classic 5 stars is because the learning curve to figure out how to get great espresso out of it is a little steep, and it is like a small Italian sports car in that it can be temperamental. But if well maintained, if the user is willing to devote him or herself to learning about espresso, and with a little patience, it can produce absolutely amazing results – far exceeding anything you can buy at a major coffee chain (and saving some bucks in the process).

I use this daily in my office and have had great fun with it. The most important things I have found through the three months of use until I could make a consistently great cup of espresso are: 1) you need to grind the beans just before use; 2) you need to grind them in a burr grinder; 3) the beans you use cannot be too oily or else they will clog in the machine – this may cause baristas to cringe, but the perfect combination for me has been 50% arabica beans and 50% Starbucks Sumatra beans. Starbucks espresso beans are way too oily; 4) do not use the provided tamper! There is no way to regulate the right amount of tamping with this. Buy a nice stainless steel, weighty version and use that; 5) turn the machine on 15 minutes before you use it so as to heat up the elements and produce a warm brew; 6) prime the pump with water and make sure that water is spring water and not from the tap (sorry environmentalists); and 7) keep it clean (take the components apart a couple of times a month and clean them with water). Using good water means you will not have mineral buildup so will not have to decalcify it, which can be a pain.

I have a routine when I come into the office that I do not deviate from, including the above steps, and it allows me to make a consistently great cup of espresso. It requires effort and discipline and uniformity, but if done, that will allow you to make many thousands of cups of great coffee, with this great, well-made machine, well into the future.

Review By Michael Ehlers

The Gaggia Classic 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

Review By Al

I’ve been using my Gaggia Classic for 2 years, and am very satisfied with the espresso produced. Some folks have complained about the frother. I use it every day with no problem – maybe you have to get used to it – maybe I don’t know any better! My only complaint is that there are 3 switches. Why not a single switch OFF-BREW-STEAM?

Review By Crystal

After much research we were down to the Gaggia  Classic vs the Rancilio Silvia. The Gaggia  won out for two reasons: a) 20% discount from BB&B b) Most reviews on the Silvia mentioned finickey coffee grind issues.

THE PROS: We just received this machine today (12/21/06). We got an AWESOME cup of coffee right out of the box! If you follow the directions you will too.

THE CONS: The plastic parts. Although I can understand they make for easy cleaning (the water tank and the drip tray) they seem to be made of inferior plastic.

We will not be using the frothing device except for dispensing hot water. But that too seems to be a flimsy plastic device.

I still highly recommend this product as a step up from steam machines. It’s also a nice looking design and will look good on the counter.

Review By Len

Nice machine. Solid and seemingly well built. The steam wand is a little cheap but it does the trick. One thing to be careful about is that they include a pressurized filter with a crema insert that drove me crazy when I first got this machine. If you use the pressurized filter without the little insert the coffee will spray all over the place. The instructions are pretty useless in explaining how this is to be used. They say if you use the “barista” method you dont have to use the insert. Well that method simply means that you have to use the regular double filter rather than the pressurized one. I guess that filter is the barista filter. I hear that the pressurized inserts are really for those people looking to use store bought ground coffee rather than grind your own. It sort of makes the crema easier to obtain. Sort of a faux crema. If you use the pods or the regular double filter – which was included in my package – there is no need for the insert. I wish they would have spelled this out rather than having me squirt coffee all over my shirt, my wife and our office kitchen. At any rate, I thought it was broken and was relieved to find that it was something simple – after an hour of research! So on to the honeymoon phase! Have an order in for a Rancilio steam wand to replace the plastic one on the Gaggia . Burr grinder on the way. All is well. Bring on the ice storm.

Review By David G Kaytes

I’ve been using my Gaggia  Classic for over 2 years now, and it is really an incredible machine for the price. If you spend the time to learn how to work with and/or overlook its flaws, you will be hugely satisfied in the end.

For starters: basic espresso quality is amazing. No BS “crema enhancer” on the portafilter — you actually get enough back pressure to form thick crema the right way. Water temp is just right, and with properly ground coffee it takes the requisite 18-22 seconds to pull a shot. I can give it the highest praise possible for an espresso machine: it does not get in the way of turning quality coffee into quality espresso. You need the proper grinder and fresh beans for good results, but when is that ever not the case?

Now for the quirks. Don’t put the drip tray in the dishwasher — it is some kind of latex coating and will peel right off, leaving gummy glue on the underlying metal. Also, the steam wand’s plastic attachment is worse than useless for lattes; it will produce dry, bubbly froth every time. I’ve taken mine off and learned to use the plastic nozzle underneath, and with a few months’ practice was able to get very passable microfoam suited for latte art. Finally, it’s a bit of work to keep this machine clean, with all its nooks and crannies — get a basic cleaning kit and use it frequently so you don’t get gunk buildup.

Overall: highly recommended. Doubt you can find an equal for the price when it comes to pure espresso making.

Review By Douglas Thomas

This is a well built machine, does a great job of making espresso drinks, and is a pleasure to use. I investigated several automatic machines in the price range of the Gaggia , but in the final analysis, I was not willing to trade convenience for robustness of the Gaggia Classic. The automatic machines are full of plastic parts and mechanisms that lead me to question their longevity.

Should the Gaggia  fail in the future, it appears to be easily serviceable and replacement parts are readily available.
My only minor complaint is, when frothing milk, the steamer readiness indicator light occasionally goes off. I assume the reason has something to do with steam reservoir capacity.

Review By C. Ortiz

I’ve used my Gaggia Classic 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.

Review By Chet Brewer

I have had the Gaggia Classic for about 4 months. It replaced a Gaggia Carezza that made good esperesso but had a weak steam chamber that made steaming milk an major exercise. The best part of the machine is the quality of the brew group like all Gaggia  products. The pump system works well and you can pull very good shots. The suck back valve is problematic and doesn’t work so well but isn’t needed either. As so many people have noted the frother is pretty cheesy and will wear out after a while. They are cheap to replace and I keep one around the house for repairs/losing it down the dispos-all. The machine builds up steam nicely and will heat a 20 oz pitcher to 140F in about 1 minute with good steam pressure the entire time

The only other minus that I see is that the valves are hard to get at to clean and I’m not sure what I will do when they start to leak. I haven’t been able to figure out how to get at them yet

Review By W. Robinson

My first espresso from this machine was phenomenal. As others have written, the Gaggia Classic is a nice machine, but it is not without its quirks. The frothing wand doesn’t know when to quit. If you only want to warm milk without foam, good luck. The frothing wand works so well, it has been impossible not to get too much froth. Additionally, there is not very much room for your frothing pitcher to fit under the wand and certainly not enough room to execute the circular motion recommended while frothing. There seems to be some very slight leakage from the wand even when you don’t use it and the steam knob is closed tightly.

The instructions correctly emphasize the importance of proper tamping technique and the right grind for making superior espresso. I have had difficulty in duplicating good results on a consistent basis. The book suggests either getting a really good grinder like the Gaggia MDF or buying ground coffee using an espresso setting. The grinders at the super market have proven to be too coarse even at the “Turkish” setting that is finer than espresso. My blade grinder can grind things up nicely, but the grind from such machines is not optimal because the grind varies too much.

Bottom line is that once you master all the variables in using this machine, it will deliver the quality of espresso you seek. Getting there is not so easy. I’ll keep trying and I guess I will ultimately have to buy that Gaggia  grinder.

Review By D. King

I was able to test this machine at Peet’s (great customer service, I would have bought from them if I had wanted it). I worked as a barrista in college and I know how to make excellent espresso drinks, having made thousands. However, there was not sufficient pressure to make a single proper cappuccino. Reading the reviews of the Rancilio Silvia, I bought it instead without a test drive and was pleased how much better it works. It will make a real espresso (I like Lavazza Qualita Oro’s grind, which is slightly courser than Illy’s), and put good foam on enough milk for two lattes. It far outperforms the Gaggia  Classic, for only a small amount more.

Review By K. Grant

Beautiful machine, makes a great espresso but I’m very upset about the turbo frother attachment. I’ve tried to froth milk 6 times and every single time, no matter how hard I slip the attachment up at the tube it slides down during frothing creating a huge spilling mess. It’s unbelievable that the designers of this machine couldn’t come up with something that works and stays in place to withstand the steam pressure.

If you only drink espressos buy this machine but if you love cappuccinos and lattes don’t bother with the Gaggia Classic.

Review By Jennifer L. Myers

I bought a Gaggia Classic for my boyfriend after loads of research, as he’s very particular about his coffee.

On the plus side, the foamer works great!

On the not so great side, the machine doesn’t stop on it’s own, it needs to be primed with every use, and it’s very difficult to get hot coffee.

We had to return it and get the automatic Gaggia  instead. We haven’t tried it as it hasn’t arrived yet, but we’re hoping it will be an improvement.

Review By Teranika

The Gaggia Classic produces an extremely wonderful cup of espresso. It’s main and constantly irritating flaw is this turbo frother sleeve. It has too many pieces to clean, and worst of all, the sleeve does not remain securely attached to the the metal steam pipe. Several times I’ve had the frother explode off the machine in a cloud burst of half-steamed milk that sprayed all over the kitchen. I’ve had various other problems with this complicated design. In fact, the company provides a detailed, additional page of instructions on how to troubleshoot with the frother sleeve, which suggests to me that the company is already aware that the design is flawed. I have to ask the question: why not produce a simple, metal frother that doesn’t break and require such special care?

This is the second Gaggia  machine that I have purchased this year (the previous was a full automatic with a faulty sensor), and this is the second Gaggia  that has left me disappointed. I agree that the espresso quality is very good – but I remain underwhelmed for the prices I’ve paid, given the design flaws I’ve encountered.

ADDENDUM: Three years on I still own this Gaggia , and I’ve grown accustomed to the frother. And when it works, it creates a darned excellent foam. If I could revise the stars – I’d likely boost my rating to a 3/4. You have to work for it, but the results are heavenly.

Review By K. Guttenberg

Based on the reviews, I thought the Gaggia Classic would be a good choice. I wanted a unit that was well made and could handle both tamped grounds and ESE pods. Upon receipt, the build quality seems pretty high. It makes a nice espresso, but really struggles generating flow with the pods. And, alas, shortly thereafter it started to leak pretty badly around the pump. Sent back to the vendor, who informed me that none of the espresso machines that promise ESE compatibility are very good at it. Sigh. Now they tell me.

Received the unit back and for 2 months it’s worked well up until the pump died. I suspect the labourious effort to force water through the ESE pods was just too much for it. So I guess I get to ship the 30 lb thing back to the east coast again for servicing.

Finally, when I purchased this unit I had a choice of vendors and I went with Wholelattlove because they promised wondrous customer support. But I have found their service dept difficult to even get hold of. When I originally had the issue with the pump leak, they advised me to take the top off the unit, run it and see if I could spot and fix the leak. Nice. It would’ve been better to purchase directly from Amazon and return for replacement when it didn’t work.

Review By Daniel Hollander

I purchased a Gaggia Classic less then 4 months ago. It made reasonable coffee for a while. Then it stopped. I could not locate the company to repair it nor to let me know who is behind their machine for repairs.

I had to spend $150.00 to have it repaired locally. No factory warranty or help.

Would not recommend the machine unless you want to spend a great deal of your money to keep it going. No company help whatsoever.

Review By Gaudi

Unit arrived and pump didn’t operate. Unit was packed in an outer box barely larger than the unit’s box, with a few of those air things thrown in so it’s no surprise that the unit didn’t work. And then Amazon forced me to pay $6 postage to return the separate tamper which I purchased but now no longer need since I’m returning the espresso machine. Thanks, that’s what I get for spending typically $2,000 a year as a faithful Amazon customer. Suggest that people not order delicate Italian machinery mail order from Amazon but rather why not try that bed and bath retailer so that at least you can return a defective unit to their local store.

Review By Tyler Menke

I have had the Gaggia Classic fore almost 2 months now and am very impressed. I upgraded from a Saeco Aroma and wanted the control of a non-pressurized portafilter. I have been pulling excellent 27 second shots with a Capresso Infinity that has been modified to a stepless grinder. I also modified the Gaggia  with a Rancilio steam wand which has improved my ability to create very good micro foam (I gave a rating of 4 for steaming quality based on pre-modification quality). I had considered for a long time (over a year of research) a Rancilio Silvia but couldn’t justify the premium they were asking. I am so glad I chose the Gaggia . For anyone wanting 2-4 espressos or espresso drinks per day this machine is able to handle all your needs without the fuss that has been well documented with the Rancilio. The Capresso grinder has never given me any problems with great shots. I am hoping to upgrade to a Baratza Preciso or Vario in the future but for now have no complaints with my ability to make great French Press and espresso with my modified Capresso.

Review By Richard Berman

About a decade ago I owned and loved my la Pavoni Europiccola. But it became such a labor intensive time drain that I sold for a profit on eBay. I’ve taken a break since, at least until a recent trip to Seattle fired me up for the “real caffe” again. The price tag on the Europiccolas jumped another buck and a half or so and I just couldn’t do that. So I bought a Gaggia  Classic. I’m very pleased with it after one month. It took me awhile to re-kindle my “touch” and rhythm, but I’m there now. This is a well-built machine for the price. I’m “pulling” great shots with nice crema. The water tank is larger than the Europiccola, which is a real plus. My only complaint is with the frother attachment. It produces too much foam, so much so that it’s never hot. I abandoned it, using only the straight pipe for frothing, which helps me get to 160 degrees easily. But the pipe length is awfully short — workable — but inconvenient. I wish I knew how to back off that super frother attachment, but no success yet. Overall, this is a great machine and it just seems like it will be reliable over time.

Review By Antoine Martin

I’ve had my Gaggia Classic 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 portafilter, 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.

Review By Brian Lair

I have enjoyed using our Gaggia Classic since I got it. I normally have it set up the night before so all I have to do is turn the switch on to let it heat up while I take my shower. It is ready when I am done and it consistently puts out hot espresso with crema. I think the steaming ability is just fine as it fills up my frothing pitcher every time and it is hot as well.

Review By Randall Otte

I intended to upgrade my espresso making abilities by upgrading to Gaggia  from my 6 year old Briel. After a lot of research I purchased the Gaggia Classic. I returned it after 10 days because I found it inadequate. Espresso was inconsistent and the steaming ability was very, very, very weak compared to my needs (no doubt related to the small 3.5 oz boiler). WLL was great in my return of the Gaggia , however I waited a year to try again. With help from WLL, I settled on the Expobar Office Lever. It is the perfect machine for me and I rate it a “5″ and have recommended it constantly for over 2 years now (as you can see, I don’t rush into these reviews).

Review By Danielle Coppola

If you going to do it you do it right. When you buy an espresso machine you spend a lil extra and get something that doesn’t do it for you. Espresso is something that taste good and can taste great. But it tastes that way when you know you ground the beans right and tamped with the right pressure. If you get a machine that does all that for you then just go to the store an buy a cup. I was nervous spending money and then not being able to a great shot the way you should. And trust me i got frustrated and it took a half of a 2lb bag of beans. But i finally got it and now it is fun and I make a great cup of espresso, americano and cappuccino. I can’t wait to kept experimenting now that I got the hang of things. So bottom line: Be patient, GET THIS MACHINE!!! I reviewed WAY TOO MUCH and called with so many questions and it was all worth it.

Review By Dave Pierce

I’ve used my Gaggia Classic nearly every day for about 6 years. I love it! Very easy to use. I’ve had minor problems but they have been easily fixed. See tips.

Review By Heather Lloyd

You must know that my review for the Gaggia Classic is based on pod use only. I am a pod person (sorry!) and will always be. My Francis was used with pods as well. I prefer the early morning convenience, neatness, and I don’t feel that I am sacrificing quality with the espresso. In fact, this machine produces amazing espresso with the Illy pods (not so much with Lavazza.) This is a simple machine – no quirks at all. Frothing is a cinch with the wand attachment. I do find that the milk is creamier with whole milk, of course, therefore I use Simply Smart 1% to get the same effect. I do need to mention that, even though I have had this machine for about five years, there are elements that are breaking down, i.e. the wand leaks at the top and it doesn’t fit securely on the machine and, once in awhile the espresso just isn’t hot enough. When I purchased the Gaggia Classic, I had little expectations for it to be perfect for years to come – after all, I make 2 plus shots with steamed milk every day and many more when I have company. For a machine of this price I feel it is a great bargain, which is why I just ordered the exact same one after weeks of researching others like the Silvia. I’ll keep the old one just in case for awhile.

Review By Jim Leonard

I’ve had my Gaggia Classic for a little over a year, and make at least 3 caps a day, usually doubles. It’s a solid machine, easy to use, and fairly easy to keep clean. Most important, the coffee is fantastic. Beautiful shots of espresso with perfect crema. The steamer is fine, not fantastic, but certainly does the trick.

Review By Michael Tadduni

I have multiple high end coffee bars in my Italian neighborhood. The kind where it is rare to hear any English. I buy the same coffee they do from the same roaster. You can’t get a better cup of coffee in your home, at this price period. The machines they use cost 5-12k and make a cup that on a scale of 1-10 is a 10. My Gaggia Classic makes a 9 or better w/the best crema. Love it. I use it once or twice a day for over 3yrs now & not once had a problem. I swear by it.

Review By Carol Wellins

After sending back 3 (yes 3) Baby Twins, I took the advice of a number of folks and went for the Gaggia  Classic. True, you can not program a shot and is is not as “pretty” as the Twin but what I got in return is what I want from an espresso maker; great coffee! I have read reviews stating that the steaming function could be better, maybe they improved the model since that review but I find the steamer very robust, with none of the foul smell that the Baby Twin emitted when steaming. The plastic steaming attachment is a little tacky, the Twin sported the same in Stainless Steel, much nicer. It is simple and easy to use, I wish that it did not require such a fine grind, but now that I have my own grinder that is not an issue.

Review By Debra Anderson

My Gaggia Classic was delivered on 9/11/2001, an easy date to remember. I have used it almost every day since. I absolutely love this machine. When my husband and I split up 4 years ago, I said, “I’m taking the Gaggia !” I have replaced two fuses, and I had it tuned up a few years ago, but haven’t done much else to it other than routine cleanings. I probably don’t descale as often as I should, but it doesn’t seem to mind.

Review By Edwin Strisower

I have been using my Gaggia Classic now for two years on an almost daily basis. I have found the machine solid and easy to use once you get the hang of it. It makes an excellent cup of espresso. Cleaning is easy, the steam and frothing wand work well.

Review By Edwin van der Heuvel

I have owned my Gaggia Classic for three years now. It is a great machine for a reasonable price. The shots it delivers are very good. Include this with a great grinder and you have the perfect home barista set. The steam wand functions great but I rather had a more commercial one, like the ones you can buy for the Rancilio Sylvia. However, the original steam wand produces also a nice result but is not very practical when using a bigger pitcher.

Review By Susan Yahn

I bought a Gaggia Classic for myself for Christmas in 2006 after spending hours reviewing different machines. It came down to this or the Rancilio Silvia but that seemed to require grinding your own beans. This machine has performed daily for that time except while on vacation and if we are driving, it comes with me. My only two complaints are that if you are making espressos for 4-5 people, it doesn’t work as well and lately the espresso has not been as hot, varies weekly. however, overall, I’d buy this one in a heartbeat. it’s easy to you once you get used to it, takes up a small footprint on the counter and products a great cappuccino. I figured with my Starbucks fix, it would pay for it self within 6-8 months. When I don’t have it with me, unfortunately, even the strongest coffee tastes like brown water.

Review By Keith Teelucksingh

I ordered my Gaggia Classic through the website about 4 months ago and I have been very satisfied overall. I have to admit that making the jump from steam driven machines that costs ~$100 to one that’s half a grand was a bit of a struggle but overall it has been worth it. The machine came without any problems and was easy to set up. Now I would not consider myself an amateur (worked as a barista for a few years, owned steam driven machines for years and years) but I definitely needed some time to get versed in the ways of my new Gaggia . Initially I was looking for instant gratification but it quickly became apparent to me that this machine truly needs my full attention in terms of getting the grind right, sorting out proper tamping and frothing. But once I got that first cup of crema laden espresso.. man, life’s not the same anymore. The main drawback for me is the fact that you have to wait for the machine to ‘prime’ before you can froth the milk. Basically your shot(s) sit there while you’re doing your business w/ the milk.. I’ve gotten used to this, though. And yes Lady Gaggia  can be a bit noisy at times too… Just one warning: if you’re like me, after buying a machine of this caliber, you’ll probably find yourself buying (or wanting to buy) more expensive accessories/beans. I mean, yes, Lady Gaggia  does deserve the best but with the economy like it is, you have to budget for those purchases down the line.

Review by Sal Battle

So far the Gaggia Classic has meet expectations. I have been using it twice daily for the past week without a hitch. The pressure is consistent and the quality and foam of the coffee is outstanding. I purchase my machine from Whole Latte Love over the phone with Beau. It was a very good experience. Beau is knows his stuff, has outstanding Customer Service quality and made it a very pleasant experience. The packaging was outstanding, and it arrived as promised. As I continue familiarizing myself with the machine and trying new things I will post on the forum. It helped that I can read fluently Italian and the Italian explanation for somethings was a bit better than the English version. Overall I am very satisfied with the machine.

Review By Stephen Fowler

This is my first real espresso machine and it took about 3 pulls before I got it dialed in with the grinder and pulled one of the most delicious espressos you’ve ever had. We’ve been using this combo for two and a half years now and it works perfectly every time. We usually have a coffee in the morning and one in the afternoon so this machine can stand up to some serious use. When we have guests over you can pull shots one after the other all day long. We occasionally have lattes and when we do, let me tell you, this machine makes some of the most delicious foam you’ve ever had. We’re spoiled by it, but our guests always comment at how rich and foamy our lattes are. I can’t really compare this machine to anything else, but I couldn’t imagine that coffee could get much better than what comes out of the Gaggia Classic Oh yeah, and for service it doesn’t get any better than WLL. When we got our machine some of the wires were connected wrong and their service department helped us straighten it out in no time. We buy coffee from them about once every other month and their delivery is always expeditious. Also, let me go ahead and recommend the LaVazza Super Crema. We’ve tried a lot of coffees and keep coming back to this one. If you’re making drinks it’s a little weak IMO, but if you like your espresso straight, it doesn’t get much better. One more thing. Get a doser-less grinder. We love ours, and I couldn’t imagine having to mess with one of those dosers all the time.

Review By Joe Viskocil

I bought the Gaggia Classic about six years ago and have used it almost every day since it was new. Overall this is a great machine that makes an excellent shot of espresso. It looks great in my kitchen and is constructed well, not built like a tank but of high quality. I have not had a problem with the classic in six year, other than the steam valve has just started leaking a little bit, which is not surprising considering how steam can wear valve seats.

Review By Janice Martin

I have used my Gaggia Classic machine for 3 years, and it makes great shots each time. It is easy to use, once you get the tamping down. The shots are even better if you use the Illy pods. It is, however, sensitive to stale grounds. If the beans are just a little stale, then the shots you pull are bitter. I would get this machine again, given the high quality of shots it brews.

Review By Baba

I just got myself a Gaggia Classic and surprised how good this machine froth milk. On my first try to make espresso though came with a big surprise … it splashed crema all over my counter. Needless to say, I was quite upset. Then I remembered reading about Diffuser Nozzle. Gaggia  created this nozzle for “…. U.S. customers only to brew with the typical barista method ….” whatever it means. I looked for the nozzle but couldn’t find it until I remembered that I washed all the pieces including the nozzle. So ended up placing my hand in the garbage disposal looking for the small nozzle and finding it there.

Now this will cause a major problem. When you clean the filter holder, the nozzle sits loose in it. Therefore, it more likely would end up in the disposal again and again. Gaggia  should provide several nozzles with a machine or design it better.

Furthermore, I have not been able to brew strong enough crema to my liking using one measuring spoonful of Starbucks extra bold coffee. With my old less than $100 Mr. Coffee Espresso machine, I was able to achieve strong brew with about the same amount of coffee. Hence, a little disappointment there as well. To top that, I believe frothing pitcher should be included with this machine. I have no idea where I can purchase it.

Over all I like it enough to have a hope that I can enjoy this machine with more practice, using more coffee, buying frothing pitcher, and request for additional nozzle sent to me.

Review By Anonymous

It was one year ago that I had purchased my Gaggia Classic. I had never owned an espresso machine before so it took a lot of research for me to make my decision on purchasing this brand. I had ordered it over the Amazon website and received it in two days. I’ll be honest, when I first received this espresso maker I did not know how to use it. It was difficult to figure out how to do so. The instructions provided were not exactly clear and were a bit difficult to read. I finally learnt how to use it properly from a friend whom owns the exact same espresso maker. One I got it working, I was pretty amazed by how well it worked. The espressos that in produced were quite amazing and they tasted just as they would if I were to buy them in a coffee shop. It makes the right amount. I was happy that I was able to make two cups at once so that I would be able to share one with my husband or a visiting relative or friend. The espresso maker is also made with stainless steel which is also a pretty big plus. I did have a problem with the steam thermostat. It had to be replaced about a month after I had purchased the machine. I was a bit sad about that since the unit itself was quite expensive. Since I had paid about $800 for the machine I didn’t think a part of it should have broken down so easily.

Overall, this is a great machine. I have very few complaints about it and after you learn how to use it you’ll brew the perfect cup of espresso every time.

Review by Bluedog

This is a commercial quality espresso machine for the home. Gaggia  equipment is very well made and, if taken care of properly, will last for many years. (My last one lasted for ten years.) The Gaggia Classic has a very short learning curve and will make great espresso right from the beginning. However, it is necessary to have a good coffee grinder.

Review By Espresso America Editor

I have had my Gaggia Classic for a few years now and it is simply the best on the market. It gives very good coffee year after year.

Pro’s – fast, reliable, well-built, easy-to-use, water reservoir easily fill-able, sufficient steam capacity. Contra – the cup holder does get warm but sill needs a lot of time to warm cups. Overall – great value for the money.

Review By Gaggia  Addict

The Gaggia Classic brews the perfect espresso making you an addict after the first cup. The Classic is well constructed; not your off the shelf coffee maker, not only making you the envy of all your friends but as well as delivering the taste and quality you expect and enjoy. I think I have the Kramer shakes.

Review By jeepgirl

I bought a Gaggia Classic for my husband for Christmas have only used it a few times, but he loves it. Had a little trouble with the instructions at first, but once he got straightened out has had no trouble making espresso or lattes. It was a little disappointing that for the price it doesn’t come with espresso cups

Review By Cafeconleche

Very well built and easy to use especially after learning all it’s tricks.The only downside to this machine would be the steaming wand, but after a simple mod, the steaming capabilities are great.

Review By Brandon J

I have had the Gaggia Classic for several years. The machine produces great shots of espresso and has the ability to produce great micro foam. When i first purchased this machine I was using pre-ground beans. The great feature with the classic is that is comes with pressurized filter baskets. This allows you to use pre-ground and not have to purchase a grinder. Later on I did purchase a grinder so i could grind my own beans. The classic also comes with a commercial style double filter basket so if you do have a grinder you can use the double filter basket. The portafilter is 58mm chrome plated brass. This allows for great heat stability giving you an excellent shot every time. I would recommend this machine to anyone who loves espresso.

Review By Anon

I’ve used our Gaggia Classic 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 “disposable” 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.

Review By Anon

Beautiful machine, makes a great espresso but I’m very upset about the turbo frother attachment. I’ve tried to froth milk 6 times and every single time, no matter how hard I slip the attachment up at the tube it slides down during frothing creating a huge spilling mess. It’s unbelievable that the designers of this machine couldn’t come up with something that works and stays in place to withstand the steam pressure.

If you only drink espressos buy this machine but if you love cappuccinos and lattes don’t bother with this one.

Review By Unknown

I’ve been using this machine for 2 years, and am very satisfied with the espresso produced. Some folks have complained about the frother. I use it every day with no problem – maybe you have to get used to it – maybe I don’t know any better! My only complaint is that there are 3 switches. Why not a single switch OFF-BREW-STEAM?

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