Gaggia Evo Classic Pro

I've been enjoying coffee for almost sixty years. I've worked as a barista in my early twenties. I know my way around coffee; particularly when selecting beans; the roast; how to get the best grind using the best grinder; how to achieve the best cup of coffee using almost every conceivable method and device. These days I am prefer a delicious, smooth-bodied, crema-rich cappuccino when I wake up. Unfortunately, health concerns have limited me to just one cup of coffee a day, so I make damn sure I enjoy the best tasting espresso or cappuccino every morning. Ordinarily, I would have been using my time-tested and still reliable 1968 La Pavoni espresso machine. This machine took me over a year to master and once I had it down, no other espresso machine even came close to pulling the finest tasting espresso or caps you could drink. But the La Pavoni is a bulky and intensively time-consuming machine to use; especially in the morning once you're out of bed and your brain still isn't operating at 100% until AFTER you've enjoyed your coffee. I needed to find and purchase an interim type of counter-type of espresso machine. Oh, I will still use my La Pavoni for that special occasion, because there still isn't, in my opinion, a machine that can produce a finer tasting espresso or cappuccino than the La Pavoni. After about a month of intensive research, which included reading and evaluating every review and recommendation I could find, the Gaggia Classic Pro is the model that kept coming up as the best in its price range EVERYWHERE. And then I started looking at the Youtube videos. Almost to a video, it was the Gaggia Classic Pro that was heralded as THE espresso machine to buy in its price range. And another surprise: the Gaggia Classic Pro had been receiving this endorsement going back decades. Another big plus: Gaggia is an Italian company that has the inside scoop on coffee...that's all they do. They make coffee machines. I decided to purchase the Gaggia Classic Pro...and man oh man was this ever the right choice. It did take a couple of tries, even from this seasoned user, to appreciate all the ins and outs of this machine. The machine is far more sophisticated than it looks. But can it produce a satisfying espresso or cappuccino? And can it steam or foam up milk like no one's business (providing you know what you're doing and you don't scald your milk...and especially if you have a talent making espresso art)? I only use bottled water so as not to build up sediment inside the machine. I like to keep my equipment cleaned, well maintained, and operational at all times. You need to understand how this machine is put together in order to master all of its secrets. My suggestion is: check out the HUGE volume of Gaggia Classic Pro Youtube videos online. They will teach you everything you need to know in order to get your Gaggia to produce the type of enjoyable espresso or cappuccino you like. But you do need to understand how the boiler and the rest of the components work together if you really want to achieve the finest results from the Gaggia Classic Pro. I have paired my Gaggia Classic Pro with the latest model of Baratza's burr grinders in order to affect the perfect grind of the whole beans I use. And, by the way, I grind only the amount of beans I need for that morning's coffee. The balance of my 1Lb once a month purchase of whole beans are kept in a sealed, but valved container in order to release the CO^2 that coffee beans give off. I set the burrs to the finest possible grind setting. I have found with the Gaggia Classic Pro, one of the secrets is to NOT tamp down the coffee to the point of a severe compression. Make sure the amount of coffee is evenly dispersed and then lightly tamp it down. Don't forget to run hot water through the group head in order to preheat it. I also recommend purchasing an inexpensive hand held timer. You'll need it. You'll understand why after viewing many of the Youtube videos featured about the Gaggia Classic Pro. When you're ready to make your cup, place a preheated cup under the group head and let 'er rip. When the light goes off, press the OFF button. Then follow the Youtube recommendations for using the steam wand, otherwise you will run out of pressure before you obtain the type of steamed or foamed milk you need. And make sure you clean off the steam wand IMMEDIATELY after use and then let a blast of steam go through the wand to unclog it on its inside. And always use bottled water. NEVER use tap water with a Gaggia Classic Pro. If you do, your machine will die an early death in a couple of years instead of lasting a couple of decades. I recommend the Gaggia Classic Pro with a full five star rating. It is, without any doubt, the finest espresso machine anyone can purchase in this price range. It offers superior workmanship made from superior components and materials; it is a remarkably well-engineered device; it is an attractive model to place on your kitchen counter; it is easy to clean and maintain; and it will produce for you the tastiest espressos and cappuccinos at home for you to enjoy.

The first espresso machine I ever owned was the Starbucks barista that they sold in Starbucks stores years ago. That machine was similar to this in that it only brews coffee and steams milk, no grinding. The next one I got was a fully automatic fully automatic DeLonghi magnifica. I had two of those over the years, bought the second one after the first one broke. Then the most recent one is the breville semi automatic which will grind coffee but you tamp and manually pull the shot. Out of all those machines this one does the best shots. Not sure if it's the machine or the fact that that I bought a separate grinder which might be higher quality than the ones contained in the fully automatic machines or semi-automatic ones. Im always surprised a the shots I am able to get with this machine, great looking shot after great looking shot. It makes pulling a shot more than just making a cup of coffee. More like a hobby because it's so fun to get that perfect three layered shot, and getting that beautiful three layered shot actually means your coffee will taste better. When I first got the machine I went through about a pound or two of coffee over several hours just pulling shot after shot dialing in the grind and the time and the weight until now just about every time I brew, with what I've learned, it's a perfect shot. And as I already said when the espresso shot looks perfect the taste is absolutely better than when it doesn't look 'perfect'. The other reason I got this machine is the fact that it is repairable. Out of the machines that I mentioned owning in the past I've spent $3,000 or $4,000 over the years, The fully automatic ones are not cheap and also a lot of times are not repairable so when it breaks you toss it out, ouch! I kept my first broken DeLonghi fully automatic espresso machine out in the garage for about 5 years before I finally thought that it was time to fix it and upon taking it apart saw that it was never going to go back together. For one thing parts were not available and another thing even if I were it just would not have gone back together. Very cheap and unreliable on the inside. This espresso machineis easily serviceable by a professional or even a homeowner and very simple and high quality on the inside. I've read great reviews of people doing simple upgrades and fixes themselves. So for the price, this thing will last you a lifetime unlike the fully automatic things which cost about a grand or so, but will leave you high and dry in about 5 years.

I've had this machine for a few weeks now. The reason I chose this was because I was looking for a machine that would last me awhile, rather than breaking down every few months. With research, many say this machine with consistent maintenance will last me a few years. Now, first impressions? I'm a literal amateur at coffee. I started off from a Keurig, to Nespresso, to Mr. Coffee (big regret) to now this. So yes, the learning curve is HUGE. In the beginning pulling the portafilter across takes MANPOWER. Had to hug the machine to lock it in, but recently it's gotten easier to pull so maybe it's just about "breaking it in". This Gaggia pulls the best espressos I've ever had. With the Mr. Coffee Coffeehouse machine, I thought my beans were the problem as it was constantly bitter even after dousing cream and sugar but it turns out it was the machine itself. With this Gaggia, I drink the same beans WITHOUT sugar which for me is a big deal. The steaming took a few tries to get the hang of but I'm getting there. I had to watch a couple videos on how to use the machine properly as the instructions aren't entirely clear. UPDATE: 3 months later. Noticed a little slow extraction issue and decided it was time to decalcify, but other than that, no issues. My sentiment about this machine has remained the same. For its price point it does a great job pulling a shot of espresso. If you're a newbie like i was (and still am!) with this machine you'll need to take time to learn the nuances otherwise you WILL get frustrated with sour shots. Here's what I've noticed and recommend if you want to stick with this machine 1. This machine is "buildable". It's one of the attractive features where you have total control over the machine, and can add/remove things such as a better IMS shower screen, a PID, a lower OPV bar spring, etc. These things in total will cost you an additional $150 though. I did it because this machine is known to last so I personally think it's worth the investment. But if you don't feel comfortable buying a machine and spending more for additional parts maybe this one isn't for you. 2. Mentioned it in #1 BUT GET A PID!!! i hated temp surfing to find the optimal brew temperature, and a MrShades PID helped regulate not only brew temp, but the steam as well. No more losing steam power in the middle of steaming! Fair warning, if you're not tech savvy, you may end up taking a few hours to install the PID. It was a little confusing and I ended up taking about 2 days (6hours total) to install it. 3. For those that complain the shots are too slow, what's your definition of slow? There's so many factors you need to consider here when it comes to extraction time; grind size and consistency, tamping, beans, etc. A double shot should come out at about 20-30sec. Any slower/faster more often results in bitter coffee. Again if you're new to espresso please read some forums it will tremendously help you get better shots. There are subreddits and Facebook pages that have a Gaggia Classic community filled with helpful people. Overall, for the value of this machine, it's the best you're going to get. Obviously if you spend $1000, you'll get a thousand dollar quality machine. You're spending less than $500, you'll get $500 quality machine. The GCP is a very good product for $450 considering other brands at the same price range. I'll update this every now and then because I want to make sure this is a long-term commitment. Update: Over a year later 3/4/2022. Machine is still going strong! Regular maintenance is a must, but overall, extremely happy with my machine. Only downside is now that when I make coffee for guests it can be tedious to wait for the boiler to heat up/cool down, for several cups, but that's all just party tricks.

I love espresso. I had scheduled 3 weeks staycation to spend at home with my wife and she gave me her blessing to create my own barista station with anything I would like. My mission was to watch many videos and order from amazon all that was needed to accomplish this. I did manage to create a very functional setup. After many trials by ordering, trying and returning several items, I have concluded to the following listing, with categories as essential, nice to have and optional, along with my commentary. The reason of this review is to provide you my weeks of extensive research, review, testing and evaluation of several products and give you some options to consider. I'll not make any money out of this neither get any benefit besides the satisfaction that I am able to help you. Essential: Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel ~ $399 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RQ3NL76 No other espresso machine comes near to this most awesome qualifications for a home barista, reliability, longevity and quality than this little monster. If you can find it under $400, it is a steal. I appreciate the upgrades from the previous models and the excellent online resources that can guide you to the right direction. They are so many youtubers that can teach you how to use it properly. I am extremely happy with this purchase. Essential: CUISINART Coffee Grinder, Electric Burr One-Touch Automatic Grinder with18-Position Grind Selector, Stainless Steel, DBM-8P1 ~ $59.95 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00018RRRK I already owned this Grinder. It is working very well and with the following optional mod, you can make it to produce even finer grind. By accomplishing this, you can save $$$. Optional: Romeda Aluminum Tape, 2 inch x 65 Feet Foil Tape (3.9 mil), Insulation Adhesive Metal Tape, High Temperature Heavy Duty HVAC Tape, Silver Tape Aluminum Foil Tape for Ductwork, Dryer Vent, HVAC ~ $7.59 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BHWMSTD I found a way to mod my grinder (check online for a instructions of how to do that) using this Aluminum tape and produce finer espresso grind. Nice to have: 1LB – Patented Airtight Container | Multi-use Vacuum Container Works as Smell Proof Containers for Ground Coffee and Coffee Bean Containers. White Floral ~ $17.76 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RJZRMP8 When I open a big bag of coffee, I use this container to hold all the excess. Essential: Coffee Gator Coffee Canister, Stainless Steel Airtight Coffee Containers for Ground Coffee with Date-Tracker, CO2-Release Valve, Measuring Scoop & Travel Jar - Medium, 16 oz, Silver ~ $17.99 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014HG645M if you want to have fresh beans, you need a place to put them. Nice to have: Pyrex Prepware 1-Cup Measuring Cup, Clear with Red Measurements ~ $9.97 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000CFMZN You'll find out that is nice to have a container to collect the water before you pull a shot from your machine and not using the drip tray. It is very versatile and can also be used to fill the machine with filter water from your refrigerator. Essential: Milk Frothing Pitcher 350ml/600ml/900ml/1500ml (12oz/20oz/32oz/50oz) Steaming Pitchers Stainless Steel Milk/Coffee/Cappuccino/Latte Art Barista Steam Pitchers Milk Jug Cup with Art Pen,12oz ~ $9.58 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KFYXTRR You'll use it every single time you pull a shot to get the steam out of the single boiler and also when you ready to froth milk. Nice to have: Empty Amber Glass Spray Bottles - 2 Pack - Each Large 16oz Refillable Bottle is Great for Essential Oils, Plants, Cleaning Solutions, Hair Mister - Durable Nozzle w/Fine Mist and Stream Setting ~ $19.98 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G98Y1BA Before I place the coffee beans into the grinder, I spay them by using this bottle with water and eliminate all the static that can be produced during the grinding process. I owned these bottles and was able to use them for that purpose. Of Course you can get a much smaller one... Essential: Transparent Dosing Cup 58mm, Antistatic Plastic Barista Coffee Powder Espresso Dosing Cup Sniffing Mug Powder Feeder Compatible with all 58mm Portafilter Baskets 58mm US ~ $7.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPSHY4GJ After the grinding is over, I use this cup to measure 16g of grinded espresso beans on the digital scale and then add them on the portafilter (I do add the 51mm paper filter first). Essential: Greater Goods Digital Espresso & Coffee Scale - 750 x 0.1g, Mini Scale with 6 Units for Jewelry, Coins, Herbs, Food and Small Precise Things ~ $14.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SJTXGN7 A perfect espresso shot is a measured espresso shot. The only way to know if you produce good coffee is by trying, adjusting, measuring and dialing your accessories. This little scale does everything that you needed for very well and is well worth it. Essential: 58mm Portafilter Funnel, Espresso Dosing Funnel with Magnetic, Lightweight Aluminum Espresso Funnel, 58mm Dosing Funnel ~ $8.97 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJJXPNQT After you place the grinded coffee from the measuring cup to the portafilter, you using this magnetic funnel to contain the coffee into the designated area. Essential: NEOUZA Coffee WDT Distribution Tool Accessories, Aluminum Handle, 0.4mm 6 Stainless Needles, Espresso Powder Stirrer ~ $9.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW3R282H Everyone is using this little tool to distribute the coffee and avoid channeling. Nice to have: Francis King Home Barista Espresso Tamping Station - Portafilter Stand for Single or Double Spout - Raised Tamp Mat - Essential Espresso Accessories ~ $9.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4VSBLZ2 I made a decision to go to this inexpensive tamping station for two reasons. One that is just helps me handling the portafilter on an elevated and secure location and two that is pretty simple to clean and use. And yes, it was cheaper and goes with the aluminum style with the rest of the units on my setup. Essential: Normcore 58.5mm Coffee Tamper V4 - Spring-loaded Tamper with 15lb / 25lb / 30lbs Replacement Springs - Anodized Aluminum Handle and Stand - Stainless Steel Flat Base ~ $43.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BTLP4P1 This is the final moment: The portafilter is on the tamping station after you have used all the prior tools and you ready to use your tamper. I have conteplated to use a distributor and never really appreciate what it does. I found that by tamping the portafilter left and right, it places the grind in position and by using this precise tamper it does the job fine. Yes, that tamper is very well made and it is no surpise that is #1 on sales and reviews. I insert the 58mm paper filter on the portafilter. I run for 4 sec the machine to get the water into the boiler and ready for extraction by wiping the head and then I insert the portafilter. Nice to have: Knock Box for Coffee Grounds - Innovative Barista Accessory with Improved Handling - Coffee Knock Box for Espresso Machine, Black ~ $19.95 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QTCXTK5 You can either use this or a trash can or the glass pitcher after you completed your espresso shot. I found this unit very well build, great quality. Essential: Magnetic Hooks 304 Stainless Steel Hooks Heavy Duty Magnets Hanging Hooks for Refrigerator Grill Toolbox Cabins Outdoor,Cruise Essentials Camper Accessories,4pack(Silver,1.3in-2) ~ $16.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRL582NP I personally, like when is over, to have my portafilter hanging on the side of my machine. It is personal preference and that hook allows me to do that. Essential (Cleaning): Aieve Coffee Cleaning Brush Set, 7 Pcs Espresso Coffee Brush Kit includes Cleaning Towel, Wooden Coffee Grinder Brush, Nylon Brush for Coffee Pot, Pasta Maker ~ $9.59 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYGT9VVJ Will use when most of these brushes when is time for cleaning, either your grinder, or the table or the machine. Haven't use all of them yet. Essential (Cleaning): 58-Milimeter Backflush Insert, Metal ~ $5.97 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016C8ZO4 Will use when is time for cleaning. Haven't done that yet. Essential (Cleaning): Urnex Espresso Machine Cleaning Powder - 566 grams - Cafiza Professional Espresso Machine Cleaner ~ $16.98 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001418KNS Will use when is time for cleaning. Haven't done that yet. Essential (Cleaning): Gaggia Decalcifier Descaler Solution 250ml (3 Bottles) ~ $16.95 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LIEI7TM Will use when is time for cleaning. Haven't done that yet. Nice to have: Aieve Coffee Paper Filter Compatible with Breville Barista Espresso Coffee Maker, 58 mm Espresso Filter Puck Screen Portafilter Paper (400 Pcs) ~ $8.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5DP647F Keeps the head of the machine clean and helps with the distribution of the water. I prefer to use a paper filter vs a metal and that way I don't have to chase it out of the puck bucket when is time for cleaning. Nice to have: Aieve Coffee Paper Filter Compatible with Breville Barista Espresso Coffee Maker, 400 Pcs 51 mm Espresso Filter Puck Screen Portafilter Paper ~ $7.99 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5DPVDW7 For the bottom of the portafilter. Will help with the distribution of the water, a sweeter taste easier cleanup. Nice to have: European Style Tea Coffee Cup Set Black Gold Gradual Vintage Ceramic Cup Coffee Mug With Spoon&Saucer Set Used for Latte, Americano, Cappuccino, Tea, Beer (2 pack) ~ $29.99 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B093GS6J6R After all this hard work, it is nice to have something to appreciate your good coffee. Nice to have: Hobnail Glass Tumbler with Bamboo Lids and Straws, Borosilicate Iced Coffee Cup 22 oz/ 650ML for Smoothie Juice Hot and Cold Drinks ~ $17.98 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYGSWRHK When is time to make my fredo espresso or any other iced coffee style, that is my goto cup. Nice to have: Zulay Kitchen Executive Series Milk Frother Wand - Upgraded & Improved Stand - Ideal Coffee Gift - Coffee Frother Handheld Foam Maker For Lattes - Electric Milk Frother Handheld For Cappuccino ~ $19.99 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074ZL35DH To use when is time to make a cold froth. I use it in conjuction with my milk frothing pitcher (after is placed on the freezer for couple minutes to get even colder temperature) Optional: UPKOCH 2Pcs Boxes filter paper storage box coffee station organizer for countertop coffee filter organizer espresso filter paper coffee filter case filter basket Italian plastic white ~ $9.49 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNSNMPPG It is nice to have a place for the two 58 & 51 filters. The choice is yours if you want these boxes or another container. Optional: Flat Plug Power Strip, 6 Ft Ultra Thin Flat Extension Cord, 3 Outlets 3 USB Ports(2 USB C) Multi Plug Outlet Extender with No Surge Protector for Cruise Ship, Travel, Dorm Room Essentials ~ $9.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BM3K436M It is nice to have all your appliances connected without showing all the cables around. Optional: Mind Reader 6 Compartment Upright Breakroom Coffee Condiment and Cup Storage Organizer, Black ~ $16.49 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0169ZDUSI Very nice organizer for all your essentials when you ready to go to work. Optional: Dish Drying Mats for Kitchen Counter Coffee Mat Under Sink Mats for Kitchen Waterproof Dish Mat Drying Kitchen Mat Bar Mats for Countertop Coffee Bar Accessories (Black A, 12"*14.5") ~ $7.49 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B9B1NWH2 It keeps the counter clean and your wife happy. Optional: DK177 Coffee Mat Coffee Bar Mat Hide Stain Absorbent Drying Mat with Waterproof Rubber Backing Fit Under Coffee Maker Coffee Machine Coffee Pot Espresso Machine Coffee Bar Accessories-19"x12" ~ $7.98 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW7L7DSX Like the one above, after you hand wash some of the units, you can let them dry on this Mat before you put them away. Optional: 3 Pieces Kitchen Towel Hooks Round Adhesive Dish Towel Hook Premium Chrome Finish & Easy Installation Wall Mount Hand Towel Hook Ideal as Bathroom, Shower or Outdoor Towel Holders ~ $6.98 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099S55BD9 Where do you want to have your towel placed? In your machine? In your counter? In the mat? or hanging? It is up to you. Optional: eufy by Anker, HomeVac H11,Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner,Ultra-Lightweight 1.2lbs,5500Pa Suction Power,USB Charging, for Home Cleaning ~ $59.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MQB9BF5 From time to time, I find myself using a wetted paper towel to pick up what is left from the coffee grinds on the mats. This little and handy vacuum allowed me to keep my area clean and also connected to the power strip that is already there with the other units. Remember that keeping your area clean before, during and after your shot is complete, is very important. Hope you find this extensive review of various items helpful. Despite what you hear from many people about the boiler issues or other minor complains, this machine is amazing, it has past the test of time and will be reliable for years to come if you take care of it. I can tell you that by using it every day, I found myself more comfortable and happy with the results and my learning experience is awesome and wish you the same. Have a nice cup of coffee and enjoy a blessed day. Update Aug 8 I have made some extra purchases and want to give you an update: Optional: Professional Espresso Distribution Tool - Adjustable Depth and Dual Head Coffee Tamper - Stainless Steel, Double-Sided Coffee Leveler - Espresso Machine Accessories (Gun Metal, 58.5mm) ~ $11.49 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CM68DDYR I like this little unit that have a leveler and a heavy tamper all in one for an excellent price and didn't want to skip. One think I like is that without placing extra pressure, the weight of the unit itself it adjust the pressure of the portafilter. So far is an excellent choice 2 for 1 and highly recommended. Optional: IMS 55 mm Precision Group Head Screen - GA 200 IM ~ $13.93 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WWM6O40 Lots of reviews online recommended this screen for a better water flow. I did it but I cannot tell a difference so far. Optional: E&B Lab NT (NanoTech) Double Espresso Portafilter Basket 58mm Ridgeless (18) ~ $26.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BF7R2RXT Same like the previous item, i made the upgrade just because everyone says it is good filter. I haven't notice a difference yet. Nice to have: Group Gasket-E61 (Red), Silicone, E61 8mm, SYNCHKG060251 ~ $6.04 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OX59S5Q Recommended upgrade. It does make the installation of the portafilter on the head much easier and is a very cheap upgrade. Nice to have: Ibyx Elegant Sliding Tray for Your Coffee Maker & Heavy Kitchen Appliances - Patent Pending - Sturdy, Slides Easily from Under The Cabinet - Rolling Appliance Tray for Countertop with Wheels 16"x13" ~ $39.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1KSG5Q5 Recommended upgrade. It places the unit under my cabinets and when I want to fill the water, I just pull them out. Nice to have: Espresso Cup with Handle, Stainless Steel Espresso Accessories, Double Spout Metal Measuring Cup with Dual Scale, Espresso Shot pitcher with V-Shaped Mouth, 3.4OZ/100ML ~ $8.99 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CLP441W8 It is silver and a little cup that is nice to have when you make a cold coffee like a fredo espresso.

If you want tasty espresso without much thought, don't get this machine. Get a DeLonghi Stilosa and save yourself hundreds of dollars. If you're on a quest for perfect crema and the richest of flavors, I think this Gaggia is a great point to start. You can brew great espresso with this machine with no modifications and store-bought, pre-ground espresso, but again, I think you're better off with a cheaper machine if that's your goal. I have began slowly appreciating espresso more and more over the years. It began with the father of my best friend in college. He was a professor, and we'd occasionally go visit his office and he would make us espresso. I have no recollection of the machine or process, but I remember it was tasty. Years later, traveling Europe and North Africa, I again made acquaintance with espresso. During my PhD, my advisor bought a simple DeLonghi espresso machine for our department, and the ritual began. I would bring tins of pre-ground coffee every so often as my contribution to the department's coffee cult, and I began to savor the rich flavor of espresso. In Algeria where I frequently travel home to with my wife, the shots of espresso are pulled by hand on old classic machines. The coffee is robusta, the flavor is simple and delicious. My curiosity around espresso continued growing, and when I moved to a new city for a new job, I began exploring espresso at cafes. To my surprise, I learned that most coffee shops and cafes in the U.S. make awful espresso. I realized that in America, espresso shots are almost always made to add to a drink with milk or other flavorings, and few people enjoy espresso itself. And, so the quest began. The Gaggia Classic Pro is a beautiful machine that I'm mostly pleased with. I had to get a proper grinder for about $250 that I'm also mostly pleased with. That's a hell of a lot of money to only be mostly pleased with, so I'll explain. The grinder does it's job just fine but could have been designed in a smart way. The Gaggia brews espresso right from the start, but you can get the same function from the machine I mentioned earlier which is only $86. For better espresso than either machine makes out of the box, you're going to want to order a 9-bar OPV spring (~$15), a bottomless portafilter (~$50), a VST basket (~$40), and of course a good grinder ($250+). In other words, be prepared to spend at least around $850 for this machine and all the accessories needed to make great espresso, and even then, this machine vibrates so much I have to hold my espresso cup in place while brewing. That is still a lot less than other machines that will make excellent espresso right out of the box. My conclusion: this is probably the cheapest machine to make great espresso if you do some simple modifications, it's stylish, and easy to modify/work on. In my experience, the machines cheaper than this and more expensive than the Stilosa will perform no better than the Stilosa. Cheers

Might be a good machine, I guess I'll never know. I purchased this machine from WLL after reading and watching a ton of reviews on it. The first package they shipped me had a HUGE hole in the side of both the outer shipping box AND the inner Gaggia package box. No idea why they would deliver it in that condition. Took about a week for customer service to even reply to my messages, had to return it through Amazon. Took another week to get the replacement. Now luckily the replacement they sent me did not have a massive hole in the box however upon opening it I quickly realized they shipped me a very obviously USED machine. The water tank had water droplets both inside the plastic bag and on itself. (First red flag) The drip tray was heavily scratched. Fingerprints all over the metal case and even some scuffs / scratches. And the best part - there was a screw missing from the group head area and tons of dark coffee droplet stains around the group head. It was very clearly used and returned then shipped to me. How nice of them! Why would they try to sell an obviously used machine? Did they think their customers are too stupid to notice? Were they upset that I returned the first obviously damaged package they shipped me? I paid for a BRAND NEW item as advertised and paid a premium for it. Just for them to ship me 2 damaged / used items. This is unacceptable for any business. Not to mention their customer service is barely responsive at all. Luckily Amazon makes returning defective items easy otherwise I would still be waiting on Whole Latte Love to replace my first damaged package from them. I've decided to return the used junk they sent me and go with a more reputable brand. Will never purchase anything from Gaggia or Whole Latte Love ever again. After reading other negative reviews on here it seems like it's fairly common for them to ship machines with missing or loose screws, it wasn't just me. Do better.

Four years ago I bought my Gaggia classic after a bad experience with a Breville Double Boiler that crashed out after descaling. I discovered this is a common issue with Breville and was not repairable because Breville doesn’t support machines out of warranty, not even a very expensive one. I couldn’t find a repair shop either because parts are not available for Breville. So I chose the Gaggia classic because it was a real 58mm portafilter REPAIRABLE machine. It is also very customizable as there are countless upgrades available as well as parts, youtube tutorials and advice. It makes great espresso drinks. My aftermarket upgrades include a low profile drip tray and an led to light up the reservoir (classy) because the clearance for cups and mugs is minimal and it’s dark down there. Anyway I’m very happy with this machine. Even if it’s not the nicer new machines with the brass boiler. BTW: the substantial and attractive stainless steel construction is unusual for stainless steel because any magnetic accessories you have will stick to the surface without issues.

Here's an update after over four years of daily use, something I wish more Amazon reviewers did. There are now many more options at all price points for home espresso machines, but still nothing at this price that beats this one imo. The current model has upgrades including a brass boiler. It still lacks a steam wand with an articulated ball joint but rather still has the two-piece assembly that allows the wand to rotate but not adjust the angle to the pitcher. I finally had to make two repairs -- replacing the group head gasket and the o-ring in the above-mentioned steam wand rotating joint. It is an ongoing chore to clean it and stop encroaching rust in the case bottom which tends to get and stay wet if you aren't vigilant. Bar Keepers Friend works well for this, and Cafiza powder works for general cleaning. It must get a descaling treatment at least once a quarter. Eventually bolts and some other metal parts that come into contact with water will need to be replaced. Parts are readily available online including from Amazon, as are instructional videos. I ought to be able get at least another four years of use from it. In sum, I'm satisfied. As I said originally, it is reliable and durable by home appliance standards but lacks the commercial robustness of more expensive machines. At this price it keeps its stars. This is what they call a SBDU (single boiler, dual-use) machine with one boiler for both heating water for brewing espresso and steaming milk. It is a basic design with roots going back to 1991, but it still works, and costs nearly $400 less than the Rancilio Silvia, probably the next step up at $830, $600 less than the ECM Casa V at $1,049. Upgrades, mods, replacement parts and accessories galore are easy to find. As seen in the photo, I swapped out the stock plastic drip tray for a lower profile one that my daughter 3D printed for me, though a molded ABS plastic version can be bought online, and apparently Gaggia has now come out with a steel one. This, together with the bottomless portafilter that I bought here on Amazon, allow for much more room beneath the portafilter for larger cups and scales. There is no PID temperature control with this machine, but I find if I let it warm up for at least 20 minutes, and then flush a little water out just before pulling the shot to make sure it isn't too hot, I'm fine. Larger, heavier machines that cost well over $1,000 have some worthy additional features, including larger dual boilers and PID temperature control. Breville now makes comparably priced machines with more features, including PID, but they have a track record of lack of build quality, durability and serviceability. So for me, this Gaggia remains the best choice, as the Silvia is beyond my budget. I should have bought one 20 years ago. One caveat. This is well-made for a home appliance intended for relatively light use, but not commercial-grade build quality, and I doubt it would stand up to heavy daily use for many years as a commercial machine must. Still five stars, as I don't see a better option for a SBDU machine at anywhere near this price.

Toujours la meilleure cafetière espresso!!! N’hésitez pas si vous cherchez de la qualité et de la performance. Très heureux!

Bom produto, atendeu as expectativas

海外からの製品で、200V電源ではないか？ 梱包材が大丈夫なのか？ 時間がかかるのではないか？ など不安はありましたが、全て、払拭される結果でした。完璧です。珈琲ライフが楽しめます。ありがとうございました。

Muito bonita e tem um corpo bem sólido e que passa segurança. Ela aquece rápido e tem uma boa capacidade de água. Aquece bem as xícaras mas não cabem muitas. A parte entre porta filtro e xícara é pequena, e ruim de usar uma balança, mas tem opções de bandeja menores por aí. Essa máquina vaporiza muito bem e rapidamente. De ruim mesmo são os acessórios, é broxante ver uma máquina desse valor entregando um tamper tão vagabundo, e apenas um porta filtro. A tomada é mais grossa, vai precisar de uma tomada 20A

I wanted to upgrade to an adult espresso machine from the Breville Cafe Roma (who served me with amazing espresso for the last 12 years and still going strong) upon reading MANY reviews, I opted for the Gaggia Classic Pro. I grind my own beans in an antique cast iron coffee grinder and prefer it over electric grinders so I just wanted a simple espresso machine without all the bells and whistles. I got exactly what I asked for. This machine is efficient and simple to operate. It yields a rich espresso with a thick crema. My Cafe Roma always pushed out an amazing espresso but this is a totally different ball game. The machine stands in its own. It is made of heavy duty material and is also easy to clean. I have ZERO complaints and would definitely buy it again if I could go back in time.