I just received delivery of my new Gaggia last night and dreamed of beautiful espresso. Woke up early because i couldn't wait to try it out. It did not disappoint. So good! This video was especially helpful as well as the other video of theirs on what machine to buy. Great company! Now it's time for me to make a second cup and try and dial in the perfect latte. Good morning!
This guy deserves a raise, great explanation and demonstration of the machine. I can assure you his voice does sell as I just purchased this exact machine from Whole Latte Love. After watching the various videos from this guy, I decided to make the purchase. Looking forward to making espresso with this.
Just brewed my first cup using this machine today and referenced this video to help walk me through it! First brew was already fantastic, thank you! This machine beats the heck out of the Casabrews 3700 we were using before. 😅
This is my second espresso machine bought after I watch your video. Old espresso machine was Gaggia Carezza Deluxe and the new one is the brass boiler E24 Gaggia Classic. I am very excited about it ❤
I just received my Gaggia Classic and Eureka Zero grinder. I'm so excited. I've been using a Moka Pot for several years so espresso is going to be a big change for me. I'm looking forward to the challenge. My experience with WLL has been very good. Shipping is fast, prices are good and customer service is great. Talked with Nick Brown from WLL and he was extremely nice and helpful. And yes Marc has one of those million dollar voices!
Hi AN, Congrats and thanks for your patronage! Be sure and bookmark our support site for the Gaggia Classic Pro (covers Evo model as well). It's loaded with videos on techniques, maintenance and more: support.wholelattelove.com/hc/en-us/sections/1500000384362-Gaggia-Classic-Pro
Just received my GCE this morning thank you. I’m still a novice, yet I was able to use pre ground Lavazza in the pressurized basket pulling a great shot. Didn’t need to go through any crazy gyrations to get a very nice result. Pre heated the machine for 10 minutes with the porter filter in place. I purged just before pulling the shot, installed the porter filter and turned the steam on for 5 seconds. Then ran the shot, and had a beautiful espresso result. Not bad for a first time I thought, I steamed the milk which came out so so, I’ll have to work on that ! So all in all, I’m very pleased with my new Gaggia !!
I used my brothers Jura and I fell in love with espresso machines. I can’t afford the one he has so I bought this. Should be here in a few days. Excited, I’m just used to drip coffee. I have the OXO burr grinder has a ton of settings for fine to coarse, hopefully it will be good for this machine
Hi tm, Congrat on your new machine. I have not used that grinder with the GCEP. My guess is it does not have the same precision in the espresso range as grinder I would recommend for espresso. Grind size is critical when making espresso. If you can't get a good shot using the non-pressurized filter basket you can use the pressurized with single hole. It's more forgiving of imperfect grind size. If not familiar with how to dial in grind size watch this video which explains the process: ruclips.net/video/unHHToGjshI/видео.html
Heb er lang geleden ook een gehad. Prima apparaat, voor thuis. De toevoeging “pro” is natuurlijk flauwekul. Dat veronderstelt dat dit apparaat ook in een commerciële omgeving op zijn plaats is en dat is onzin.
Reactie: Als je er al lang geleden een had, heeft de "EVO Pro" -versie een aantal belangrijke veranderingen ondergaan, zoals een handmatige stoompijp in commerciële stijl, 9 bar OPV in Noord-Amerikaanse modellen en een roestvrijstalen portafilter. U heeft gelijk: dit product is niet geschikt en ook niet bedoeld voor gebruik in een commerciële omgeving. Coment translation: Had one a long time ago too. Great device for home use. The addition “pro” is of course nonsense. That assumes that this device is also appropriate in a commercial environment and that is nonsense. Response: If you had one a long time ago the "EVO Pro" version has some significant changes like a commercial style manual steam wand, 9 bar OPV in North American models and stainless steel portafilter. You are correct this product is not appropriate nor intended for use in a commercial setting.
Hey nofilter, you're welcome - and thanks for the comment! You might be interested in the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro Unboxing, Setup and First Use livestream we did the other day: ruclips.net/user/liveAe7A1vlaAjE Also bookmark our support section for the machine here: support.wholelattelove.com/hc/en-us/sections/1500000384362-Gaggia-Classic-Pro It's loaded with use and maintenance videos, manuals etc. Marc
@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks for replying, I suspected that 58mm was too small, as I had read a dissatisfied comment. I can't wait for my Gaggia to arrive. I would like to combine it with a Lelit William or Eureka Specialità coffee grinder, I'm very undecided...
If you’re not planning to make another cup of espresso immediately, do you still need to cool down the boiler or will it cool automatically after some time has passed? Does this have the same pressure valve upgrade as the EVO, or is it a plain (old style) classic + brass boiler?
Hey chianti95, After steaming it's always best practice to cool down the boiler. The between the pre and post steaming purges you are removing some water from the boiler and a small amount in the form of steam. That water is not replaced until the pump runs and pump only runs when brew switch is turned on. The EVO Pro model and newer E24 (with full brass boiler) version all have the 9 bar spring for units in North America.
Is there any improvement to be had in the order of brewing and steaming? E.g. is it better to steam first and get the temp to drop before brewing or vice versa and have the machine heating up for the steam after brewing?
Hey l, Ahh, the great debate! It mostly comes down to personal preference. Mine is to brew first and then steam as there's less time with the frothed milk sitting around and separating. Push the steam button right after pulling your espresso and 20-25 seconds later machine is ready to froth. I believe this is the most efficient workflow and results in superior drinks. But a coworker here does the opposite. I think he's nuts! :) Marc
Why do you have to cool down the boiler after use? Is this just if you're going to make another shot afterwards? What if I'm done...? Great video as always!!
It says to place a receptical under the group head I'm asking since I just received the gaggia classic evo pro do I do this every time I or do I just make sure it's filled with water I don't want to damage my machine thanks
How can you tell if it is extracting too fast or too slow based on time alone, since there’s no scale to determine what weight you’re aiming for in that given timeframe?
Do I absolutely need the stainless tube on the decompression duct? I've had my Classic for several years and the tube wouldnt stay in, so i dont use it. I catch the water in a 2 oz shot glass (and dispose of it when im finished). Will not having the tube attached harm my machine?
Hi st, It will not do harm - maybe just a bit messy. But it's easily fixable if you are vaguely handy with tools. Here's a video showing how: ruclips.net/video/t-VYpzMPb9g/видео.htmlsi=lUwN6jmUBkbVWGdF
@Wholelattelovepage Thank you, I'll check it out. Yep, I'm handy with tools. Just wondered if the tube is supposed to connect to something deeper inside that I've been allowing to get wet.
Hi DD, flushing water from the group is a common best practice on espresso machines. It's required for consistent and predictable brew temps on may machine types.
@@Wholelattelovepage I have a 32 oz thermos I would fill up with french press coffee. I enjoy grazing off the hot tasty substance all day long even if I only consume 1/2 or 3/4 of the coffee. I'm looking for my next step up from the french press, but I want to get a proper espresso machine instead of a gloried keurig.
@@jmd1743 I don't think you'll want pure espresso in that thermos. 16 doubles shots would be caffeine equivalent to about 24 cups of coffee!!! Americano would be they way to go. For that do 3-4 double espresso shots making 6-8oz of espresso, put in your thermos and fill the rest with hot water. For reference a double espresso shot has about the same amount of caffeine as large drip brewed coffee.
You looking for a heart attack?😆 Take it easy bro, you don’t wanna end up like Jack Nicholson in ‘The Shining’🤣 (It’s a great machine for expresso, but you’ll need a decent grinder)👍
I just bought the Classic Evo, together with an Eureka Specialita, is my first manual espresso machine, however when I use the double shot basket after the espresso is done and I remove the portafilter i see that is quite a lot of water over the coffee pod inside the basket, what am I doing wrong?
@@Wholelattelovepage There was me thinking the new Classic is 9bar for everyone😁?, after all the modification kits you would think GAGGIA would get the message by now🤦♂️
Hi a, They are very comparable machines although the New Hobby has higher price tag. If doing a lot of large milk drinks the Hobby has more steam power available due to a larger boiler. The Classic EVO with 9 bar OPV might be more appealing to espresso purists as the Hobby has OPV set to higher pressure. Here's a link to side by side spec comparison of the machines: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/compare?products=NDYzODQxNzE5MDk2Niw2OTM1ODMzODA0ODU0
Hey BASS, Thanks for the question. Price on the Anna is ~50% more but it does have PID. Current pricing and side by side spec comaprison here: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/compare?products=NzM2MzA5MTk4ODUzNCw2OTM1ODMzODA0ODU0
@@gosman949that is why I bought the La Marzocco Linea Mini. No waiting for heating up when you turn the machine on. Just turn it on, wait 30 minutes, and you're good to go!
Love my 2019 Gaggia Classic. However, as all of the machines in this price range, it has its weak points: The steam valve seems to be its achilles heel. The brass needle hits a brass valve body which, over time, inevitably creates a small cavity and therefore a leak. Replaced mine with a custom PTFE needle steam valve from Shades of Coffee. I cannot wrap my head around the fact that Gaggia hasn’t corrected this inherently flawed design after 30 years, especially given that alternative valve designs don’t cost more.
The problems: - NO PID - Need spring to low it to 9 BAR (worldwide model needs it) - To trully make it to shine you need to mod it Professional models start from 3~4 BAR then it goes to 9 after a while.
Hi gf, Thanks for the comment. Def recommend you upgrade the tamper. The included one is useable but not ideal. It's similar to what was provided out of box from many manufacturers (even on prosumer models) for many years. Still what you get with the Classic to help keep the price down.
Hi Gary, You are correct - on the surface it does not make sense. But look close, a single shot basket has fewer holes in the bottom so has a much lower flow rate.
best ever video with instructions on using an espresso machine! very pointed, clear and professional info provided!
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the comment!
Best instructional video in the history of mankind.
Seriously. This is the only one I could find that actually showed how/when to use the switches and knob 🙌🏼
I just received delivery of my new Gaggia last night and dreamed of beautiful espresso. Woke up early because i couldn't wait to try it out. It did not disappoint. So good! This video was especially helpful as well as the other video of theirs on what machine to buy. Great company! Now it's time for me to make a second cup and try and dial in the perfect latte. Good morning!
Hey Jim, Thanks for sharing and your kind comments!
any flakes?
Jim, what kind of grinder do you have?
@@1rightrev breville smart grinder
Anyone else thinks this guy’s voice just … sells? If he tells me I should buy a Gaggia Snake Oil Extraction Machine, I’d probably buy it as well 🤣
hahaha, I'm that guy. I'll let you know when Gaggia gets into snake oil and you can be customer #1 - might be awhile!
Marc
yup, sold, and just got a delivery of this machine from them
😂😂😂
Same here 😅
Marc is going to be a DJ on the radio when he retires from coffee!
Just received mine today from you guys and made my first espresso at home. It was awesome!
Welcome to the world of espresso! Thanks for your patronage and the report!
Marc
Super detailed!!!! For a layman like me, I've learned some basics of how to make a decent cup of coffee!!! Thanks!!
Hey mp, You are so welcome and thanks a whole latte for the comment!
This was super helpful as a beginner! I just upgraded from the Flair NEO :)
Glad it was helpful!
I love that you show how to make americanos also. Super helpful! My yellow gaggia is arriving in a few hours and I can’t wait!!!!
Hey D, Glad to be of help and thanks for the comment!
This guy deserves a raise, great explanation and demonstration of the machine. I can assure you his voice does sell as I just purchased this exact machine from Whole Latte Love. After watching the various videos from this guy, I decided to make the purchase. Looking forward to making espresso with this.
Hey TTM, Thanks for the kind comment - happy to hear we helped you make the decision and thanks for your patronage!
"That guy" :) (Marc)
Just purchased mine today from you guys and it will arrive Saturday. You guys rock!
I just love this guys videos. Very professional and lays everything out clearly. Keep up the good work.
Thank you very much!
Excellent and detailed explanation. I felt bad for the guy trying to deploy Gaggia's tamper
Hi NK, yes, included tamper should be upgraded if grinding fresh and using non-pressurized filter baskets.
Marc (that guy :)
Just brewed my first cup using this machine today and referenced this video to help walk me through it! First brew was already fantastic, thank you!
This machine beats the heck out of the Casabrews 3700 we were using before. 😅
Thanks for the report - awesome to hear! Glad the Classic Evo Pro is treating you well.
Marc
This is my second espresso machine bought after I watch your video.
Old espresso machine was Gaggia Carezza Deluxe and the new one is the brass boiler E24 Gaggia Classic.
I am very excited about it ❤
Hi Ram, thanks for the comment and congrats on your new upgrade!
Marc
I just received my Gaggia Classic and Eureka Zero grinder. I'm so excited. I've been using a Moka Pot for several years so espresso is going to be a big change for me. I'm looking forward to the challenge.
My experience with WLL has been very good. Shipping is fast, prices are good and customer service is great. Talked with Nick Brown from WLL and he was extremely nice and helpful. And yes Marc has one of those million dollar voices!
Hi LN, thanks for the comment and your patronage - enjoy your new setup!
Marc
Thank you sincerely for the awesome instructions. This is my first machine and being able to see someone experienced use it is a huge help.
Great to hear! Thanks for your comment!
I’ve just ordered Gaggia classic evo pro from whole latte love, looking forward to trying the new machine
Hi AN, Congrats and thanks for your patronage! Be sure and bookmark our support site for the Gaggia Classic Pro (covers Evo model as well). It's loaded with videos on techniques, maintenance and more: support.wholelattelove.com/hc/en-us/sections/1500000384362-Gaggia-Classic-Pro
Just received my GCE this morning thank you. I’m still a novice, yet I was able to use pre ground Lavazza in the pressurized basket pulling a great shot. Didn’t need to go through any crazy gyrations to get a very nice result. Pre heated the machine for 10 minutes with the porter filter in place. I purged just before pulling the shot, installed the porter filter and turned the steam on for 5 seconds. Then ran the shot, and had a beautiful espresso result. Not bad for a first time I thought, I steamed the milk which came out so so, I’ll have to work on that ! So all in all, I’m very pleased with my new Gaggia !!
Hey r, Congrats on your new machine and successful first use! Appreciate the report!!!
Marc
This might be a stupid question, but do you have to pre heat it for 10 minute like that every time?
@@arieljane97 for me yes. I learned the hard way that if you don't wait, you get a cold/lukewarm coffee lol.
Perfect timing! Thank you for this. I ordered it during your sale and comes in Thursday! I'm very excited to move to a newer machine.
That's awesome - enjoy your new machine!
how much was it if you dont mind me asking?
Outstanding presentation!
Thank you kindly!
I love Marc!
How did you know?
I used my brothers Jura and I fell in love with espresso machines. I can’t afford the one he has so I bought this. Should be here in a few days. Excited, I’m just used to drip coffee. I have the OXO burr grinder has a ton of settings for fine to coarse, hopefully it will be good for this machine
Hi tm, Congrat on your new machine. I have not used that grinder with the GCEP. My guess is it does not have the same precision in the espresso range as grinder I would recommend for espresso. Grind size is critical when making espresso. If you can't get a good shot using the non-pressurized filter basket you can use the pressurized with single hole. It's more forgiving of imperfect grind size. If not familiar with how to dial in grind size watch this video which explains the process: ruclips.net/video/unHHToGjshI/видео.html
Eagerly awaiting this machine!!!!
Heb er lang geleden ook een gehad. Prima apparaat, voor thuis. De toevoeging “pro” is natuurlijk flauwekul. Dat veronderstelt dat dit apparaat ook in een commerciële omgeving op zijn plaats is en dat is onzin.
Reactie: Als je er al lang geleden een had, heeft de "EVO Pro" -versie een aantal belangrijke veranderingen ondergaan, zoals een handmatige stoompijp in commerciële stijl, 9 bar OPV in Noord-Amerikaanse modellen en een roestvrijstalen portafilter. U heeft gelijk: dit product is niet geschikt en ook niet bedoeld voor gebruik in een commerciële omgeving.
Coment translation:
Had one a long time ago too. Great device for home use. The addition “pro” is of course nonsense. That assumes that this device is also appropriate in a commercial environment and that is nonsense.
Response: If you had one a long time ago the "EVO Pro" version has some significant changes like a commercial style manual steam wand, 9 bar OPV in North American models and stainless steel portafilter. You are correct this product is not appropriate nor intended for use in a commercial setting.
Thanks guys, your great video content really helped me make a solid buying decision. I just got mine too from here as well, it will be here Monday :-)
Hey nofilter, you're welcome - and thanks for the comment! You might be interested in the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro Unboxing, Setup and First Use livestream we did the other day: ruclips.net/user/liveAe7A1vlaAjE
Also bookmark our support section for the machine here: support.wholelattelove.com/hc/en-us/sections/1500000384362-Gaggia-Classic-Pro
It's loaded with use and maintenance videos, manuals etc.
Marc
Hi, which tamper would be perfect for the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro? Thank you
Hi f, Thanks for the question. Tampers listed at 58. 3 to 58.5mm work well. Please note, not all manufacturers list sizes in tenths of millimeters.
@@Wholelattelovepage Thanks for replying, I suspected that 58mm was too small, as I had read a dissatisfied comment. I can't wait for my Gaggia to arrive. I would like to combine it with a Lelit William or Eureka Specialità coffee grinder, I'm very undecided...
I just bought one on Madagascar at the same price as WLL I had some Malagasy Arabica Bourbon Pointu and I literally had the best espresso of my life
If you’re not planning to make another cup of espresso immediately, do you still need to cool down the boiler or will it cool automatically after some time has passed?
Does this have the same pressure valve upgrade as the EVO, or is it a plain (old style) classic + brass boiler?
Hey chianti95, After steaming it's always best practice to cool down the boiler. The between the pre and post steaming purges you are removing some water from the boiler and a small amount in the form of steam. That water is not replaced until the pump runs and pump only runs when brew switch is turned on.
The EVO Pro model and newer E24 (with full brass boiler) version all have the 9 bar spring for units in North America.
This is great! At this point I'm planning to buy, but the regular white GCP isn't in stock. Any idea when it will be back in stock??
Hey z, Thanks for the comment. Unfortunately no ETA at this point for white GCEPs.
@@Wholelattelovepage Bummer! Maybe I just buy a bare stainless steel one and vinyl wrap it then?? 😅
@@zachcarter4894 Guess that's an option.
What is the coating material inside the boiler? Thank you.
Does this guide work for the newest Gaggia Classic E24 (brass boiler) ?
Thank you
Hi 1337, yes exactly the same for the new E24 with brass boiler.
Is there any improvement to be had in the order of brewing and steaming? E.g. is it better to steam first and get the temp to drop before brewing or vice versa and have the machine heating up for the steam after brewing?
Hey l, Ahh, the great debate! It mostly comes down to personal preference. Mine is to brew first and then steam as there's less time with the frothed milk sitting around and separating. Push the steam button right after pulling your espresso and 20-25 seconds later machine is ready to froth. I believe this is the most efficient workflow and results in superior drinks. But a coworker here does the opposite. I think he's nuts! :)
Marc
Why do you have to cool down the boiler after use? Is this just if you're going to make another shot afterwards? What if I'm done...? Great video as always!!
Hi cc, Definitely want to cool down for the next shot. The process also refills the boiler with water filling the headspace taken up by steam.
Marc
It says to place a receptical under the group head I'm asking since I just received the gaggia classic evo pro do I do this every time I or do I just make sure it's filled with water I don't want to damage my machine thanks
Hi r, Just when starting up. Do be sure and cool down/refill boiler after steaming.
How can you tell if it is extracting too fast or too slow based on time alone, since there’s no scale to determine what weight you’re aiming for in that given timeframe?
Hi mike, Scale is def more accurate and we do recommend going there if you're serious about espresso quality!
Do I absolutely need the stainless tube on the decompression duct? I've had my Classic for several years and the tube wouldnt stay in, so i dont use it. I catch the water in a 2 oz shot glass (and dispose of it when im finished). Will not having the tube attached harm my machine?
Hi st, It will not do harm - maybe just a bit messy. But it's easily fixable if you are vaguely handy with tools. Here's a video showing how: ruclips.net/video/t-VYpzMPb9g/видео.htmlsi=lUwN6jmUBkbVWGdF
@Wholelattelovepage Thank you, I'll check it out. Yep, I'm handy with tools. Just wondered if the tube is supposed to connect to something deeper inside that I've been allowing to get wet.
just curious ... what kind of water jug was that ? It looked like one of those with a water filter on them ...
Are they on display anywhere?
Do you need to run 5 oz / 150 mL through the machine each time you brew a shot? That seems like an incredibly excessive water waste
Hi DD, flushing water from the group is a common best practice on espresso machines. It's required for consistent and predictable brew temps on may machine types.
@@Wholelattelovepage but 150 mL? That's several liters wasted each month. As in more than 5 times more water wasted than used in the espresso
For the espresso shot tastewise is there difference beetween bambino plus? Duo with niche zeroo
Thanks
Gaggia Classic Evo Pro
Rancilio Silvia
Lelit Anna
What's the podium ?
How difficult would it be to make 32 oz of espresso with one of these machines? I'm looking for a device for long winter snow plowing hours.
That's a lot of snow! 32oz would be 16 double shots. If you're quick reloading figure about 1 minutes to prep and pull each double.
@@Wholelattelovepage I have a 32 oz thermos I would fill up with french press coffee. I enjoy grazing off the hot tasty substance all day long even if I only consume 1/2 or 3/4 of the coffee. I'm looking for my next step up from the french press, but I want to get a proper espresso machine instead of a gloried keurig.
@@jmd1743 I don't think you'll want pure espresso in that thermos. 16 doubles shots would be caffeine equivalent to about 24 cups of coffee!!! Americano would be they way to go. For that do 3-4 double espresso shots making 6-8oz of espresso, put in your thermos and fill the rest with hot water. For reference a double espresso shot has about the same amount of caffeine as large drip brewed coffee.
You looking for a heart attack?😆
Take it easy bro, you don’t wanna end up like Jack Nicholson in ‘The Shining’🤣
(It’s a great machine for expresso, but you’ll need a decent grinder)👍
@@marcusherts9345 Here's a good grinder match for the Classic: www.wholelattelove.com/products/eureka-mignon-facile-espresso-grinder
I just bought the Classic Evo, together with an Eureka Specialita, is my first manual espresso machine, however when I use the double shot basket after the espresso is done and I remove the portafilter i see that is quite a lot of water over the coffee pod inside the basket, what am I doing wrong?
the grind is too fine or you press to hard when tamping the coffee.find a balance between grinding and pressing the cofee in basket
Is this the new one that is set at 9bar?
I also heard that it is set to 9bar
Only in North America is it set to 9 bar
@@crawdaddyy Oh FFS! Why only there?
Yes the North American version of the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro is set to produce 9 bar in the portafilter.
@@Wholelattelovepage There was me thinking the new Classic is 9bar for everyone😁?, after all the modification kits you would think GAGGIA would get the message by now🤦♂️
What’s the name of the song playing in the background please?
Hi a, it's a track from Adobe Stock
@@Wholelattelovepagejust noticed someone else asked and you answered already, thanks !
Is the same as gaggia classic just new colors?
Hi c, they are similar. A few upgrades from previous version as detailed in this video: ruclips.net/video/iZs6Ehvztz0/видео.html
@@Wholelattelovepage thank you
hi bezzera new hobby or Gaggia Classic Evo Pro? tnx
Hi a, They are very comparable machines although the New Hobby has higher price tag. If doing a lot of large milk drinks the Hobby has more steam power available due to a larger boiler. The Classic EVO with 9 bar OPV might be more appealing to espresso purists as the Hobby has OPV set to higher pressure. Here's a link to side by side spec comparison of the machines: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/compare?products=NDYzODQxNzE5MDk2Niw2OTM1ODMzODA0ODU0
Thank you for this machine overview. What soundtrack did you use for this video?
Hi SN, You're welcome! It's a stock track from Adobe titled Fashion Chill.
I'm a little torn between the Lelit Anna PL41TEM and the Gaggia Classic Evo. What are your thoughts on this?
Hey BASS, Thanks for the question. Price on the Anna is ~50% more but it does have PID. Current pricing and side by side spec comaprison here: www.wholelattelove.com/pages/compare?products=NzM2MzA5MTk4ODUzNCw2OTM1ODMzODA0ODU0
Oh my God you're having ducks with coffee ☕😂😂
How did y'all know I bought this yesterday?
👍
hope you have the time to do all that pre-warming BS!
@@gosman949that is why I bought the La Marzocco Linea Mini. No waiting for heating up when you turn the machine on. Just turn it on, wait 30 minutes, and you're good to go!
hahaha
AI? No, just coincidence!
Love my 2019 Gaggia Classic. However, as all of the machines in this price range, it has its weak points: The steam valve seems to be its achilles heel. The brass needle hits a brass valve body which, over time, inevitably creates a small cavity and therefore a leak. Replaced mine with a custom PTFE needle steam valve from Shades of Coffee. I cannot wrap my head around the fact that Gaggia hasn’t corrected this inherently flawed design after 30 years, especially given that alternative valve designs don’t cost more.
Hi G, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
The problems:
- NO PID
- Need spring to low it to 9 BAR (worldwide model needs it)
- To trully make it to shine you need to mod it
Professional models start from 3~4 BAR then it goes to 9 after a while.
That black tamp looks way too small for the portafilter basket
Hi gf, Thanks for the comment. Def recommend you upgrade the tamper. The included one is useable but not ideal. It's similar to what was provided out of box from many manufacturers (even on prosumer models) for many years. Still what you get with the Classic to help keep the price down.
I hate those hose and that's deal breaker
Sorry to hear that - fill from the top access and never have to deal with the hoses.
That’s a strong emotion towards hoses
That plástic tamper hahaha sucks
Hey lulu, yep, you'll wanna upgrade!
How can extraction be 25 seconds for double AND single
Makes no sense , so you have to compact single espresso much harder to get 25 seconds
Hi Gary, You are correct - on the surface it does not make sense. But look close, a single shot basket has fewer holes in the bottom so has a much lower flow rate.
Too much trouble.
Agreed! Just get a Keurig
@@af_loyd20 oh no. I'm not that desperate!
Hey g, happy to hear that!
Not for slobs
@@mtksbctk you mean snobs!?
What’s the name of the song playing in the background please?
Hi a, it's a track from Adobe Stock