Gaggia Classic Pro Review - Is It Worth The Money In 2024?
The Gaggia Classic has garnered a dedicated cult following since its release back in 1991, with thousands of coffee drinkers spending decades modding and raving about it.
I recently set out to discover if the new Gaggia Classic Pro was still worth the hype.
Gaggia Classic Pro Review – My Ratings & Top Features
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Key Features
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Things I Like
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Things I Don’t Like
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Why Should You Buy The Gaggia Classic Pro?
Overall, I would rate the Gaggia Classic Pro 4.7 out of 5 stars.
I love its simple and minimalist approach to crafting quality espresso shots, but I think certain cheaper elements could be improved.[1]
- Industrial stainless steel finish in up to six colors
- 78-ounce water reservoir that can be filled via a spout for easy water management
- Slick removable drip tray with water level indicator
- 58 mm stainless steel commercial portafilter
- Pressurized basket for pre-ground coffee and ESE pods
- Three-way solenoid valve for dry pucks and easy disposal
- Improved vibration pump mount for less noise
- 9-bar extraction from a 15-bar pump with an updated OPV for perfect extraction
- Rapid heating
- 3-inch cup clearance suits most standard-size espresso cups
- Chrome-plated brass group head and filter holder for proper temperature stability
- Automatic standby mode for cheaper bills and easier maintenance
- Two-year warranty
Who Should Buy The Gaggia Classic Pro?
The Gaggia Classic Pro is a great espresso machine for beginners looking for an accessible way to learn and practice the craft of brewing espresso.
Knowing how to dose, tamp, and lock in a portafilter beforehand will help smooth the learning curve.
Why I Decided To Review The Gaggia Classic Pro
After reviewing many complicated and flashy espresso machines, I found myself craving a simpler brewing process with a more analog home espresso machine.
When a friend let me take their Classic Pro for a spin, I just had to put it through its paces for this review.
Testing Conditions
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Days Tested |
30 |
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Cups Brewed Per Day |
2 |
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Level Of Experience Needed |
Beginner - Intermediate |
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Reviewer Background |
Home brewing enthusiast who started with a simple cafetiere collection and is on a journey to up their game. |
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Environment Tested |
Home |
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Money Saved Per Year |
$2160 |
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Favorite Drink To Brew |
Espresso and cappuccino |
What’s It Like To Live With The Gaggia Classic Pro
What’s In The Box?
My Classic Pro espresso machine arrived in a double box package, which was a very good sign.
Inside, my new espresso machine was nestled in molded foam inserts, with a manual and accessories box tucked under the interface, which is fairly standard for espresso machines.
A couple of nice touches were that the water tank was wrapped in plastic and the drip tray was taped down.
The water tank also contained the power cable and three-way solenoid valve, which you need to insert yourself.
Contained in the accessories box were:
- Pamphlets on the portafilter and baskets
- Double-spouted portafilter
- Plastic tamper
- Plastic coffee scoop
- Two sets of baskets
- Drip tray cover
Setting up was incredibly quick and straightforward, thanks to both the manual and pared-back design.
Once I cleaned the necessary parts and put it all together, I was ready to go.
Pulling My First Espresso Shot
The user interface has three basic rocker switches - power, brewing, and steaming. No frills, just the essentials.
The single boiler heats up impressively fast, just a minute or two. The 58 mm portafilter feels solid, though I didn’t love the plastic handle.
I quickly ditched the flimsy tamper and coffee scoop for my own, which made a big difference in tamping pressure.
Without a built-in grinder, I used my own and dialed in a dose of 18-20 grams.
The extraction process was smooth, with temperature stability made easier by the chrome-plated group head [2].
My first shot looked good with crema but tasted flat and too hot.
By the second try, using a 22-gram dose and purging the group head, I got a full-bodied, cafe-quality espresso with rich flavor and perfect crema.
While the first shot was disappointing, the second was near perfection, which I expected from a machine that relies on practice.
If you prefer ESE pods, expect decent coffee, but it won’t match freshly ground beans [3].
First Time Frothing Milk
As the Pro uses a single boiler, you will need to wait about 15-45 seconds for it to reach the proper temperature to froth milk.
By the time you dispose of your puck and fill your jug, it should be ready to go, and the steam button light indicator should be on.
The steam wand and knob sit on the right-hand side and are commercial quality. A two-hole tip is perfect for crafting light and airy foam.
However, the lack of a ball joint makes things feel a little awkward and stiff when you go to steam milk.
The resulting milk was creamy and fluffy, perfect for a dry cappuccino.
However, the steam wand does not let it get quite hot enough for perfect latte foam, so no latte art for me.
I also found that I could only brew two standard-size cappuccinos back-to-back before this semi-automatic machine literally ran out of steam.
Americano fans will be pleased to know you can also get hot water from the steam wand.
How Much Control Do You Have Over The Machine?
Unlike other coffee machines on the market, you cannot adjust the temperature or pressure - the machine handles it for you.
This makes things much simpler for beginners.
How Does It Handle Different Roasts?
As there is no built-in grinder, the world is your oyster when it comes to using your own beans.
I tried everything from the most basic IKEA beans to my fancy Whittards beans - each double shot tasted delicious and complex.
You can even use pre-ground coffee and ESE coffee grounds with the Gaggia Classic Pro, thanks to the pressurized baskets that come with it.
Look, Feel, and Size Of The Machine
Out of the box, the Gaggia Classic looks very chiseled and industrial, boasting six different color options to suit a range of color palettes.
I love how it shirks the sleek curves of other models in favor of a sharp and defined minimalist look.
In terms of dimensions, the 14-inch tall exterior easily slots under my standard landlord-issue cupboards, and its 9.5-inch length and 8-inch width save valuable counter space.
I love how clean and compact it all is.
At 20 pounds, you can easily move this espresso machine around to do deep cleans or maintenance - no need to worry about roping in a friend for heavy lifting.
It is just hefty enough that pulling shots does not move it around like other lighter consumer machines.
What Drinks Can It Make?
The sky is the limit when it comes to making espresso drinks with the Gaggia Classic Pro.
You are not faced with any pre-programmed drinks menu; you are just handed the reins for the basics that make most specialty drinks.
The brew head and commercial wand work perfectly together to provide anything you can dream up.
That being said, it worked best when making purely espresso-based drinks.
Dry cappuccino [4] and Americano fans will love the professional steam wand, though.
How Easy Is It To Use?
Simplicity is key when it comes to the Classic Pro, but that does not mean it is without a learning curve.
Beginner coffee fans that are happy to practice and learn new skills will be able to rustle up decent brew.
This machine grows with you as you can easily modify it once you have a handle on the basics.
Its simple user interface and no-frills approach to brewing coffee will help make the first time easier for newbies.
How Long Does It Take? (From Heat Up To First Sip)
Thanks to rapid-heating tech, you can get that first blessed sip of morning coffee in as little as five minutes, depending on your drink and skill.
The Gaggia Classic Pro heats up in only a minute or two, making it a great option for impatient home baristas.
Does It Have A Water Filtration System?
There is no water filtration system built into the Gaggia Classic Pro.
Because of this, I recommend using filtered water only with the Pro to minimize limescale buildup in the machine.[5]
How Hard Is It To Clean and Descale?
Unfortunately, neither cleaning nor descaling solution comes with your purchase, so I recommend purchasing them simultaneously with your espresso machine to save time.[6]
Gaggia recommends that you stick to their brand-name cleaning products to avoid damaging the machine's internal parts.
Both the cleaning and descaling processes are simple enough, thanks to the detailed manual instructions, but they both take time to do.
The cleaning process is very typical of semi-automatics, requiring you to handwash some parts and empty and top up others.
You will need to do a deep descale of your machine every 2-3 months, depending on how hard the water in your area is.
This process is simple but takes around 40 minutes to do effectively by hand.
Regular maintenance ensures that your home espresso machine keeps making decent coffee for years.
While replacement parts for the Classic Pro are readily available, the two-year warranty is on the high end of the average and brings peace of mind.
My Favorite Parts About The Gaggia Classic Pro
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Commercial portafilter, filter baskets, and steam wand create a true barista experience. The commercial equipment ensures that you can easily craft cafe-quality brews for years to come.
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Pared-back design lets you stay in control of what matters. A simple user interface and minimal features allow you to focus on perfecting your brew.
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Analog interface is simple and easy to use. Beginners will not feel overwhelmed when starting with the Classic Pro.
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Reliable and sturdy construction that lasts. Gaggia is well-known for creating machines that last, focusing on quality and reliable builds.
- Good espresso and cappuccino to satisfy all coffee lovers. Whether you love milk drinks or espresso, you can make something for everyone with the Pro.
My Least Favorite Parts
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No simultaneous brewing is disappointing for latte fans. The lack of dual heating elements means that you cannot brew and use the steam wand at the same time like other machines can.
- Plastic tamper and coffee scoop feel cheap. It is best to just buy a better tamper and scoop rather than use these. A good tamper is typically available at a reasonable price.
Gaggia Classic Pro Vs Similar Machines
Gaggia Classic Pro Vs Classic Pro Limited Edition
There is little difference between the Classic Pro and the Limited Edition version. They share many of the same features and dimensions.
However, the Limited Edition comes with unique art on its stainless steel housing as well as a longer warranty and a slightly smaller tank.
Additionally, it is more pricey due to the artistic touches in its design.[7]
Gaggia Classic Pro Vs Gaggia Classic
The Gaggia Classic was initially revealed to the public back in 1991 - how does the revamped Pro compare to its predecessor?
The original Classic featured a lesser quality vibration pump mount, a Pannarello steam wand that often got replaced with better steam wands, a poor drip tray design, and different style buttons and indicator light system.
The temperature stability was also more flawed than its newer design.
However, pre-2009 models were high quality and have years of mods and forums dedicated to getting the best from them.
Plus, you can get used ones for really good prices.
Gaggia Classic Pro Vs Breville Bambino Plus
The Classic Pro is often put against the Bambino Plus as they share many similar features, like a fast heat-up time.
However, some key elements push the Bambino Plus ahead for some customers.
The Bambino Plus features pre-infusion, volumetric shot control, automatic and manual milk frothing, and a PID temperature control system.
The Plus also comes with a 54 mm portafilter and a smaller water tank. Baristas who want more control over their coffee tend to prefer the Bambino Plus.
Related Article - Breville Nespresso Creatista Plus Reviews
FAQs
Does Gaggia Classic Pro make hot water?
Yes, the Gaggia Classic Pro can make hot water through the steam wand.
Can I use plant-based milks with the Gaggia Classic Pro?
It is possible to use plant-based milks with the Gaggia Classic Pro. However, as an oat milk fan, I recommend getting ones that are designed explicitly with baristas in mind, as they will froth better.[8]
Where is the Gaggia Classic Pro made?
The Gaggia Classic Pro is made in Italy.
How long will a Gaggia Classic Pro espresso machine last?
A Gaggia Classic Pro espresso machine will typically last over ten years with the right care and maintenance. Gaggia is famous for its workhorse machines and loyal modding fanbase that provides spare parts at a decent cost.
Is The Gaggia Classic Pro Worth Your Money?
To conclude this Gaggia Classic espresso machine review, I highly recommend this espresso machine to beginners willing to practice and learn it over time.
It is a simple yet effective machine that focuses on the bare essentials while giving endless possibilities for modding in the future.
However, picky latte fans and larger households will find themselves wanting, thanks to the small boiler and steaming wand.
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Gaggia Classic Pro
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Resources:
- https://www.gaggia.com/manual-machines/new-classic/
- https://www.espressoparts.com/blogs/barista-basics-tutorials/espresso-machine-parts
- https://www.delonghi.com/en-gb/faqs/What-are-ESE-pods/a/33600
- https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2016/wet-vs-dry-cappuccino/
- https://www.scaleguard.co.uk/limescale.html#:~:text=Limescale%20is%20the%20chalky%20build,film%20on%20your%20shower%20screen.
- https://www.gaggia-na.com/collections/parts/products/gaggia-decalcifier-4adf31c1-5733-464a-91c2-ffbda32ef649
- https://www.facebook.com/gaggiamilano/videos/thirty-years-ago-in-1991-something-incredible-happened-gaggia-classic-was-launch/2829106847306622/
- https://www.milklabco.com/news/barista-milk-vs-normal-milk#:~:text=What%20makes%20barista%20milk%20different,pouring%20and%20creating%20latte%20art
Parker Russell is a coffee professional and the founder of Black Ink Coffee. As an expert in the field of coffee roasting, cupping (professional Q-Grader) and brewing, Parker has established Black Ink as brand that fuels the grind of dreamers.