The Gaggia Classic is is a beautiful, high quality espresso maker that will brew wonderful espresso. It’s one of the best selling espresso machines on the market for good reason - you can get great quality espresso without spending a small fortune on an espresso machine.

This machine has a heavy duty chrome plated boiler and a 3 way solenoid, something normally found only on commercial grade machines. The 17 bar pump produces plenty of pressure and boiler is quick and strong. The frother is nice and powerful, but it may a bit too much for some to handle at first. The heavy duty chrome plated portafilter will stabilize the pressure during brewing and should last you a long time.

Gaggia has wrapped the Classic with a stainless steel case and included controls that feel solid. The portafilter has both single and double shot filter basket, is nicely made and feels heavy in your hand. This is a beautifully designed and well built machine.

Using this machine for the first time is much like the first time you drove a manual shift automobile. You probably stalled the first time because it takes more time to learn how to control. But once you have overcome this you are rewarded with a much more engaged and enjoyable experience.

As a semi-automatic espresso machine, you have full control of grinding, tamping, dosing and the timing of the shots. The pressure to the porta filter is not automatically controlled like some consumer machines, so you will have to do this yourself with this one. You’ll input the pressure and quantity to get your coffee just the way you like it.

Some may find the look of this machine to be a bit plain. The simple shape and smooth lines does make it easier to clean. The brushed stainless and black finish fits nicely in most modern kitchens. It won’t scream out at you from the counter top either. The 72 ounce water tank is easy to fill and the switches and controls are well placed.

I wouldn’t recommend this machine for the casual espresso drinker. This is more of a hobbyist machine. If you are not ready to mess with the tamper and grain coarseness, this machine is not for you. Of course, if you are a hobbyist or you don’t mind spending time fiddling with your technique you are going to drink a superior espresso than with consumer machine.

In summary, the Gaggia Classic is an wonderful espresso machine that is good looking, well made and makes great coffee.

Before you buy your next espresso machine, check out Tim’s espresso machine review site. You will find videos, articles and more about the Gaggia Classic and other espresso makers reviews, as well as articles and tips to make you an espresso expert!