It has a respectable Italian lineage: strong, rugged, a dependable everyday machine. With its stainless steel housing, forged chrome-plated brass portafilter, and two industry standard stainless steel filter baskets, this is the kind of machine that will not go gentle into that good night. To quote a customer’s Espresso Machine review at Coffeegeek.com, it is “built to last… built to please.”

With its 40 years in the industry, the Gaggia deserves to be called a “classic.” It started as a tough but obscure, misunderstood gadget that grew in time to be regarded as perhaps the best espresso machine in the market, especially by espresso purists who will never compromise ease of use for the ritual of coffee making.

However, espresso-making virgins need not feel left out: this classic can also make espresso with pre-packaged pods, which is handy for those mornings when you want to pull a quick shot and you’re not up to doing the whole ritual.

Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine – Good Shot

Espresso enthusiasts are euphoric over this machine. In fact, Gaggia Classic got five out of five stars on its espresso machine review page on Amazon.com. It may cost a lot more than your average espresso machine but it’s practically a steal for its class. This practically indestructible machine works hard to earn its keep.

The shots from the Classic are consistent and give a thick, dark crema that is the standard of a truly great espresso. It is the best espresso machine for people who demand consistently good cups – and for people who know what they are doing, this machine can pull professional quality shots each and every time. With an instructional CD to guide you through your coffee making journey, and dedicated fans online able to answer questions about the machine, the Gaggia Classic can quite possibly make a barista out of anybody.

Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine – Pumping It Up

One secret to its consistent performance of the Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine is the 55-watt reciprocating pump with a maximum pressure of 15 bars. According to the website Wholelattelove.com, this is the highest strength available for home espresso machines. Powerful pump pressure differentiates the good from the best espresso machine, and in this department the Gaggia Classic does not disappoint.

The portafilter, which is a solid 1 lb, is chrome plated industrial strength brass. The boiler is made of aluminum and the heating coils are located outside the boiler tank so the water boils pretty quickly. The Bakelite switches add the professional touch.

Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine – Go Froth

There are very few downsides to the Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine. Espresso machine review sites mostly agree that they would rather do without the steam wand. Originally designed to make frothing easier for inexperienced coffee makers, the Gaggia Classic’s plastic steam wand feels weak and coffee snobs often choose to replace them with a different brand altogether. The good thing is that the replacing process takes just a few minutes, and compared to the power of the machine it is a very minor drawback indeed.

The Gaggia Classic is arguably the best espresso machine in its class. It is easy to handle, with a good instructional DVD to help you get acquainted with the machine if you don’t want to bother with the manual. This well-built, reliable and uncomplicated Italian home barista can be relied upon to make cup after cup of creamy espresso for many years to come.

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