Gaggia Classic Pro review: a classic espresso machine made in Italy

Why choose Gaggia Classic Pro over others?

Gaggia is a company with a long history and tradition in manufacturing espresso machines. In 1936, Gaggia introduced a new way of coffee brewing, with the use of how water passing through coffee grounds under pressure. This is what we know today as “espresso machines.”

What sets Gaggia Classic Pro apart from other espresso machines is its affordability, classic Italian-made design and powerful solutions. Gaggia Classic Pro is significantly less expensive than other similar espresso machines.

Gaggia Classic Pro is able to keep its price lower because it generally is a simpler machine without sophisticated features. For instance, the machine does not allow to control temperature in the brewing process. Coffee baristas can only control a grind size and type of coffee. Further, the machine comes with a single boiler heating system. While strong, this typically is not as powerful as dual boiler, or as efficient as thermocoil.

At the same time, Gaggia Classic Pro brews phenomenally tasting espresso, and comes with powerful solutions. It includes commercial features that make barista-quality espresso possible at home. Those features include a commercial-style portafilter, a steam wand, filter baskets and a 3-way solenoid valve.

The solenoid valve is typically present in commercial machines, and it relieves pressure off the coffee for a dry, easily discarded puck. It combines both convenience and better coffee results.

Here are some distinct features that we would like to emphasize in the Gaggia Classic Pro review:

• Robust functionality that allows users to brew phenomenal espresso, cappuccino, lattes and americano
• Easy, convenient and fast to use, operate and brew coffee
• Commercial-style features for better coffee
• Long tradition in espresso making

Who is Gaggia Classic Pro perfect for?

As we were the product for this Gaggia Classic Pro review, we wanted to see who this machine can be a compelling choice for.

First, we feel that Gaggia Classic Pro may be appealing for individuals who want the machine to grow with them. Therefore, it can be a neat choice for novices and intermediate-level coffee aficionados. Even though the machine is fairly easy to use, there’s something to learn for people at those two stages of espresso brewing experience.

Second, users who prefer more affordable espresso machines may enjoy this option. Gaggia Classic Pro is a no-frills coffee machine. There’s no sophisticated PID or dual boiler. However, the machine has all that it needs. It is calibrated and comes with accessories to yield a great shot of espresso. Therefore, the machine is able to keep the costs down, while still delivering high quality coffee.

I feel that Gaggia can be perfect for those who are looking for an espresso machine that has any or all of the following characteristics:

✓ Easier and more convenient espresso brewing (with fewer things to control)

✓ Compatible with ground coffee and ESE coffee pods

✓ Ability to learn how to brew delicious espresso

✓ Comes with a frothing wand (though not as powerful as some others)

✓ Great choice for those who begin or want to advance a journey of coffee brewing

Who is Gaggia Classic Pro NOT perfect for?

Just like with other coffee maker reviews, we would like to remain honest in the Gaggia Classic Pro review. Gaggia Classic Pro is by no means a perfect espresso machine (but no machine is!).

While the machine delivers perfectly great coffee, we feel that coffee lovers with more nuanced and sophisticated tastes will find the machine to be lacking.

Gaggia Classic Pro comes with a large price tag and lacks in features that can make espresso truly perfect. For instance, the machine is not be able to achieve consistency and stability in brewing temperatures. While regular users do not need to care about this, professional baristas and coffee aficionados may be dissatisfied with some temperature variations. Furthermore, the machine relies on an internal pressure calibration. While this can be adjusted sporadically, other machines allow power users to calibrate pressure live. Last but not least, the milk frother, while super easy and convenient, is not powerful enough to create a perfect microfoam.

The machine is also a single-boiler machine. Therefore, it will always require a manual switch between brewing espresso or steaming the milk.

Here are some examples of users that may find Gaggia Classic Pro to be unsuitable:

✗ Low budget

✗ An espresso machine with an integrated coffee burr grinder

✗ Experienced users who would like a much more advanced and complex espresso machine

✗ Sophisticated users with the need for powerful and advanced machine for absolutely perfect coffee

Gaggia Classic Pro Review and Evaluation 🕵️

→ Appearance

We re-discovered inspiration during this Gaggia Classic Pro review. Gaggia Classic Pro has a brushed stainless steel frame that has been designed for a streamlined look.

In addition to increased convenience, the machine inspires with its elegance and timelessness. Because the machine was designed and manufactured in Italy, the machine has a luxurious look that gives any kitchen an extra touch of professionalism and efficiency.

This espresso maker is easy to use thanks to its simple control panel, located on the front side of the machine, right on top of the portafilter.

The control panel has only 3 rocker switch buttons:

• An ON/OFF button,
• A brew button,
• A Steam button.

It is important to note that because of the single boiler, the machine CANNOT brew and steam at the same time. A user needs to decide whether to brew first and then steam, or the other way around.

To the right of the control panel, we were able to find a rotating steam knob. We were able to use it to control the pressure of the steam coming out of the frothing wand.

Last but not least, the removable water tank is located at the back of the machine. We were able to access it very easily.

→ Features and technical specs

Voltage: Gaggia Classic Pro is made for 120V, and can be used in Canada and the US only. However, because this machine is available internationally, there are models available for 220V-250V in the European and Asian markets. If you purchase this machine in the US or Canada, it will likely be compatible only with 120V.

Basket size: Gaggia Classc Pro has a durable, chrome plated brass, 58 mm portafilter. It is the same size and style as the ones available in the commercial machines. The machine comes with two filters:

• Crema perfetta filter for 1 or 2 cups. This filter is already installed on the filter holder at the time of the purchase. It allows to obtain espresso with cream, even when using the machine for the first time.
• Traditional filters for 1 and 2 cups. These filters are similar to those used in professional bar machines and require manual skills and experience.

We recommend starting out with the “crema perfetta” filter. Once you become more familiar with the machine and acquire skills and experience, you are welcome to move on to traditional filters to appreciate a complexity of the manual filters.

Beverage size: To brew espresso using the Gaggia Classic Pro, I need to press the Brew button and allow the coffee to flow into my cup. When the coffee cup is 3/4 full, we need to press the Brew button again. The coffee will be more or less intense depending on the amount of water used. If prepared following the correct procedure, it will have the typical hazelnut/brown colored “natural cream.” However, we can choose to let more water flow through the grounds, in order to brew more coffee. Thus, however, coffee will be weaker.

Weight: Gaggia Classic Pro weighs about 20 pounds. It is quite a heavy machine. However, this is understandable given that the machine is made with stainless steel.

Unit size: On a flip side, Gaggia Classic Pro is rather compact and can fit nicely on many countertop spaces. It measures about 8 x 9.5 x 9.5 inches.

Water reservoir: Gaggia Classic Pro has a 72oz removable water reservoir. The water tank is located at the back of the machine. The and has a lid that can be easily removed in order to add water to the reservoir.

The water reservoir is slightly difficult to access. It’s at the back of the machine, and it can typically be refilled by pouring water from the top. However, it might be challenging to see how much water is in it.

Additional perks: What we would like to emphasize in this Gaggia Classic Pro review is that the machine is largely a no-frills espresso maker. There are no sophisticated extra features.

The essence of Gaggia Classic Pro is in its internal structure. The machine is powerful and strong because of the  technology, such as a single boiler, valves and solutions that cannot be seen with a naked eye.

In my opinion, there are a couple of features that make this espresso machine very attractive. They are as follows:

✓ Gaggia Classic Pro comes with a 3-way solenoid valve for better coffee results and cleaning convenience. The three-way solenoid valve is typically present in commercial machines. Its function is to relieve pressure off the coffee for a dry, easily discarded puck.

✓ Gaggia Classic Pro comes with a commercial style portafilter that gives more flexibility in the amount of coffee grounds. The machine comes with a durable chrome plated brass 58 mm portafilter. Thanks to it, users can insert more coffee grounds for their perfectly strong espresso (and other espresso-based drinks).

✓Commercial steam wand with a pannarello intake hole for easier and more convenient frothing. The wand offers full control while steaming and frothing milk. While the wand was not very powerful to produce microfoam for us, some users had success with it.

✓ Improved pump mounts for less noise. Brewing espresso typically generates a lot of noise. However, the mounting of the vibration pump dampens unpleasant sounds.

✓ Compatible with ESE coffee pods. The ESE coffee pods can be EASY 🙂 The use of a single dose espresso pod is simialr to using coffee grounds.

However, we would like to note in this Gaggia Classic Pro review that the espresso machine lacks in certain more advanced features. For instance, we really lacked the ability to control the brewing temperature. For any more advanced coffee lovers, the temperature consistency is of the essence.

While the machine comes with a single boiler, there was no PID to regulate and stabilize temperature throughout the entire brewing process.

Furthermore, a single boiler means that a user needs to decide whether to brew coffee or steam first. Steaming and brewing cannot occur at the same time.

We were also slightly disappointed with the steaming wand. While super easy to use, we felt that it was not powerful enough to generate microfoam for perfect lattes.

→ Performance

Brewing time: Because the machine comes with a single boiler, the machine needs to heat up water each time we turn it on. That can take anywhere between 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the desired volume. To bypass this, you may wish to leave the machine on at all times. It’s not environmentally conscious (and may be expensive), but it speeds things up whenever you need coffee.

Once water is heated up, the brewing time depends on how much water I am choosing to use. To brew 2oz of espresso, the machine will take 20-25 seconds.

Flavor: Gaggia Classic Pro brews rich, creamy espresso thanks to its commercial style features that were especially created to produce coffee house quality coffee.

Temperature: Water gets heated in an aluminium boiler. Dual heating elements heat the boiler and bring the water to brewing temperature in about five minutes. The same boiler heats up the water used in milk frothing. The machine is steam ready in 30 seconds.

Milk frother: The machine comes with a commercial steam wand located right next to the portafilter. It comes with a pannarello intake hole for easier and more convenient frothing. It offers full control while steaming and frothing milk. Although we were not able to achieve our desired microfoam for latte, Gaggia claims it should be able to produce tight microfoam for latte art.

The steam is activated by pressing the Steam button on the control panel. The steam pressure is increased by turning the steam knob on the side of the machine.

Pressure / pressure gauge: Gaggia Classic Pro has a pressure pump with a capacity of 15 BARs.

Noise levels: This espresso machine comes with superior pressure pump mounting, which dampens the sounds produced while brewing. As a result, the Classic Pro produces the excellent espresso with less noise comparing with other espresso makers.

Cleaning: Cleaning is a bit more time consuming with this machine. Regular cleaning and maintenance keep the machine in perfect conditions and ensure perfect coffee flavor.

Limescale normally builds up with the use of the appliance. The manufacturers recommend using the GAGGIA descaling product only to descale the machine. Its formula has been designed to ensure better machine performance and operation for its whole operating life. If correctly used, it also avoids alterations in the brewed product. The machine should never be descaled using vinegar or other descaling agents. Descaling should be performed every 2 months.

Customer-reported technical issues

We did not experience any mishaps or defects for this Gaggia Classic Pro review. Likewise, the vast majority of users report awesome experience with the espresso machine.

There were some individual instances of users complaining that the machine stopped working after a few months. If that is the case for you, you may be covered under 1-year warranty. Contact Gaggia for more information.

A couple of users also reported problems with the portafilter, which did not fit properly in the group head. If that’s the case for you, contact Gaggia for more information.

→ Health and safety

We were really impressed with Gaggia Classic Pro in terms of health and safety. The espresso machine is made mainly of stainless steel. The water boiler is aluminium, while portafilter, filters and steam wand are stainless steel.

The only part that might be plastic is the gasket that seals the portafilter at the group head. However, we have never sensed any plastic flavor in our espresso.

→ Price to value: is Gaggia Classic Pro worth the money?

Gaggia Classic Pro comes at a $$$$$ price tag, typically under $500. And, we believe that this machine is an extraordinary choice for a price-to-value ratio.

The machine brews truly exceptional espresso. With all the in-built technology, such as internal pressure calibration and heating system, espresso is rich, creamy and delicious.

We also love that the machine is very well made, with a beautiful yet sturdy body of the machine. The machine can potentially last for many years, if maintained properly.

Last but not least, we love that the machine is fairly easy to use, while also offering ways to learn and advance. If you are a beginner or intermediate-level user of espresso machine, Gaggia Classic Pro can offer a lot of room to grow.

On a flip side, the machine is less expensive than other more advanced espresso machines like Breville Infuser or Breville Barista Express. This is because Gaggia Classic Pro does not come with some of the more advanced features that very advanced coffee lovers can appreciate.

With all these considerations, we really feel strongly for this espresso machine! We feel like it can be such a powerful machine that yields truly delicious coffee.

Should I buy Gaggia Classic Pro espresso machine? Owly’s verdict! 🔨

Gaggia Classic Pro is made in Italy, a world’s capital of coffee. It comes as no surprise to us that Gaggia Classic Pro can brew truly exceptional espresso.

Gaggia Classic Pro can be an excellent choice for many individuals. We feel that starters and intermediate users of espresso machines can fall in love with the machine. The machine is easy to use, but it also offers a lot of room to grow and advance espresso-brewing knowledge.

This coffee maker can also be a great choice for coffee lovers who do not have the need to become professional baristas.

We love the machine, its features and performance. We also feel that the price to value is very strong, given the price point at the time of publishing.

What do you think?

Do you like your Gaggia Classic Pro espresso machine? Did you enjoy our Gaggia Classic Pro review? Do you have any questions?

Let us know in the comments under our Gaggia Classic Pro review!