Gaggia Classic

Italian lemon – No wonder this product is discontinued. Stopped working 3 times in 18 months. Appliance & servicing costs $1000. Poorly engineered, no prefilter!! Distributor blames customer for not descaling which I did every 2 months.no warranty!! Will be thrown out. Will buy a Breville next time Show details

Be Warned before you buy – Very disappointed with this machine. So disappointed that we had our trusty 12 year old Sunbeam Cafe series, repaired and will dispose of the Gaggia Classic. The machine is so small that you can only get the smallest cup under the filter. Don't even think of trying to use a mug or the new double wall glass cups. They just don't fit under the… Read more

filter. We tried to avoid buying Chinese made, so went with Gaggia, but this machine is not the one for us.

Handy little thing, hard to clean – There are a couple of things about this machine that could be improved. First up, for the price, it's a handy little thing, and it makes great espresso. The milk frother is simple to use, although it's rigid, so you can't easily fit a larger milk jug under it (unless you raise the entire machine). If the arm had a flexible component to it,… Read more

it would be much more useful. This is actually quite annoying.

Getting the water reservoir out to clean is also difficult. There's a metal pipe that runs down in front of it, into the drip tray. Unless I'm missing something, you have to unscrew that pipe to remove and clean the reservoir. I want to clean it often, but that makes it hard.

So, yes, wonderful to have a little coffee machine in the house, and a nice start for people. But the cleaning and milk frother side of things mean that, if I had my time over again, I'd make another choice. I may change in the near future if the tax man is kind to me.

Almost perfect – There's not a lot to dislike about a Gaggia Classic. it will make any type of coffee you have the skill to create and it will do it with beautiful extraction. I only have one negative my steamer leaks spurts so i have to keep a small jug under it. This is very common from what i've read and requires some minor surgery and new parts to fix but… Read more

even so, it's still making fantastic coffee and giving me milk that has enabled me to dabble in Latte art.

The machine is so good you can get away with cheaper beans if you want. The more educated you become of course the more you'll want to buy good beans and couple the machine with a quality conical burr grinder.

i wouldn't recommend it to a beginner. A beginner should probably buy a cheap version of this type of machine before graduating. it requires that you know and love coffee and will make adjustments and learn. And that you'll maintain, backflush, descale etc on a schedule.

The rewards are worth it for the home Barista. My coffee at home is superior to many if not most cafe's and my Latte art draws oohs and ahhs from friends. Everybody who comes over is waiting for one of my coffees and every person says- beautiful.

RIP old girl – We upgraded to this model after our previous one didn't produce good enough coffee for my father-in-law. I cannot fault the quality of the coffee it makes, and since I always have espresso, I hardly noticed if the milk wand worked or not. We, too, replaced the plastic handle, having banged through a whole lot of coffee shots and cracked it. … Read more

We serviced our machine annually at the store we bought it from, which was not the cheapest thing but since we used to own an Italian car, we knew that Italian technology isn't exactly fire and forget, so we were happy to do this.

However, within a month after servicing it, the machine ceased functioning again, so it lies on our countertop, dead and cold. All up, we spent about $600 servicing this and replacing various parts over 5 years, plus a $700 purchase price, so I am not exactly rushing out to add another $100 service onto it a month after doing the last one.

A shame, really; our previous Breville did a decade's service without fault but the Gaggia required the aforementioned TLC.

Awesome coffee machine! – LOVE this machine, makes awesome coffee, easy to use and clean! Just don’t expect to get the perfect cup right away, took us a few goes after we purchased it and some practice. You definitely need to invest in a good grinder, or can get your ground beans from a local cafe. The steam wand is amazing, steams/froths the milk quickly and really well,… Read more ·  1

and easy to clean. Also make sure you use the right tamping pressure to compact your coffee. We bought a new stainless steel coffee tamper as the one that comes in the box is a small plastic one. Overall, we’re happy with this purchase, the quality of the coffee is perfect and well worth the money spent.

Great home machine – We bought this machine in June 2020 and it's going great. Neither of us were coffee experts but we've picked it up pretty easily, this machine makes it simple enough. Show details

The best household appliance I have ever owned – The one possession that's been with me for 20 years. Coffee as good as it gets. gets used almost every day. parts are available and cheap if necessary, Worth every cent, wish all appliances were this good again. Show details ·  1

Disappointing – Bought the Gaggia Classic last Saturday (26/10). Made my first coffee and the crema on it was rich and golden. Over the next two days, the Gaggia made beautiful coffee. On Tuesday, I couldn't extract any coffee. I could hear the pressure building as it tried to extract but the coffee was forced out of the three-way valve. Went to the store where I… Read more

bought the machine and they gave me a new basket. The coffee came out like a watery mess. I contacted the store again and they told me I needed to pack more coffee into the filter, tamp it harder and make sure I have a finer grind on my coffee. Tried everything. I used to have a Saeco Via Venezia which lasted for 10 years. The consistently positive reviews for the Gaggia convinced me to buy it. I wish otherwise now and it has only been one issue after another.

The extract can be ok but not a reliable machine – Having worked on a few Gaggias would not recommend these as a reliable machine. Ok at best. I'm impressed people review them as highly as they are when there are cheaper options out there that can do both steam and coffee extraction at the same time.(breville(not recommended) or sunbeam) N  Show details

This machine is simple, and entirey appropriate technology for a good macchiato – Machine runs for years, spare parts (if required - any of them) are easily available, and very easy to fit. Get a medium coffee to start with (half dark Arabica, half dark Robusta) and see how you go. Robusta beens are cheap, and a bit nasty, but add a very strong, aggressive flavour without much boiling. Getting a dark Arabica coffee, in strong… Read more

format (eg. long black ) is nirvana, but I've never met a North American coffe shop who can actually serve it. Must have something to do with the bleach-sprayed chicken corpses that go into making bleached-flesh mc Chicken Nuggets.

Best classic machine....

You really can't go past this machine. It works for all the usual reasons, so I wont waste time speaking them here. It's more on the 'professional' side to operate, rather than the idiot-whinger-who-does-not-get-technology user. You need to ignore this latter group.

Durable, affordable espresso machine – I have a 2004 Gaggia classic and with the right maintenance routine it will last forever. Parts are relatively cheap and easy to replace. The only reason not to get good espresso from this machine are bad coffee bins and grinder. Show details ·  1

A great starting espresso maker with a few minor setbacks – The Gaggia Classic is a easy machine to use and very forgiving. I have used many different kinds of beans in this machine and as long as the grind of the coffee is right, I am usually satisfied. It is quite easy to use although it is a little clunky because of its size. I find myself having to negotiate the espresso cup under the portafilter to… Read more ·  1

avoid spilling the coffee. Also the tamper is a little flimsy and is too small for the portafilter (easy fix, just buy a decent tamper). Cleaning isn't an issue.

I have had it for a little over a year and I am quite impressed with this device. I hope to have it for many more years to come.

Excellent – Amazing Have 2, one at home, one at work. Make excellent coffe, better than you can buy most of the time. Combine with a good grinder and it’s one of the best things you’ll ever buy Can’t fault it Very very very very very good  Show details ·  1

I love my classic – Had the machine 12 years. No real learning curve.. once you get the beans and grind of your desire, you'll want all your coffees made from a classic.. Cleaning is easy. Not sure if overflow pipe has been threaded since I purchased mine but it easily pulls out to allow resovoir tank access for cleaning.. Shower head only thing that needs a tool… Read more ·  1

and in 12 years I've taken off twice to clean the holes (I'd advise to do more regularly, lol)..

the water pump has just gone on mine and again this machine shines, with everything inside easily disconnected with replaceable parts.. after a while you realise your in a secret club, only classic owners know the coffee that this machine can produce. Is there a fan club?

Excellent Coffee Every Day – If you love coffee you already know Gaggia and you might know about this machine too. It's the brilliant baby Gaggia and its sits in pride of place in our kitchen. I use it every day and am always interested in trying new roasters. This develops the real power you need to get a proper espresso extraction but you also need to have the touch and… Read more ·  1

skill loading the basket just right, to get top results..I clean it after every coffee to keep it taint free - if you look after your equipment, it will look after you. It is solidly made and I expect to own ity for many years to come

They don't make them like this anymore – So easy to use, such a consistently good brew, and over 11 years old second hand. What more can you ask.... I would highly recommend this workhorse, especially if you use a good brand of coffee and don't burn the milk. It is also very portable for taking away with you on weekends.  Show details ·  1

Fantastic machine, great quality – Makes fantastic coffee and is very consistent but requires you to be involved (which I love!). Upgraded the steamer for perfect microfoam and bought a good grinder. It will make several cups in succession for groups, Easy to use and clean, just about perfect! Make sure you clean regularly for best results.  Show details ·  1

Perfect coffee machine – I am very happy with this machine I have been using it for seven years and nothing broke so good quality. The panels are made of stainless steel so It is easy to clean and like the name suggest, classic. It will always make a perfect expresso Overall I would recommend buying this  Show details ·  1

Fantastic Little Machine – This is a fantastic little coffee machine, not only is it stylish and cool with a nice chrome finish it makes a fantastic coffee, despite its size it caters to a surprisingly large quantity of people.. I recommend changing the steam wand, which is relatively easy to do, as the standard wand can make the milk a little bubbly.  Show details ·  1

Basic and great – This is a classic machine and is a favourite amongst the online coffee world. It can be modified with different steam wands, etc and easily cleaned. Parts are available online (local and overseas) and easily found. I bought this second hand, and it works well. Not great for pumping out coffees for a party though, but great for daily coffee or two.  Show details ·  1

Easy to use but grinder not so great – The only downfall is not the machine itself but the grinder. We got it second hand and it is still in good condition. The stainless steel is a bit of a pain to clean but other than that we are still happy with it. Plenty of more coffee beans to try on it in the future.  Show details

Great Manual Coffee Machine – This machine has been around for over two decades for a good reason, it is built like a tank! Commercial quality engineering and components in a domestic coffee machine. It is an even better machine if you go to the expense of upgrading the frothing wand. Makes a quality Crema delivered at the ideal temperature.  Show details ·  1

We bought two of these – After my first Gaggia Classic died due to poor maintenance on my part (never descaled it) I made the silly mistake of buying a Nespresso. Yes, this was handy with the pods and all but the coffee was expensive and lets be real, pod coffee actually tastes awful compare to a freshly ground bean coffee. The Gaggia really makes a great coffee. I now… Read more ·  1

descale this every 6 months and it works like a charm. The pressure that this thing produces is enough to make a fantastically thick and creamy crema. It steams the milk with ease and it is easy to keep clean. It has no automatic features so it is simple, straight forward and robust. No computers, touch screens or buttons. It only has simple on/off switches. I recommend this machine. You'll need to practice a little first, after all, this is a real entry level espresso machine.

Almost perfect – Like the other reviews this coffee machine is built like a battleship and uses good quality components thar are readily available should you break something. It makes great coffee but for me the auto steam wand doesnt give me good milk texture so I replaced it with a Rancillio Silvio wand bought on ebay for $33 and now its perfect. I also bought… Read more ·  1

a spring loaded tamp and that makes the results predictably good, again worth the investment.

I was lucky to get it at $99 off the retail because it was Coffe Italia's birthday so happy about that. Hopefully this machine will last me for many years like the other owners say.

Classic in everyway - Quality machine – I've been using the Gaggia Classic's for a few years now and they outlive any pod machine or the all singing and dancing electronic machines. The classic is basically a manual machine in everyway. You need a burr coffee grinder to grind fresh beans for the best coffee with a decent crema. The crema is real unlike some other machines that have… Read more ·  1

crema discs to make fake crema. Whilst I initially struggled with the machine it was down to user error rather than the machine itself. ie getting good coffee beans and finding the optimal grind. This is my 2nd machine, I've tried PODs and semi manuals like brevilles which whilst work do eventually break down and are unrepairable. Gaggia specialise in coffee machines so are very well made and parts are always readily available. If you want great coffee and are prepared to master the process then this is a great machine that will give years of good service.

Gaggia Classic is a Tank! – I've had my Gaggia Classic for 11 years, it has high quality materials and is built to last. You need a burr grinder and find best settings to fully enjoy coffee on any machine. The quality of shots is as good as you will find anywhere. The only downside is the single boiler, but that's understandable at this price point. I will upgrade at… Read more ·  1

some point. If Gaggia put out a dual boiler similar to the Classic, it would be a hit.

Highly recommend over all the over brands sold in domestic stores. I got mine for $500 from Harvey Norman, very happy customer!

Great simple machine – Recently bought Gaggio Classic especially for my espresso coffee from Domenico in Moreland rd Coburg, who were wonderful, couldn't have been more helpful. Makes great coffee, and is just a good size.  Show reply

Coffee gets better – We've had a Gaggia classic for about 10 years. No problems! Replaced the steam wand with a $37 upgrade (our son's idea). We've just purchased a new grinder (K3) and this now is showing the full potential of the Gaggia. Our son now has Gaggia and he's also 'lovin it'. The fact that it's all quality parts inside means replacements are available if needed.  Show details ·  1

Great espresso – I've had this machine for 12 months now and have had no problems with it. It took me a while to get the most out of it and am now very happy with the results. It takes a while for the boiler to heat up to optimum temp and I believe the boiler capacity is a bit small. I use a burr grinder directly into the commercial size portafilter and reckon the… Read more ·  1

espresso quality is as good as any I've tried. I replaced a delonghi icona machine with the Gaggia and noticed the difference straight away. Would recommend this machine to anyone wanting a manual espresso machine.

Love it! – I've had this coffee machine for 6+ years and I use it every day. It is very simple to use, once you get the grind setting correct. It makes a great coffee which is comparable to a professional made coffee (if not better sometimes). I have replace the handle once, which was not a big deal to find a replacement. I also choose to use my… Read more ·  2

own Coffee Tamper.

I removed the outer plastic of the milk frother (I kept the inner part to get some additional length) as I like to make my own froth. I have never received a complaint from my cappuccinos. :)

I was considering getting a new, bigger and more expensive coffee machine, but I have a hard time to move away from the Gaggia Classic.

It is quite compact and great if you don't have a lot of space in the kitchen.

This is not a good coffee machine if you are trying to cut down on the amount of coffee you drink ;)

Awesome Espresso Machine But Not Great At Frothing Milk – Had it for 7 years now. Fantastic espresso make not so much a good cappuccino or latte maker. I had to replace the milk frother nozzle with a Saeco one. It can now froth milk but only one glass at a time. Had to replace a couple of small parts but not too major. You really really really need to buy the three way valve cleaner or else your… Read more ·  1

coffee will become bitter.

The machine has a shared boiler between the water and the steam so you have to let the steam build up after making the espresso.

Still a very good machine for what it is. Don't pay full price but wait until Myers has a discount on.