Gaggia Classic Pro - Is it worth it??

[@JackJonner]

Have read so many comments about better tasting coffee after switching to a 9 bar thingy. If this is such an improvement shouldn’t the manufacturer be using a 9 bar thingy in the first place?

[@0bzen22]

The reason is, it is tuned for pressurised baskets, and consumer coffee. So coarse grind, and generally mediocre coffee. I've got mine on the way, with the basic mods (9 bars, naked portafilter), and I've some good coffee, a good grinder (JX Pro), and also some bad consumer coffee. I'll experiment, guess I'll see.

[@QLog]

if this machine came with 9 bars pre programmed a vst style basket and a open porta filter, it would be the Best Buy and get even a bigger audience than it does today. I have a 2009 Classic Gaggia, that had an adjustable OPV so no spring mod needed in my case. your guidance around finding local roasters is brilliant and if followed given someone a feel of espresso grind before buying a grinder.

[@simonwall9769]

I get left with a excess water in the pressurized basket after pulling a shot , is this normal? Am I doing anything wrong? What size VST basket? Thanks in advance

[@jakobw135]

Have you compared the Gaggia to the Lelit Anna 2?

[@jonathonaltmann4493]

If you wanted to reduce brew pressure, couldn't you switch on the steam switch at the same time as the brew switch and crack the steam knob to relieve some of the brew pressure?

[@graememorrison333]

Yes. That's good way to pre-infuse

[@casaraku1]

Is a 58mm tamper the right size for this porta filter... some say 58.3 or 58.5. I do not want to order the wrong size. and which company has good quality/price?

[@martyhopkirk6826]

Worth saying you can buy lower-profile drip trays to allow more clearance between portafilter and cup.

[@keto4life197]

Had mine for two years and haven't yet made a successfull espresso took me half an hour to master the Gaggia Classic Pro

[@dekkobokko]

I bought an 'as is' 2006 Classic and intend to get it going. My new solenoid valve has just shipped, so fingers crossed that the group head flow sorted.

[@sAmiZZle82]

We should also mention that the EU version (your one which also ships to AU) has an auto-off "feature" that is a PIA. It results in the machine turning off after about 20mins, while you go away to do something else while it warms up. This can be easily disabled by using a plug and play jumper connector between 2 wires from Mr. Shades. The other thing about the scales not fitting. Remove the drip tray and insert a tiny beaker under the drain valve. Insert scales. Put cup on scales 👍🏾

[@RhysAngulatta]

Ah well there we go, I didn't know the same model also shipped to Australia either! I may look into this upgrade at some point but as it's just me that uses it currently it's not a deal-breaker 😊

[@sAmiZZle82]

@@RhysAngulatta haha all good man! A small part of me dies inside when I return to the kitchen only to find it has turned off. It's an easy mod by the looks using a simple jumper and fully reversible undetectable (in case worried about warranty). I'm waiting to get one together with a bottomless portafilter when it comes back in stock.

[@freakyfrank1549]

I just time my shots, then measure until I get it dialed in to what I want

[@ag31988]

Replace the OPV spring for a 9bar spring. It’s a game changer

[@RhysAngulatta]

Definitely on my list of things to do ASAP!

[@davidcarroll2035]

Why not use a bottomless portafilter with scales it gives the much needed clearance

[@RhysAngulatta]

I have since started using a bottomless portafilter and I agree it’s a much better experience plus you can see where there are shortfalls in your process!

[@judithdasta3969]

I have owned 5 espresso machines-manual and automatic. Steam wands are useless. You can get wonderful milk froth by heating milk and using a handheld frother. I have watched countless videos on how to use a steam wand-if you don’t do it just right, the milk will not froth properly-just a waste of effort. The Gaggia Caderna Prestige Elite it the best espresso machine I have ever had. You can truly customize your coffees to your individual taste, and the espresso is much better than the Classic Pro. Had a Classic Pro and returned it after using it for a week.

[@Marija154]

odlican video! Sta mislite o malhkoning vario home mlinu

[@absolutezero1088]

I put a cork in my water tank to see the level more easily.

[@chookchack]

Start steaming before the steam light goes on. Gives you enough steaming power.

[@rodtheshooter]

Hi Rhys. I have two flat whites a day. Is this the machine for me?

[@RhysAngulatta]

Hi Rod! I use this machine for 2-3 espressos a day and the steam wand for milky drinks if we have any guests. I would say this machine is definitely up for the job, particularly if you look after it, and will last a long time!

[@datacourier2944]

Based on your recommendation, the precision filter makes a bigger difference than the 9 bar mod? That was surprising, didn't think the base one could even be that bad. Is there any downside to the 9 bar mod?

[@RhysAngulatta]

I personally found a massive difference between the stock filter and the upgrade, the extraction is far more consistent! I've yet to pick up the 9 bar mod but that's next on my list (I just invested in a decent grinder which arguably should make even more of a difference!). I have a couple of friends who recently installed the 9 bar mod and noticed a massive improvement but I couldn't say from personal experience just yet I'm afraid!

[@datacourier2944]

@@RhysAngulatta I gotta try the filters then, thanks!

[@tomlofi1528]

I changed the spring to 9 bar, the difference was noticeable: better crema and taste( DF64 grinder)

[@oliverlison]

Great Machine! I have the 2014 model and used a hand cranked winder for years before I bought an electric grinder

[@bargeonline]

The low profile drip tray is a game changer :)

[@RhysAngulatta]

Thing is the capacity of the tray that ships is actually pretty good 😂 but you’re right, another potential upgrade in the future!

[@sAmiZZle82]

Or just remove the drip tray, insert a small beaker under the drain valve and put your cup on some scales 👍🏾

[@peter-artdept8953]

how does this model compared to the older gaggia classic? What are the differences?

[@RhysAngulatta]

Hi Peter! My experience with the older models is quite limited so I can't really comment on the differences I'm afraid. There is a great video by UK coffee blog who do break down the differences however so I'd start there! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3WpoHuEfc53gNU

[@kostas3621]

Will it work with Delonghi KG79 modified grinder ?

[@RhysAngulatta]

Hey Kostas! I don’t have any experience with the Delonghi I’m afraid, but as long as it can grind fine enough to brew espresso (which is quite fine!) then it’s not a problem!

[@luluba01antonio]

Greate video. Thank you for sharing with us. Greatings from brazil

[@marsrocket]

Nice video, thank you. I bought a bottomless portafilter with mine and it helps in making sure the puck is evenly packed, plus it looks cool.

[@RhysAngulatta]

Fantastic! I’m looking to grab one very soon myself. Where did you buy yours from?

[@marsrocket]

@@RhysAngulatta I bought it from Whole Latte Love; it's the Gaggia one. I've learned so much from their videos that I thought i should support them.

[@RhysAngulatta]

@@marsrocket Ah yes they have such a great channel, I learned a bunch from them as well!

[@ahmmoudy]

Hi I’ve just purchased the Gaggia Classic Pro arriving Sunday. I just wonder if the Baratza sette 30 will be any good with it or will I have to opt to the far superior Sette 270? Thank you

[@RhysAngulatta]

Hey great news I’m sure you’re going to love it! Unfortunately I don’t have any experience with the Baratza range of grinders as I ended up going with the minion specialita but I’m sure there are a ton of people on KZbin and Reddit who can offer a recommendation for you 😊

[@Gk2003m]

The good news: you can try the Sette 30, and if it’s not giving you the perfect grind you can upgrade that machine with the fine adjustment part and get the exact same adjustability as thev270.Total $$$ will even be less than the 270. You’ll lose a couple features compared to the 270, but my guess is you won’t miss those features.

[@ahmmoudy]

@@Gk2003m thank you for your response. I actually went with the eureka Mignon specialita because where i am living it costs just around 520$ while the 270 costs around 440$ so I didn’t think the 80$ is much compared to the build quality, flat burrs, touch screen and durability of the Specialita

[@ahmmoudy]

@@RhysAngulatta i did the same. I bought the specialita too as it’s only 80$ more expensive than the sette 270 and overall costs just 520$ which for the quality is actually a steal

[@Gk2003m]

@@ahmmoudy Where I am, there’s a $300 price difference. The Mignon Notte, with the same burr, can be had for $330 - which is $70 less than the Sette 270. But I kinda like the straight-thru design of the Sette. Very little likelihood of retained material getting into your grind.

[@HamDerHolm]

I think comparing a VST basket to the pressurized one is unfair. You get 2 non-pressurized baskets with the machine as well 😊

[@RhysAngulatta]

Fair point haha! However I did find that even compared to those, that the VST was far more consistent and extraction more even!

[@HamDerHolm]

@@RhysAngulatta yeah I bet they’re better, even compared to the non-pressurized! Just wanted to point out the unfair comparison 😊

[@RhysAngulatta]

@@HamDerHolm no absolutely - a bit of an oversight on my part in truth so thank you for your vigilance 😊

[@arleneagapitovibar9690]

Enjoy ❤

[@kseanmcfarland]

Very nice video. Who makes that cute little mug set?

[@RhysAngulatta]

Thank you! The mugs are from a UK department store chain called John Lewis 😊

[@stephenthomas7440]

For your own mental health, spend the money for a good grinder. Be sure the grinder has a grind adjust that is simple to operate. I hate my Rancilio grinder for this very reason, as well as the "ground retention". My Gaggia Classic is ok. Fussing with the grinder has resulted in returning to the "french press, and reflection on the old Biblical term contentment. In fairness the grind quality through the Rancilio for the coffee press is excellent. I will replace the grinder with a Ceado most likely or a Niche. WholeLatteLove is producing an espresso machine and I will probably replace the Gaggia with it or something in a higher price range. My diatribe's point is that making espresso beverages is an expensive skill and time-consuming; buyer beware! Thank you Sir for the video it is very informative.

[@RhysAngulatta]

I’d love to get a niche zero for sure and that’s the grinder my heart is set on (I’m a sucker for the look of it as well to be honest). I definitely do need one though you’re right, lately I’ve been hand grinding which does offer good results but is a real pain in the backside to do every time I want an espresso! It’s definitely an expensive hobby but it is also pretty satisfying 😁

[@RhysAngulatta]

Oh! And that machine from Whole Late Love looks fantastic! Definitely a solid option!

[@billinrio]

I agree with you about the Rancilio Rocky. I've held on to mine for several years, and I like its sturdy construction, its burr quality, etc. But I don't like the click-stop adjustments and clumping.

[@billinrio]

The short answer to your question is: now that they've launched the ProX for only slightly more cash, no.

[@toddredlin5634]

I also upgraded the rubber gasket with a silicone gasket. Also bought a Amazon smart plug to turn on machine so it’s ready to go when I am.

[@RhysAngulatta]

Oh that sounds like a great upgrade, I wouldn’t have considered a smart plug! How does that work with the gaggia then? The power button on mine doesn’t toggle, rather it flicks back to the off position rather than acting as a switch!

[@toddredlin5634]

@@RhysAngulatta With rocker switch I leave it in the on position and turn it on and off using the smart plug thru Alexa and being wireless you can turn on and off remotely Can you not toggled or use the rocker switch to leave in the on position? You also plug the machine into the smart plug

[@RhysAngulatta]

@@toddredlin5634 sadly not! After a bit of digging I believe that current EU classic pro machines have a momentary switch with a 20 minute maximum timer on it which isn’t the case in other countries apparently! There is a mod available to fix this, but it’s a little more fiddly..

[@toddredlin5634]

@@RhysAngulatta Sorry to hear about that It is a nice feature to be able to set up schedules for machine Oh Well!!!

[@toddredlin5634]

@@RhysAngulatta coffeeforums.co.uk/topic/49601-gaggia-classic-2018-pro-eu-timer-disable/ Don’t know if I sent this correctly so sending again and you might have already check this information out If I sent it twice sorry I also temp surf when steaming by starting to steam milk before steam light comes on so it is constantly in steaming mode

[@yinyang592]

I think one bad point of this machine is the aluminium boiler. Aluminium os not a good idea for heating something you have to est or drink. It is accumulated in brain and is ralated to central nervous system diseases. Thanks for sharing....

[@Gk2003m]

If you want espresso on a budget, there’s a Krups machine for $120 (and as low as $90 on a major online shopping service) that will make great espresso. It’s a compromise to be certain, but a good starting point if you want great espresso but just don’t have half a grand to spend.

[@hezhao8552]

good job.

[@allenparsens5279]

Once you upgrade it, you might have well just bought a casa v.

[@blackimp4987]

It's called new classic now - I think it's the same product -

[@RhysAngulatta]

Ah good to know thanks! 😊

[@Valkaneer]

A difficult decision for this machine, after you buy the upgrades or just get the Premium version you're looking at at least another $150. Then the limited space under the basket looks so annoying. I want to use my coffee cup not have to use some small cup I had to specially buy just to make sure it fits under the basket. I have a coffee cup collection that I have built up over the last 5-6 years of quality mugs from all over the US. If I'm spending $450-600 on a machine I think I should be able to use whatever mug I want.

[@jonathonaltmann4493]

I usually pull the shot into a small cup and Transfer, you can get lower drip trays for them as well.

[@TheThoover]

if you have to hack it, it ain't worth it...get the next model up so you have a warranty

[@tonytouchzz]

Its part of the game if you dont like it, buy a nesspresso, way easier. These machine here will need you to mesure and be presise it takes skill and practice.

[@Idito0648]

I can't take any advise from men, with very cheep watch on the wrist.

[@punjab1captain]

I cant take take advise from a man that can't spell cheap.

[@TheSteerpike]

What? Ridiculous comment!

[@joshuatree2537]

What about people who can’t correctly spell the word “cheap?”

[@Glupkomatun]

No... It becomes Endless money pit and then you sell it.