GAGGIA CLASSIC PRO - Small But Mighty Home Espresso

[@MrOders1]

I agree with the you on everything but the disposable comment. I've been to a certified repair shop, they carry everything! Even the smallest of o-ring! These machines will outlast every appliance grade machine hands down. Only thing to consider is your own ability to repair, versus paying.

[@AC-wl7ve]

i upgraded my dead gcp to an ecm classica and yeah its 3x the prices, but i would say its atleast 4x the built quality as well and you are just getting a better machine in absolutely every aspect, i expect to have it my whole life so i just dont see a reason dinking around and spending money to keep a little beater machine full of cheap parts alive.

[@joshk528]

Everything can be fixed if you fix it.

[@jakelannetti3128]

I had a breville dual boiler. Outstanding machine…til it broke. Took it to a espresso repair guy well known in the Philly area, and upon disassembly he said it was literally entirely plastic inside. He said her a gaggia or something that uses brass parts. And my gaggia classic pro has been serviceable and reliable for 3 years now

[@jas_bataille]

@@joshk528 Yeah OK... that means nothing at all tho. We all know that manufacturers of everything and anything are betting on planned obsolescence to sell more products.

[@drayboiles]

“Our bespectacled messiah.” -Sprometheus 2022 How is this not getting any attention in the comments. Great and informative video about the Gaggia Classic Pro. I’m on the hunt for a new machine and this definitely influenced my decision.

[@cdvax11]

LOL. Some of us are atheists... 😁

[@otajonh]

Was it some irony?

[@AndrewCouch]

I think the GCP is the perfect starter machine since it can basically do everything but allows users to figure out what bottlenecks they want to improve on. All of the GCP flaws can definitely be fixed with some mods that are cheaper than direct upgrades or people can choose a machine to upgrade to that prioritizes their preferences. In my own experience, the GCP has a pretty good resale value so I was able to effectively rent the GCP for a year and half at a low price to learn the techniques and then buy a "better" machine that came with the features I wanted.

[@Sprometheus]

Yeah I think that’s definitely true, and a lot of the flaws have workarounds as well. Not everyone will want it even need to upgrade to another machine, but having been into espresso for awhile now I don’t know how anyone avoids upgradeitis.

[@jmsaffroy]

@@Sprometheus I'm obviously not the majority, but owning a modded Gaggia Classic, I find it difficult to think of an upgrade at a reasonable price. I really like that my machine is small, somewhat automated (electric pump, PID) and fully warmed up in less than 10 minutes, and any large chunk of metal like an E61 group or a large HX boiler makes the latter impossible. The Decent would be a splendid upgrade, but it's way over my budget. The BDB is a bit large and I don't really need the separate steam boiler (milk is low priority). Levers are probably fun, but I want something less dependent on my own performance (especially in the morning). Maybe Breville (good UX) acquiring Lelit (good build, small machines like the GCP) could lead to interesting developments, but it will probably take a few years to see if something happens at all.

[@stevegee218]

@@Sprometheus It all starts with upgrading the tamper from the box.

[@tehgusbus2716]

What did you upgrade to?

[@AndrewCouch]

@@tehgusbus2716 I ended up upgrading to the Breville Dual Boiler. The main features I wanted was the PID and preinfusion features which are able to be done with mods however I also wanted a dual boiler, a steam wand that can be used in a better angle, and faster warmup times. It definitely wasn't a "necessary" upgrade but to me, the small stuff was worth it especially since I usually make milk based drinks with light roasts throughout the day.

[@willmcgregor7184]

Ive had the Gaggia for few months. I changed OPV spring to 9 bar & changed the filter basket & shower screen. Using temp surf the cappuccino & lattes I make are as good as any cafe Ive been to & better to many Ive been to. The steam wand is easy to use. No need to spend double or more on another machine.

[@bobdonaldson445]

I started my espresso journey with a Gaggia Classic. Once I got accustom to using it and upgraded a few things, it made pretty good espresso. Somehow though I grew out of it and upgraded to a Rocket. I gave that machine to my son and it’s still going strong. For what it is and it’s price range it is in a class of its own.

[@sethreed1501]

Great video! As one of the viewers who wasn’t in complete agreement with your initial disposable claim, your explanation is completely fair, and honestly something I hadn’t considered. Even though you can keep it alive doesn’t mean it’s meant to live forever. And the older machines don’t run as long as they do without the handy work of their owners. Big fan spro!

[@Sprometheus]

Thanks Seth! I appreciate you, and thanks for hearing me out on the disposable thing. I definitely failed to properly explain my thought process on that first go around. Have a great weekend!

[@whosgonnadotcom]

Shades of coffee's extended slim drip tray is a very nice solution for the issues with clearance below the group. That + a bottomless portafilter + a slim scale allow for most reasonably sized cups.

[@daharisu]

This is the exact setup I use. The slim drip tray needs to be emptied a little more but the QoL improvement over the OEM tray is well worth the small inconvenience.

[@rever6612]

For people into 3d printing, you can also print the slim drip tray, which workd pretty well (I printed mine with PETG and it works perfectly).

[@stevegee218]

I use a very similar glass (double spot) as in the video. The one I have us just larger than the double spouts on the portafilter and will allow a scale under it with standard drip tray.

[@PCT6566]

Yep, Mr Shades' slim tray, bottomless portafilter, and Timemore black mirror scale make my life much easier

[@ylleKkcirtaPnadnerB]

The Shades regular slim drip tray is also very nice and makes a little extra space for steaming with the jug in front

[@baristajs]

I didn't think I would do it, but I bought myself the Gaggia classic pro limited edition version celebrating their 30th anniversary. And I am very happy with this purchase!

[@rleon8183]

I recently purchased a Rancilio Ms. Silvia for home and love the machine. This was a huge upgrade from my old Krups 964 that I have used for 30 years. My office wanted an expresso machine but limited to a budget of $500 with tax. This narrowed my options considerably and chose this Gaggia classic. Going from the Rancilio to the Gaggia was like going from a 2023 Toyota Corolla GR to a 2012 Nissan Versa. Everything about the Gaggia was lower grade - from the porta filter, to the weight, to the clearance beneath the portafilter, and most frustratingly the steam wand and steam power. The Gaggia takes considerably longer to steam milk. The boiler simply does not have the staying power for even one drink, no way can it do two drinks back to back. My Rancilio has sufficient power to produce steam for multiple drinks. So yes, if you are single - this is perfect. But if you are a family or one that entertains many people - you will struggle with the Gaggia.

[@giggggz]

I agree. I have an old Saeco manual machine which sounds very similar to the Gaggia. The steaming is similar. I struggled with making multiple coffees for people, but on my own that is all I need. Will go for the Gaggia to replace mine for that reason, otherwise the Rancilio was my second choice.

[@CH-yp5by]

The Silvia is certainly better in stock form! But with some cleaer mods like boost box and dimmer switch you can get that steam going very well!

[@ayubmuhammad6851]

What type of rancilio silva, sir? I’m in doubt deciding between these two

[@dohboy88]

I have a fairly small kitchen with limited counter space, so I love how the GCP has a small foot print, not only in width but also in depth. The counter space in front of the GCP is still usable for other tasks. The same can't be said almost any other machine that is as good or better than the GCP.

[@cameronlogan2768]

I’m a Classic junkie. I search online for deals and buy every machine I can. I’ve owned 31 machines and currently have 3. I love modding them and repairing them. It’s part of the deal when you become a fan. It’s a cool community.

[@Cenot4ph]

it''s a particular kind of person that enjoys doing that, for me things just need to work out of the box otherwise I won't bother buying it. Hence this gaggia won't ever work for me.

[@darkglass5463]

Do you sell any nodded ones?

[@tboneranger]

I'd agree with just about everything in this review. A Gaggia Classic has been my daily driver for a decade, and I bought it cheap on the used market, so I'm unsure of it's age. The lack of clearance, even with a bottomless portafilter, is by far my biggest gripe. In order to make a travel coffee in a keep cup, I need to remove the drip tray. Hardly elegant. And I've never been able to get perfect, insta-worthy milk, though friends and family are still impressed by the latte art when they visit. As for longevity? My machine has not been offline for a single day in 10 years. A small sample size, I admit, but I'm currently replacing the grinder that I purchased new at the same time (Breville Smart Grinder) as it's now having issues. The Gaggia? Still rock solid. Buy with confidence.

[@royoser3055]

I understand the 'disposable' comment, but it is a bit misleading. Espresso was invented as a fast and efficient way to make many cups of coffee in a commercial setting. Originally Italians used a moka pot at home and called that espresso. In the 70s Gaggia pioneered the idea of producing 'real' espresso at home with the small, inexpensive, plastic-housed Baby Gaggia. Ever since, various makers have produced machines ranging from inexpensive small home appliances to expensive, large, heavy, only slightly modified, or unmodified, versions of what a cafe or restaurant would use. Today, most serious enthusiasts use commercial-like 'prosumer' machines that cost $1,000-$5,000. Today Gaggia doesn't make those, but rather serves the high-end of the home appliance market. Unlike its (few) competitors in that segment, the Classic can easily be modified in a number of ways to improve its results. And in addition to being more modifiable, it is also probably more durable, repairable and maintainable, and thus less disposable, than its chief competitors, from Breville and Solis for example. That is why the Classic has been around with few changes since 1991. So I would avoid the word 'disposable'. Excellent review otherwise.

[@bruceharlick3322]

"Bespeckled messiah" -- had a genuine laugh out loud moment at that one. Thank you.

[@GeelongVic7140]

Our Gaggia Classic Pro has been upgraded with the indispensable Mr Shades 9 bar spring and most importantly with the Shades PID kit. Then with the inevitable upgraditis setting in and with its inevitable replacement by more heavyweight espresso machines, our little Gaggia began to be passed onto various welcoming family members and and to various enthusiastic friends, and thus became the portal for each user to begin to learn and to appreciate the tasty art of espresso. Even though many of us have graduated to other machines, every single one of us in my family and of my friends using the Gaggia had come to love "the little fellow" which still continues to be a just dandy teaching machine being used still daily by one of us. The Gaggia has just been a great machine with very decent espressos and has introduced us all to an interesting cast of espresso characters like yourself "The Spro", "the Lance", the Big Daddy Hoff, the Hoon, the "Espresso Couple", various Australian Espresso mates, John Buckman, and , of course, Scott Rao among others. The little Gaggia gave and continues to give us an interesting universe of "Espresso Use and Taste" well exceeding its relatively modest price. Is it perfect, hell no, but it has been perfect for teaching every single one of us especially when paired with our Niche. The Gaggia has given us all a very welcome espresso journey that we've all enjoyed. It's been fun. Spro, thanks to you for your contribution to our espresso fun experience. Cheers.

[@vjdfl5]

Love this! Mine arrives today. My first espresso machine. Can’t wait!

[@Surestick88]

Re: the steam pressure. Start steaming 25 seconds after turning the steam switch on from a machine warmed up to brew temp. The steam-ready light won't be on but there will be enough pressure to steam milk and the heating coil will stay on for all or most of a pitcher of milk giving you strong (for a consumer machine), consistent pressure.

[@dmarkovina]

My Gaggia Espresso (the the plastic cheaper version of Classic Pro) is now 23 years old. So far I have replaced the pump (3 years ago) and recently upgraded to have adjustable OPV. Admittedly it has many more professional grade brass fittings than today's Classic Pro. Will keep using it as its small footprint works well in the kitchen. Coupled with equally small Eureka Manuale it produces great shot/$ ratio.

[@BackpackofFreedom]

I really love my GCP and since now it's fully modded. :) I did the 9 bar mod, auto off-timer disable mod, PID, bottomless portafilter with IMS basket, IMS shower screen and silicone gasket, slim drip tray, one hole steam wand tip, and replaced the steam knob with a wooden steam knob. ❤

[@Markymark1408]

Should do a video on your channel of your setup :-)

[@CH-yp5by]

All you need is the flow control witha dimmer knob and a pressure gage added to it.

[@BackpackofFreedom]

@@CH-yp5by yeah, that'll be endlevel. But I don't want to screw up the aesthetic look of my gcp, so I'm not a fan of the dimmer knob. 😅

[@boggis23]

Steam pressure problem can be sorted simply. start steaming just before steam ready light comes on and the heating element will stay on keeping the pressure high.

[@bojanbugarski]

GC is the entry drug to espresso world. Afordable, can be good enough out of the box if you learn to use it. If not good enough simply mod it. I opted for this machine because I didn't know if semi-automatic prosumer machines would stick with me. For me buying and modding the hell out of it was the cheapest option, and honestly a good learning curve. I stopped using 6.5bar spring simply because the steam wand doesn't produce the desired power I want it to have. 9 bar is ok. I can always use my Flair for lower pressure shots. Soon it will be time for entry level prosumer machine :)

[@sdjohnston67]

I think you are spot-on regarding the intended longevity and its position in the market from a big-picture POV. We humans so often only see things within our own microcosm, and don't do a good job of taking a step back and seeing a broader view. Indeed, probably most people with this machine on their counter have never gone down a video rabbit hole on espresso nor read articles on distribution. BTW, did you see, Hoffman mentioned you in a recent video?! Shaweeet!

[@sdjohnston67]

Would be interested to see your take on the Rancilio, also.

[@TylerPoppe]

As a Gaggia owner and follow the forums and groups pretty heavily it basically goes like this: buy Gaggia, then do mods after 6months - 1.5 years of normal use. Then mods. Then live with it for a few years. Then they buy something in the 1500-3000 range for home and this becomes a work machine for office

[@Sprometheus]

I don’t follow the forums and all that very closely, but I can definitely see that being a pretty standard timeline.

[@TylerPoppe]

@@Sprometheus regarding the steam wand did you try surfing that too but what you do is start about 5-8 seconds before the light goes on. Only way to get consistency there. It’s a bummer

[@dcash7018]

Letting the machine warm up for 20-30 mins really makes a difference in a tasty cup. As for the wand it would be preferable to have it more adjustable, but over all easy to steam or froth with. Haven't pulled the trigger for a bottomless portafilter yet.

[@whosgonnadotcom]

"Our bespectacled messiah..."🤣🤣🤣🤣. And on good Friday no less.

[@Villaboy78]

13 year old classic owner (with the real Allen key OPV).... It's not built to last - the spot welds down the back have come apart so I'm scared to lift it forwards to find that ideal steaming angle Mods? Yes please. Stainles sceen holder, IMS screen, Rancilio wand, upgraded solenoid , and changed the steam thermostat to a 'hotter' one. Have taken it all apart twice for full strip , descale and rebuild, plus the usual tablet based maintenance. That aluminium small block boiler just corrodes slowly over the years and you can see the contact points with the brass items / group head aren't what they were. Does it make killer coffe? Yes probably 3 or 4 times out of 5 Do I want a Lelit mara X or even ECM mechanika v slim / profi 500? Yes Owning this gaggia is like owning a fiat. It's gloriously fiddly like all the best Italian products through the ages, and rewards you in spades when you furnish it with love Just god help you when it starts to break down ... That's when this barista hobby becomes a mechanic hobby! Honestly, it's a great addition to any kitchen

[@TMDub88]

Tip for those that hate the default steaming experience on the GCP, but don’t want to mod to a PID: Get a higher temperature thermometer for the steam. The default thermostat is too low for powerful steam. Increasing the temperature increases the steam power. It’s an easy and inexpensive mod. I’ve done it and it makes a huge difference. Edit: Grammar is hard...

[@Sprometheus]

That would definitely help, I hadn’t considered that one.

[@AdastraRecordings]

You can start steaming before the light comes on you’ll have plenty of power for microfoam. Oh and the Shades PID is a fossil, it utilizes a SSR which can be off by as much as 10 degrees, if you’re staying with the Gaggia long term look up the Gagguino. 👍🏻

[@TMDub88]

@@AdastraRecordingsYep I agree it’s enough to do microfoam if you time it correctly. The thermostat change just gives a bit more power and a little less fuss. Thanks for the recommendation on the Gaggiuno. Shades seems to be the most popular and time-tested but I love the modern take using ardiuno with more functionality.

[@slush714]

I'm about to do the Gaggiuino mod on my GCP. Can't wait to get more control over temp, pressure, and steam. Such a cool mod if you have time to check it out.

[@Sprometheus]

Yeah I’ve definitely seen it, seems pretty cool. But didn’t want to mod it too much as I’m going to give the Gaggia away on IG pretty soon.

[@whosgonnadotcom]

@@Sprometheus curious why on IG, rather than Patreon? Asking as a backer that doesn't use IG

[@Sprometheus]

@@whosgonnadotcom well, you’d never know because of how many creators do it, but giveaways are against the terms of service on Patreon. blog.patreon.com/patreons-stance-on-raffles-lotteries-and-giveaways Also, doing it on IG allows me to bring in more partners for the giveaway. So with the Gaggia I’ve got Slow Pour Supply putting in a pitcher, cups and maybe some other tools. And Sworksdesign is putting in a WDT.

[@nosferadu]

I don't know how it is in other parts of the world, but where I live, you can't buy the GC Pro from major stores. The GC Pro might be an entry level espresso machine, but it IS an espresso *machine*, not a home appliance. If you want one, you have to look for it, you don't just pick one up at the store, not knowing what it is. So I think your comment about it being a disposable appliance that people will just replace when it breaks down is just wrong.

[@beginners_mind]

The thing I like most about the Gaggia Classic is how unintimidating it is. From the start I was comfortable cracking it open and doing maintenance and tinkering that I would hesitate to do on a fancier machine. Thanks for the video!

[@MAXXFIGO]

As always precise like a japanese knife when coming to describe it,pros and cons,good length of a video and nice b-roll, especially those where you see the shots with that naked portafilter 😎🤗

[@Sprometheus]

Thank you my friend! I appreciate the kind words!

[@EvanJGordon]

I love my classic. I modded it out with a preheat coil before water enters the boiler and a PID. It's so temperature stable and reliable, most e61 machines on the market look like a downgrade. I'd have to look compare it to a Decent or La Marzocco to see any reason to upgrade - and that's a tough jump to make.

[@ylleKkcirtaPnadnerB]

Ditto. Preheat coil, pid, dimmer with punp stop pushpot, pressure gauge, passive timer, tank lights to bounce light onto the bottomless PF. No plans for anything bigger, heavier, and at least five times the cost. It does everything I want

[@Hammi4Real]

I see the passion and loyalty behind the machine, but I also wanted something a little bit more convenient for everyday life. I know that Breville machines are frowned upon but personally I've recently only had to change the gasket during two years of ownership. Lance Hedrick also is positive especially about the BDB (mine is the BE) but I digress. I hope that their community and after market grow into a similar size as the Gaggia, if we want our machines to last as long as the other cool cats.

[@jmsaffroy]

To hell with people who frown upon other people's gear. They are just snobs. Whatever gives you a coffee and a user experience you like is good.

[@davidfuller581]

The Classic Pro was my first espresso machine. I quickly got frustrated with temperature surfing and the frankly abysmal steam power. Mods are easy, but the problem is that people recommend it to beginners - which I think is a mistake.

[@mendywerner5499]

After owning the gcp for 3 years, I’ve found the best way to steam the milk is to flip on the steam switch and then you want to start steaming about 10 seconds before the light turns on, so about 25 seconds or so after you flip the switch which for me is just enough time to grab my milk from the fridge and pour it into the pitcher, because this way the boiler is still going to be heating up while you’re steaming and you’ll have enough steam power to last till your milk gets hot enough.

[@george_taylor]

I just repaired a friends espresso machine (a 25 year old Sanremo). Turned out the bug was a bug. A cockroach had gotten into the water tank, died and disintegrated there. Had to clean cockroach bits out of the vibe pump, the pipes and luckily found a metal filter in the fittings just before the thermosyphon loop which had caught the rest. So cover your water tanks or fit a good filter! "Bespectacled messiah" 🤣🤣🤣

[@ytlongbeach]

With good beans and water, i'm consistently amazed by the quality espresso that the GCP produces. It has no bells and whistles, but produces quality drinks. My real complaint is lack of vertical space between the portafilter and tray, which means the tray is always left out of the machine, replaced by a paper towel and some messiness.

[@borcz100]

I've just pulled my third shot on mine - bought used on ebay for $315. US. A big part of the reason I bought it is because it is so modeable.

[@timgerber5563]

I think it’s the perfect beginner machine. One of my friends wantedto buy a delonghi dedica and I talked him out of it and into getting this machine instead. Because with this machine, if you just want to drink coffee and don‘t care about upgrades: fine. But if you get into it, then as you outlined you can make so much more out of it with the 9 bar spring, an ims shower screen, a vst basket and a bottomless portafilter. Plus I think it really looks really sleak in combination with an Eureka Mignon grinder paired in colour.

[@gray_gogy]

I have Gaggia Classic Pro which I modded with a BoostBox. It has a PID, a pressure gauge, and dimmer switch for pressure control. It's basically a very cheap Lelit Bianca at this point and there probably isn't any machine that can come close to what this machine can now do at this price point ($800 total after adding the BoostBox). The steaming is a bit frustrating, not the power as the PID fixes that problem. But the want mobility is a bit annoying as mentioned in the vid. And the open water tank is very frustrating. But all in all, definitely the best entry into prosumer espresso because of all the modifications and support online. Would love to upgrade to a Lelit Bianca though to have the dual boiler, better steam capabilities, and a sealed water tank. And it's damn pretty.

[@bacca71]

My first espresso machine was a late 70s Gaggia Classic, paired with a Gaggia MDF grinder (a bad choice!). Making good coffee consistently was impossible, but OK sometimes. My first upgrade was to a better grinder, a Mazzer Mini Doserless (Type A I think), which gave significantly better results, but still many hit or miss shots - grind timer setting a PITA. Back-to-back 'decent' (for those days) shots not often possible. I would estimate 4/10 sink shots, with 2/10 'good' and 4 'barely palatable but drunk anyway' (my tastes more forgiving in those days because of necessity). When you are using a Niche Zero, a grinder that costs twice as much as a Gaggia Classic Pro - I find that interesting (no problem, the Mazzer was also more than twice the price of the old Gaggia Classic). Steaming milk gave good texture sometimes but often not, but luckily I like black coffee, zero milk or sugar, so that was OK. Got tired of the effort and unreliability and have ended the search with a GS/3 and a great grinder, which makes fine, fine coffee every time with zero fuss and finagling. Zero sink shots once a product is dialed in, mostly the result of very accurate brew temps with a saturated group, an 'aces' grinder and better coffee these days than those days. Certainly a lot of little upgrades to the Gaggia Classic in the last 25+ years with the Gaggia Classic Pro. Nice review.

[@tastedcutlet]

You can unscrew the two cup spout off the stock holder and get some additional clearance

[@peakproofuk]

I agree with most of this. Obviously the “disposable” comment is nonsense though. It’s not just because mine is ten years old, it’s really obvious when you own it for a while that it’s designed for repairability. I think it’s normal for manufacturers to push the spares market to third party suppliers. It’s VERY easy to find all the parts.

[@donho526]

I've had my Gaggia Classic for about 5 years. I love it. Works good. I enjoyed learning about the bar spring. I might try that.

[@stuipooey1]

My first machine, did all the usual mods including a PID kit from Shades of coffee. It was great for me but ultimately trying to do milk drinks for multiple guests is its achiles heel. What a great machine to learn on and although I replaced it with an ECM Synchronika I have kept it as I just can't part with it

[@Goingtothedogpark]

Nice reviews. You have to start steaming about 10 seconds before the light comes on to maximum pressure. If you wait until the light it loses strength quickly.

[@Ebbelwoy]

A really cheap and useful mod is changing the steaming thermostat from 145°C to 155°C which results in much higher steam pressure

[@KrishnenduKes]

I am more of a V60 person. I have been contemplating on a home espresso for a while. Gaggia is the one that keeps sticking. I am pretty close to pulling the trigger.

[@Fredd165]

Did you do it?

[@KrishnenduKes]

@@Fredd165 Not yet. Still contemplating. But I know that I will.

[@diogoafonso7506]

It is said that the steam pressure drops significantly by using the 6.5 bar spring, did you test it with the 12 bar, or even 9 bar? @The Real Sprometheus

[@eriatarka1983]

Torn between one of these and a Breville Bambino Plus for my first machine

[@joemccall8991]

Every day I look at my unused Silvia and wonder if I'll ever get the desire to surf espresso at home again. Many of the same shortcomings as the GCP, of course, and basically hit-or-miss without adding a PID.

[@ihavenojjable]

I usually wait ~20s when I press the steam button, and start frothing before the light comes on. That usually gives me a pretty power froth. Hope this helps!

[@austinwilliams3305]

I use this trick on my machine and get pretty great steam pressure, I'm glad I found out about it or I may have just gotten rid of the machine

[@Sprometheus]

It’s funny with the Gaggia because it seems there are a lot of techniques and tricks. Some go into steaming immediately, before the light, after the light, and have specific time frames. The joys of a single boiler haha.

[@thomastaylor9600]

@@Sprometheus I find that let all the first lot of steam out till the light turns off again, and then when it goes back on for the second time I get a more powerful steam!

[@ihavenojjable]

@@thomastaylor9600 I used to do that too, but I just didn't like the steam moisturizing my coffee station 😓

[@thomastaylor9600]

@@ihavenojjable yeh I get what you mean!

[@billvardou]

Why did you go with the 6.5 bar spring instead of the 9 bar one?

[@jodyschultz5870]

Solid review. The GCP is a classic and it's hard to get away from. It hits a sweet spot. My son just got one. It's the price point and the fact it's small enough for a small kitchen. I looked at them but once I upsold myself to a Mazzer I went full E61 and got a Expobar Office lever. I had that for about 10 years and just gave it away to my brother in law. I am going to replace it with a dule boiler machine. I am lucky enough to be in a position to do that but I get that not everyone is ever going to want to drop 3 grand on an ECM or even have the space for it.

[@cheekster777]

When researching online almost a decade ago as to what to purchase as my first proper home espresso machine a Gaggia Classic (modified) was one of the main contenders. Ended up opting for an Expobar Office Leva mkIV Dual Boiler plus a Ceado e37 commercial grinder instead.

[@Sprometheus]

Went all in! Thanks for watching and commenting my friend!

[@Andrew-wp1bz]

It truly is an incredible machine. You can pick up a used one for around $250, and with mods totalling around $500 for a machine that rivals anything on the market. If you’re handy, it’s pretty incredible what you can do.

[@Sprometheus]

And I’m not even particularly handy, but a the minor mods I did made a massive difference for less than $100 and an hour of work.

[@jmsaffroy]

I got mine for 20€, good working condition. :D The seller was surprised by the number of offers she got on her ad: she told me that a friend of hers in Ireland had tried to give away her own machine for free, but couldn't find takers.

[@jondyke8913]

I’ve got a Gaggia Classic and usually what I do for the steam is turn it on, wait for the light to come on, purge the steam wand until the light turns off, wait 5 seconds, and then open it up 100% and steam my milk. It maintains a higher steam pressure throughout my frothing.

[@Sprometheus]

For sure, there are a ton of different techniques out there, but I think there are multiple ways to hit that ideal texture with a little patience and a bit of milk.

[@seirichards9982]

Literally just ordered one for Xmas 🎅🏻

[@spike443]

The explanation of the "disposable" comment (which I missed in the first video) just leaves me with more questions. Does it have proven failure points? Are there other sub-$500 machines which are proven less prone to failure? If so, which ones? If not, then I think your explanation should simply be "I consider all sub-$500 machines disposable", and leave it at that. ✌️

[@PaulLemars01]

I totally agree with everything you've said here. If I was single and all I wanted was espresso for myself it would probably be my last machine. But we want more, we want the whole gamut of the coffee shop experience in our home and that's why after a year we have moved to La Spaziale Lucca A53. The Gaggia is going off to our son's best friend along with its accompanying Eureka Mignon Notte grinder. I've done the basket/shower screen/ spring mod and the Gaggia makes excellent espresso but once you try to make multiple cappuccinos with it you quickly find it runs out of steam. Literally. 'Our bespectacled messiah' I nearly spit out the americano I was drinking.

[@CinkSVideo]

It’s a solid workhorse. I need to make the pressure mod for the last improvement. I got mine used…and for free over ten years ago. Don’t know how much use it got before me. I use it daily but that’s only two shots a day. I like how compact it is on my crowded countertop. I think the Gaggia Classic is a gateway drug for home espresso machines.

[@manuelarce5784]

I've had a Gaggia Classic since 2011 and a Dalla Corte Mini for about as long. With a good digital thermometer mod you can temperature surf with the Gaggia and produce first rate steamed milk, at least good enough for decent lattes and cappuccinos. It's easy to maintain, easy to use, and built to last. What is not to like? Oh-- and it costs a fraction of machines that don't necessarily produce better coffee.

[@jdude9922]

I got a gaggia classic and a Sette 30 for a total of $550 on Facebook. Another $100 in mods and for a grand total of $650 I have some pretty decent espresso. Say what you will about the machine but that's hard to beat.

[@aristotlejb82]

I got mine on sale for $399. I can't beat what it does at that price. I will probably do a few mods when I have some time.

[@czgunner]

So, with your list of negatives, what is a better machine at the same price?

[@chepossofare]

I dunno about durability, my old Gaggia Espresso (which shares pretty much 90% of the components of the GCP) is more than 30 years old and still holds up with the regular mantainance!

[@christopherbrennan8308]

Love my GCP and I know I’m the minority that you talk about, bouncing between you, lance Hendrick, xris, and mr. Hoffman but I enjoy the experience and experimenting. While not exactly a “throw away” I def see myself upgrading in the next two years or so. That being said, this is a good entry level machine to find out what you like, what you want in a future machine, what you can upgrade now to use later (bottomless, baskets, WDT, etc).

[@donh1572]

The Gaggia was my first real espresso machine. at the time (20 years ago) it was a very cost effective unit for decent espresso. But with today’s new options like the Flair. You can spend less money, have more control, and better tasting espresso. Plus I can make better microfoam in a French press then what you can with a steam wand on the Gaggia

[@Sprometheus]

I do think the manual machines are great options for espresso beginners and veterans a like, but they aren’t for everyone. Manual espresso is like a niche within a niche haha. Personally I like them, but they aren’t what I’d want ti use daily.

[@donh1572]

@@Sprometheus agreed but I think your audience is probably looking for top shelf espresso and I think it’s a better option…just my opinion

[@AnwarHaikalRuslan]

Great video. I was planning to upgrade from a cheap OEM espresso machine. Unfortunately, the Gaggia Classic Pro has the same problems as my $100 machine, so I'll have to increase my budget and get something that actually solves my daily problems.

[@centuruslee]

Can you review Gemilai machine, its so cheap but have all function that Gaggia have

[@nolancapps7299]

My Gaggia Classic Pro is awesome. It’s a true workhorse. I use it everyday and haven’t had a problem in 7 months of ownership. I do agree with you about it not being made to last. You certainly can and I plan with mine but, I do wanna upgrade to a dual boiler machine. Other than that I still love my Gaggia. It’s a great machine for anyone getting into home espresso, if it’s just for fun or you wanna deep dive into the hobby you can’t go wrong with it:)

[@HauntedSheppard]

I chose the gagia because it allowed me to upgrade and tinker haha. Very happy ever since.

[@CH-yp5by]

Thats the great thing about the majority who dump their machines after two or three years of use, its so easy to buy cheaper on ebay and fix up. I would never buy one brand new one I might get the pro second hand one day but I'm pretty happy with my classic made in 2006, after buying at auction for only £183, a full clean up and several MODS it works good as new :) With A Eureka Specialita as its sidekick its pulling great espresso.

[@AdastraRecordings]

I loved my Gaggia but I outgrew it mainly due to being dissatisfied with its solution for dispersion from boiler to brew group, thankfully it was taken by someone who will look after it properly, but that’s by far the best entry point into espresso, the latest Silvia is terrible, not sure what they were thinking.

[@chaunceymattei5049]

Would love to see a review of the updated Gaggia Classic Evo Pro… I’m thinking I’m gonna pull the trigger on the updated version of this as my first home espresso machine ☕️

[@gianpaologliori3604]

Good stuff. I have a 15 year old one that I never use. But it does beg the question…would it really be so hard for them to make one that just works out of the box?

[@Sprometheus]

Haha I often wonder this on a lot of things . You’d think they would see the huge following of espresso nerds and just make one that has all the goodies so it’s out of the box a little beast.

[@AdastraRecordings]

This seems to be a common theme even with much more expensive machines, they rarely come set at the correct pressure which seems weird to me as a lot people don’t have easy access to the OPV and are not comfortable with digging around inside.

[@truckerallikatuk]

The 15 year old one is the best model, with screw adjustable OPV (assuming it's not solid with scale). Spare parts are plentiful from 3rd party suppliers. Mine's 20 and still going well. The 15 bar setting for the Classic is... regrettable, but as it comes with a pressurised basket, you need that extra push for those to work right. But again, the 3rd party community will help you remedy that with springs for the newer models, or replacement OPVs for those who have them all crusted up.

[@gianpaologliori3604]

@@truckerallikatuk thanks. Any hints on how best to resolve the temperature and pressure issues without too much faffing around? I guess I need some sort of pressure gauge and a temperature controller.

[@truckerallikatuk]

@@gianpaologliori3604 The only way will involve modding, and that depends on your model. A 15 year old machine should just need some tweaks to the screw insert inside the OPV to drop pressure. Temp control will need a PID kit or getting good at surfing.

[@tnvideoguy]

What would the top 3-4 improvements the GCP could now make … say year 2024-2026 … to move up the “Prosumer” espresso machine ladder? Add a PID? Add a dual brew/steam pressure gauge? Add a Dual Boiler option? Add true Pre-Infusion? Add wood accent options? What do YOU think would be nice to have on … say a “Pro +” or Pro X” Gaggia Classic machine of the future?

[@SAKA-92]

Gaggiuino mod takes this home espresso machine to elite levels 👌🏼

[@Girvo747]

My GCP, with 9 bar springs, and Sette 270 grinder have meant great tasting espresso at home for myself and my partner :) Though I'm likely to end up setting up the Gaggiuino modification to really turn it into something fancy!

[@HaekalAlchatieb]

Truly amazing device by the OG gaggia

[@Sprometheus]

It really is an impressive machine!

[@HaekalAlchatieb]

@@Sprometheus man I hope you make df 64 grinder video, i want to see your opinion of that grinder because here the price is very affordable

[@Sprometheus]

@@HaekalAlchatieb it’s definitely one that’s on my list. Hoping to get ahold of one.

[@HaekalAlchatieb]

@@Sprometheus noyce, thanks a lot man 😉

[@alanhamacher7263]

Is James Bespeckled or Bespectacled? Hard to say? 🤔

[@Coffeedad0205]

Great sum up of a great machine. 👍 (for the price point). Had mine just over a year and still learning. Now using vst basket, ims shower screen ,silicone gasget and bottomless when my daughter not waiting for her weekend latte! Just thinking about the 9bar spring now that the warranty is up. Seems everyone is doing it but wondering if it will have any negative effect on the pump long term as its designed for 15bar. And Fyi- There is also a good trick to get max steam by timing the ready light and then next time start steaming about 5 seconds before.

[@Sprometheus]

Thanks Mark! And I don’t think there is any real negative effect to the pump by changing the spring, but a new pump is about $24 so it won’t be a massive expense when it eventually does go out down the road. I’ve definitely heard of they steaming technique, I tried a few of them. If you look through the comments a lot of people have their own thoughts on the best steaming process, but in the end if you can get the texture you want it’s a win!

[@whosgonnadotcom]

Strongly recommend replacing the OPV spring unless you're using the pressurized basket. It's a cheap option and makes a fairly large difference. Probably a bigger difference than a basket upgrade even. (But still, upgrade the basket, too).

[@AdastraRecordings]

Upgrade that spring pony boy. That way you get faux pre infusion as you’ll be waiting for around 6 seconds before first drop, it’s a 2 minute job and don’t be freaked out by the change in tone of your machine even my ECM sounds different at lower pressure.

[@DS__112]

Good What do you think is the best machine for light roasting espresso extraction at home?((I like electronic control to a certain extent, except for Decent) I wonder what you think. Ex) Bianca, Synchronika, R9one, Crem-one, Londinium, LMLM with mod… etc

[@Sprometheus]

I wish I could tell you, but I haven’t tried all of the options out there. I think a lot of the things that help extract light roasts like temp control, pre-infusion, pressure profiling, and the like will always produce great shots when paired with the right grinder and some careful prep. In the end choosing between machines with these features will be more or less what you want in terms of the little things like aesthetics, availability, etc.

[@DS__112]

@@Sprometheus Thank you for your wise answer. You're all right. I'm sure you haven't used many machines yourself, but I'm curious if you could choose the one that you like the most when you think very subjectively.(Based on the information you know or hear) When extracting light roasting

[@luismartins6642]

Hello there I'm currently browsing the market for my first espresso machine. My main contenders are the Gaggia Classic Pro and the LaPavoni Europiccola. I am somewhat charmed by the lever experience and the apparently tank build of the Europiccola. Any thoughts on these two machines? Cheers 🙂

[@lgallagher]

I’m in the infancy of my espresso journey, the GCP is defo on my list to replace the heap of crap I have now but I think a decent grinder is higher priority. What the GCP equivalent in the grinder market? I’m running a blade ‘grinder’ at the minute.

[@aryehh7128]

Beautiful view of the bottomless plull!

[@thesoapster]

I've used the GCP for 1 and 2/3 years and have had some good results from it. I do find some challenges with consistency, but then again I haven't modded mine at all. I did upgrade my grinder, and truthfully that made a massive difference. I think chasing consistent results is probably that last 15% to getting great espresso each time. I'm aiming to upgrade rather than try to mod the Gaggia at this point.

[@roshankumarage4126]

I just got my GCP and can’t avoid channeling no matter what I do or what grind setting I use! Using a precision basket and WDT. Using a breville dose control pro - is it just not a good enough grinder even with WDT?? Ordered a 9 bar spring so hoping that makes a difference, but interested to know how you manage without any mods

[@apadgettski]

Still totally disagree with your disposable comment. Just because a machine meets a price point doesn’t make it disposable. There’s no reason it won’t last a decade or more, it’s just aimed at a different audience than higher end options. Gaggia specifically created a machine that is durable, repairable, and standardized. Because of its price, there is a large and thriving community of people who share information on repair, and parts diagrams are readily available. This means most repairs can be done at home, saving both cost and the risks and energy associated with mailing a machine in for factory service. In fact from a sustainability perspective, I would wager that on average, the Gaggia uses less total energy and raw materials per coffee over the life of the machine than your Linea Mini or almost any other machine at any price point.

[@Sprometheus]

I think you still completely missed the point. If you recall, I said I like to think that everyone has the level of interest in learning to fix and maintain their machine, but the fact is, the price point of the Gaggia makes it appealing to those who don’t. Non enthusiasts, non hobbyists. That is who I believe look at it as disposable, and that’s a market Gaggia gets because of its price. You’re looking at this like everyone who buys a Gaggia is like you or I. Also, why do people always like their own comments? I highly doubt that in the 10 minutes between you posting this comment on a months old video someone happened to see this and liked it. Possible, but unlikely and kind of weird.

[@apadgettski]

@@Sprometheus I suspect the audience of high end espresso machines is less maintenance-minded than you think. I would wager most of these machines end up in the hands of wealthy homeowners who just wanted the best no matter the cost, and in a few years they’ll do the same thing. Just because the average Toyota misses a few more oil changes than the average Ferrari and more of them end up in junk yards doesn’t make the Ferrari more repairable . Fewer Ferraris might be “disposed” of, but that point is moot- it’s a function of its cost, not its construction. As a KZbinr, you know the importance of the algorithm. Liked comments are more likely to be read and interacted with.

[@amarimariduena]

Ive been thinking of buying a budget espresso machine like the Gaggia but i wanted to know if there's any other machines you would recommend in the same price range. BTW Im a noob at coffee making.

[@Markymark1408]

Great video, I want the LMLM, but I am likely going to learn first on a GCP. Have you considered the Shades of Coffee upgrade of a single hole for the milk throther?

[@Sprometheus]

Thanks Mark, and I think the GCP is great learning machine. You’ll have the basics nailed down after some time using it. I thought about getting a different tip, but decided I wanted to keep it as stock as possible to keep the review as baseline as I could.

[@Manolara1]

I take the drip tray off and put a cylindrical Greek/Turkish coffee cup under the pressure release/3 way solenoid outlet. Allows me to put scales and bigger cups underneath.

[@janghokwon]

Bespectacled messiah lol. If James is the messiah you are definitely one of the apostles 😂 keep up the good work!

[@0bzen22]

£350 for a new one on black Friday. Made some questionable 'cappucino' with some Carte Noire, and a right mess, still better than what sometimes passes as coffee. I'm willing to learn and play, I'm used to spending some time for my coffee (aeropress, JX Pro). I've got some mods on the way (spring, bottomless). So basically, should be some fun times ahead. I'm of the opinion that it's worth spending some time making coffee anyway. Keeps me away from my home office, and I don't end up drinking 1/2 dozen cups a day. So far, it's been a blast, and I'm just starting. Maybe a PID in the future. Well, most certainly.

[@hamiamiam]

Of all the entry level machines why did you pick up gaggia over breville for example?

[@Sprometheus]

For me it was just the sheer amount of options the Gaggia provided in terms of accessories and upgrades, plus the 58mm portafilter is a big bonus for all the tools.

[@hamiamiam]

@@Sprometheus makes total sense! Thank you!

[@AC-wl7ve]

mine bit the dust after 2 years, luckily it was under warranty and even then they werent able to fix and i was refunded my money. i never modded my machine at all and it left a lot to be desired, the temp and steam were absurdly unpredictable and inconsistent. i could tell my temperatures were dropping drastically mid shot and steam was just a headache because when it says its ready to go it actually just stop heating and leaves you with very little steam.

[@zerostat]

Great video on a truly classic espresso machine. However I also disagree with your assessment, I think the Classic is of simple construction and built like a tank. Mine (first generation) has essentially been maintenance free since I bought it.

[@Camrographer]

I have a Saeco Cafe Via Vinezia. I think it's going on twelve years old and other than flushing for hard water build up I haven't had to do anything else for it. Not sure if this is built on the same quality as the Gaggia but it does seem to have the same for factor. I'm not an espresso connoisseur but the Saeco seems to make decent espresso with its 53mm portafilter and I've never known enough to even consider temperature surfing. The only draw back I've found is the portafilter size. It was a little difficult to find a small distribution tool and I can't seem to find one of those precision porta-filter baskets for a 14gram 53mm basket.

[@NickWebster]

The Breville Barista Express has proven itself to be an incredibly capable home espresso machine for me ever since my purchase in late 2018. Sure, I can make a more sophisticated drink with the full on espresso machine and grinders we have in the office but I've gotten to the point where I can reliably make delicious espresso at home. Arguably I can make tastier espresso at home because they only buy dark roasts for the office haha

[@Stoigniew18]

I dropped my breville's water tank and I found out the hard way that it is impossible to get a replacment in my country. And I really loved that machine up to that moment.

[@joachimjenni]

Had the gaggia for almost 2 and a half years and the big downside is the steam really, at least for the way i make coffee temperature surffing is ok but that steam is struggling a bit

[@damonm3]

The GCP also needs you to steam surf too. I pull first then flip the switch. Use a timer for this too. Purge anytime between 0-20seconds for 5 sec then wait till 25-35 sec depending on when you purged then start steaming. If the light comes on you failed. 🍻🏆

[@BananaChipzzz]

Has anyone ever seen this guy smile?