Gaggia Classic Pro – First Look

The Gaggia Classic Pro, my very first espresso maker! For years, I brewed coffee in a French Press, drip machine, pour over, moka pot and even a large percolator a few times. I’ve always wanted to have an espresso maker but would never pull the trigger until a few weeks ago.

Gaggia Classic history

Gaggia has had a Classic espresso machine model for decades. It had been manufactured in Milan, Italy until the company was purchased by Saeco which in turn was purchased by Philips. In 2015 Philips moved Gaggia Classic production to Romania. All other Gaggia products remained in Milan.

In 2019, Gaggia redesigned the Classic and brought production back to Milan. They also renamed the machine to Gaggia Classic Pro 2019. The new name reflects the additions of a professional 58 mm group and a professional steam wand. Gaggia also redesigned the control panel and gave the machine a sleeker look.

This espresso maker is definitely a machine and not an appliance. The outer body and frame are all metal, the body made with a brushed stainless steel. The chromed brass group has a 3 way solenoid that helps in removing excess water from the portafilter to keep the used coffee puck dry and easier to clean.

Updates to a classic

Other features include a chrome portafilter with the iconic “G” on the handle, three filter baskets (single, double and a pressurized basket for pre-ground coffee that may not be fine enough to develop the proper pressure for espresso.) You can even use coffee pods in the pressurized basket. The redesigned steam wand has two small holes in the tip for better milk frothing. It also has a rubber sleeve so you don’t burn your fingers when moving the wand around. There is a stainless steel cup holder so you can keep your cups warm while preparing your drink.

This espresso maker is definitely a machine and not an appliance.

Another improvement was made on the stainless steel skin. There is a notch on both sides of the water tank so you can easily see how much water is left and when it’s time to refill the tank. Speaking of the tank, you refill it by removing a cover on the top of the machine and pouring your water in.

The drip tray has been redesigned and is made from plastic and stainless steel. It is held in place quite firmly by two posts that fit into notches in the bottom of the body.

By the numbers

The Gaggia Classic Pro is 9 inches wide, 15 inches high and 9.5 inches deep and can easily fit under a counter and still have plenty of room to add water and work the machine. It weighs just over 16 pounds so not very portable.

Gaggia also provides a plastic measuring scoop and a plastic tamper, used to form the coffee puck in the filter basket. I’m sure these could be used in a pinch but, I’ll be weighing the doses and I picked up a professional, metal tamper.

By the time of this post, I’ll have used the Gaggia for a few weeks and hopefully learned how to pull a decent espresso shot (hopefully I won’t be too wired during this time period!)

I’ll be documenting my progress in future posts and have a review as well.

Are you making your own espresso at home? Let me know about your adventures in the comments!