EmailBest Reviewed
Espresso Machines
- Best espresso machine overall Rancilio Silvia *Est. $700
- Best value espresso machine Gaggia Classic *Est. $450
- Budget espresso maker DeLonghi EC155 *Est. $85
- Steam-driven espresso machine Kalorik Espresso Maker Cafeteria Express EXP25022 *Est. $45
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Best value espresso machine
- Simple controls
- Compact
- Durable
- Uses ground coffee or ESE pods
- Hard to judge water level
- Cheap plastic tamper
- Cheap frothing wand
- Aluminum boiler susceptible to corrosion
Reviewers say that the Gaggia Classic produces a nearly perfect espresso for a fraction of the cost of high-end machines. Several users, who have owned their machine for years, claim that the Gaggia is very durable and holds up well to consistent daily use. Experts say that the Gaggia offers the best of both worlds to users who like the convenience and consistent quality of pods but also want to learn the art of making espresso. That's because the Gaggia can use ground coffee or pre-packaged espresso pods. Users recommend it for newbies because it has simple controls and is easy to use, even though some point out that it takes practice to get the right grind and tamp. Several reviewers wish that that the Gaggia had a clear, calibrated water tank in order to judge water levels. We also saw complaints about the cheap plastic frothing wand and aluminum boiler. If you want only the best, experts recommend the Rancilio Silvia (*Est. $700), which has a brass boiler that is less susceptible to corrosion.
We found the best reviews of the Gaggia Classic at CNNMoney.com, CoffeeCrew.com, Slate.com and Food & Wine magazine, where editors test the machine and compare it to others. SweetMarias.com doesn't rate the machine but does a good job of reviewing its components. Consumer reviews at WholeLatteLove.com, CoffeeGeek.com and Amazon.com give excellent insight into user experience and overall ease of use.
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Our Sources
1. CNNMoney.com
The Gaggia Classic places second in this short, five-model roundup, just behind the Breville 800ESXL. Charles Passy gives the Gaggia a grade of "B," even though he says that it makes a better espresso than Breville, because it lacks a calibrated water tank. Passy claims that the Gaggia produces "near perfect" taste.
Review: A Whole Lotta Lattes, Charles Passy, Oct. 2007
"Glenn" at CoffeeCrew.com says that the Gaggia Classic is a good value for the money, even though it comes with a cheap tamper and the drip tray could fit better. He says that it is sturdily built with a powerful pump and fast cycling times. Some of the features that are mentioned in this article have been updated since its publication.
Review: First Look at the Gaggia Classic, "Glenn", Nov. 4, 2003
3. Slate.com
The Gaggia Classic comes in third place in Slate.com's espresso machine test because of its high price. Otherwise, Alex Abramovich says that it makes as tasty an espresso as his favorite Italian cafes, has simple controls and is easy to clean.
Review: Totally Wired, Alex Abramovich, Dec. 10, 2004
4. Food & Wine MagazineDetails/Subscribe
The Gaggia Classic is listed as the runner-up in Food & Wine magazine's list of best pod espresso machines. It is said to deliver "perfectly extracted espresso" but it takes longer to heat up than others. Editors also love the Gaggia's compact size.
Review: The Best Pod Espresso Machines, Kristin Donnelly, March 2008
Editors of SweetMarias.com praise the Gaggia Classic for using high-quality internal components, including a high-output, 55-watt pump that produces over 17 bars of pressure. They say it would be even better, though, if it had a brass boiler instead of aluminum.
Review: Gaggia Espresso Equipment, Editors of SweetMarias.com
Users at WholeLatteLove.com praise the Gaggia Classic for producing excellent espresso with perfect crema. Reviewers say that it is durable and easy to use but several complain about the frother, a feature that has recently been updated to make it more functional.
Review: Gaggia Classic Espresso Machine, Contributors to WholeLatteLove.com
Consumers at CoffeeGeek.com give the Gaggia Classic high ratings because of its solid construction and ease of use. At least one user complains of its aluminum boiler, which is more susceptible to corrosion than brass.
Review: Consumer Espresso: Gaggia Classic, Contributors to CoffeeGeek.com
8. Amazon.com
Contributors to Amazon.com say that the Gaggia Classic is a good entry-level machine that produces excellent coffee. Some complain about the frothing wand, saying that it is cheap and that the sleeve falls off, creating a mess.
Review: Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel, Contributors to Amazon.com
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