Best 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. $100
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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 machines for years say the Gaggia Classic is very durable and holds up well to consistent daily use. Experts say that the Gaggia Classic 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 Classic can use ground coffee or Easy Serving Espresso (ESE) 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 say they wish 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 and Food & Wine magazine, where editors test the machine and compare it to others. Retailer 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. Mark Prince compares the Gaggia Classic to the popular Rancilio Silvia in a roundup of the best espresso machines for newbies at CoffeeKid.com.
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| Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel | |
(78 reviews) In Stock. |
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Our Sources
1. CNNMoney.com
The Gaggia Classic places second in this short five-model roundup, just behind the now-discontinued Breville 800ESXL. Charles Passy gives the Gaggia Classic 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
2. 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 instead of an aluminum boiler.
Review: Gaggia Espresso Equipment, Editors of SweetMarias.com
Mark Prince recommends a number of espresso machines in different price categories and for various levels of expertise. Primarily focusing on machines easy for espresso novices to use, Prince says the Gaggia Classic is comparable to the Rancilio Silvia at a fraction of the price.
Review: Getting Into Espresso Machines, Mark Prince
Users at WholeLatteLove.com praise the Gaggia Classic for producing excellent espresso with perfect crema. More than 170 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. Overall, the Gaggia Classic maintains an impressive 4.5 stars out of 5.
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 about its aluminum boiler, which is more susceptible to corrosion than brass. About 75 owners contribute to an average rating of 8.1 out of a possible 10.
Review: Consumer Espresso: Gaggia Classic, Contributors to CoffeeGeek.com
7. Amazon.com
About 45 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. The Gaggia Classic has an overall average rating of 3.5 stars out of 5.
Review: Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel, Contributors to Amazon.com
Espresso Machines Runners Up:
3 picks by top review sites.
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2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
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Nespresso D120-US-BK-NE CitiZ Automatic Single-Serve Espresso Maker and Milk Frother, Limousine Black
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DeLonghi EN680.M Nespresso Lattissima Single-Serve Espresso Maker, Metal
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