After Testing 13 Coffee Makers, Gaggia Still Wins My Heart
▼ Summary
– The Jura J10 and Smeg Mini Pro are standout coffee makers, with the former being fully automatic and the latter praised for its design and consistency.
– The Gaggia Classic Pro remains the reviewer’s favorite due to its fun usability, tinker-friendly design, and moderate price point.
– Despite its popularity, the Gaggia Classic Pro has quirks like limited space under the portafilter and no PID controller for temperature stability.
– A vibrant community supports the Gaggia Classic Pro, offering mods like extended drip trays, boiler enhancements, and aesthetic upgrades.
– The Gaggia Classic subreddit is a hub for enthusiasts to share mods, maintenance tips, and hobbyist projects, making it ideal for coffee lovers seeking a hands-on experience.
Finding the perfect coffee maker can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but after testing over a dozen models, one machine consistently stands out from the crowd. While premium options like the Jura J10 offer impressive automation and sleek designs like the Smeg Mini Pro catch the eye, nothing compares to the Gaggia Classic Pro for espresso enthusiasts who love hands-on brewing.
This compact manual espresso machine has earned its reputation as a fan favorite, combining affordability with exceptional performance. Priced around $500, it delivers professional-quality espresso without breaking the bank. In our tests, the Gaggia Classic Pro impressed with its sturdy build and ability to produce rich, balanced shots with minimal fuss, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned baristas.
That said, perfection doesn’t come without quirks. The limited clearance between the portafilter and drip tray means taller cups won’t fit, forcing users to rely on smaller vessels like shot glasses. The narrow tray also makes weighing shots mid-brew a challenge. Unlike high-end models, it lacks a PID temperature controller, and its small boiler can struggle with back-to-back milk steaming sessions.
What truly sets the Gaggia Classic Pro apart is its thriving modding community. Enthusiasts worldwide have developed clever upgrades to enhance functionality. Companies like Barista Gadgets and Shades of Coffee offer extended drip trays for scales, improved steam arms, and even LED-lit water tanks for better visibility. For those craving precision, the Gaggiuino open-source project lets users fine-tune pressure, temperature, and flow rates for barista-level control.
Beyond hardware tweaks, the Gaggia Classic subreddit serves as a goldmine of tips, from maintenance hacks to creative customizations. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a full-blown coffee geek, this machine’s versatility and upgrade potential make it a worthy long-term investment. If you enjoy tinkering as much as sipping, the Gaggia Classic Pro might just be your perfect match.
(Source: TECHRADAR)
