Gaggia classic?

[Flying machine]

Anybody got one? Views? I was toying with the idea of getting an espresso machine for ages and usually use a stove top mocha pot. Although I'm sure somebody will be along to recommend the rancilio silvia, what it the view on these?

[uncinqsix]

I think there's a good reason why the Rancilio Silvia is the default recommendation - the Gaggia Classic looks pretty good, but the Silvia is a great piece of kit.

Whatever you end up getting, remember that the grinder is just as important as the machine, if not more so. I have a pretty average Francis Francis X1 which is very much form over function, but I can get really good espresso out of it because I have a decent semi-professional grinder (Anfim Best). My parents have an expensive E61 group heat exchanger machine, but a crappy breville grinder and despite my best efforts, I just can't get a decent shot out of that combination.

[missdiane]

I have one, I bought it in 06 I think, still going strong,
needs quite a bit off attention like descaling/cleaning, taking all the right bits off and getting the coffee residue off it. Maybe they are all the same though?
My problem was not putting filtered water into it

If I bought another one I'd probably go for a bean to cup

[gregd]

I've had one for a couple of years.. I've always used bottled water which seems to greatly reduce the descaling needed (we have rotten tapwater where we live).. good crema if you use the right coffee and have the knack. I'd recommend it, especially as they seem to be keenly priced these days.. Have heard good things about the Rancilio Silva too but IIRC they are significantly more expensive.

[PJ S]

Not knowing the budget, you could look at the Fracino Heavenly or Cherub - around the £6-700 mark, iirc

[Podie]

We bought a Gaggia Classic just over a year ago. Makes nice coffee, but we just didn't use it and have sold out and bought a pod machine.

Nowt wrong with the Gaggia, so feel free to make me an offer before it goes on eBay.

[Mr Kitten]

Podie said:

Nowt wrong with the Gaggia, so feel free to make me an offer before it goes on eBay.

I'll give you a tenner and half a curly-wurly!

[RicksAlfas]

Podie said:

We bought a Gaggia Classic just over a year ago. Makes nice coffee, but we just didn't use it and have sold out and bought a pod machine.

Nowt wrong with the Gaggia, so feel free to make me an offer before it goes on eBay.

I'm sure my Classic came with a pod adaptor?


Anyway, to the OP - good, strong, reliable machines.

[Podie]

RicksAlfas said:

Podie said:

We bought a Gaggia Classic just over a year ago. Makes nice coffee, but we just didn't use it and have sold out and bought a pod machine.

Nowt wrong with the Gaggia, so feel free to make me an offer before it goes on eBay.

I'm sure my Classic came with a pod adaptor?


Anyway, to the OP - good, strong, reliable machines.

We've gone for a Nespresso

[missdiane]

Didn't get a pod converter thingy with mine

When I got mine the nespresso type coffee pods were widely available so made the classic a bit tidier but they seem to have gone out of fashion now

[SwanJack]

It used to come with an adaptor so that you can use Gaggia's coffee 'bags', not the coffee pods.
I've had mine for three years, it gets used three/four times a day, hasn't missed a beat and if it broke, I'd get another the same day.

[missdiane]

Think that's what I meant - the little bags

[Jem0911]

Di I sell pods at my work.
The Embankment, Wellingboghorror.

[missdiane]

Really? Pods or the bags?

[Jem0911]

I stock the bags.
I can get pretty much anything coffee.
Just had a lovely shipment of green beans for roasting.

[missdiane]

Is it for sale to general public? Just looked on website wasnt sure where to look, are they different bags or just one brand/flavour

[Jem0911]

Yes there is a link from my main site to one with barista in the name.
Drop in.
Coffee machine always making fine latteart.

[jinkster]

I have a Gaggia Classic - had it a good few years and make about 3 cappuccinos per day every day for myself :-)

Love the machine.

Takes a bit of time to get used to it and how to make a good coffee.

Nespresso machines are cheating but i'm quite impressed by those - however I think they could get expensive buying the pods

[Podie]

jinkster said:

I have a Gaggia Classic - had it a good few years and make about 3 cappuccinos per day every day for myself :-)

Love the machine.

Takes a bit of time to get used to it and how to make a good coffee.

Nespresso machines are cheating but i'm quite impressed by those - however I think they could get expensive buying the pods

Having moved from a Gaggia, we've actually found the Nespresso cheaper - and we're consuming more coffee!

[SwanJack]

Podie said:

Having moved from a Gaggia, we've actually found the Nespresso cheaper - and we're consuming more coffee!

I spend £25 for 2kg of unroasted beans from Hasbean. At an average rate of 6 espresso's a day, the 2kg lasts about 2 months. That's about 360 shots. How much would i need to spend on nespresso capsules to drink the same amount? Can't see it being cheaper for me somehow...