Before I continue with this review, let me put it into context. I like coffee and drink quite a lot of the instant variety. I haven't owned a coffee maker like the Gaggia before, but was given one as a wedding present last year. We absolutely love it and it looks fantastic on our kitchen bench, but my comments on the usefulness of this item are based on the fact that we're novices to the home-espresso game. If you already own a machine like this and are looking for a new one, want a highly technical review or worship caffeine as a demi-god, then you'd probably be better off reading someone else's review!
As far as we can make out, coffee machines seem to be an awful lot of trouble for what you get out of them. There always seems to be vast amounts of mess after use, and two tiny cups of warm-ish espresso are all we have to show for our trouble! We haven't always been able to get a good froth using the steam nozzle to make cappuccinos.
Although not the most expensive on the market, this is a lot of money to spend for an item that makes coffee products. We've used it more as a Sunday morning recreation - we simply wouldn't have time to use it in a rush in the morning, and people who are in a rush are usually the ones who need coffee the most! However, if you're used to using these machines I am convinced there's a bit of a knack to it so, with a little practice, I suspect we could improve our technique.
We have the brushed steel finish model, which looks beautiful in our kitchen. It is both contemporary and classic, and looks very sturdy without being 'clumpy'. Easy to clean although, like most steel kitchenware, it needs to be regularly polished to keep it looking at its best. Once you've read through the intructions and had a go, it's very simple to use in terms of the controls. The instructions are extremely comprehensive and may seem a little off-putting, but most of the information is actually extra to what's required to work the machine. It gives hints and tips to get the best from your machine, how to choose good coffee beans and how to serve the finished drink. Aside from this, the instructions for the technicalities of the machine are fairly simple.
I would recommend it if you really love coffee or want a stylish piece for your kitchen. A machine like this certainly wouldn't be at the top of my priority list because it's a huge amount to pay for an espresso every now and again. If you think you'd get more use out of it, this is a very reliable brand name and definitely is a good-looking machine. Everything about it yells quality, and it was certainly a well-appreciated gift!
Among other things, the machine features:
Temperature ready light; Steam switch; Drip plate; Removable water tank; Removable turbo frother steam nozzle; 'Perfect Crema' device.
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Id have liked to have known a bit more about what parts are dishwasher safe plus if theres any temperature guage on the machine - i work in a cafe & we use thermometers to boil the milk - try to keep the spout just on the top of the milk and pull the jug down, always keeping the spout just on the rim surface of the milk - this should give you ideal froth for cappucinos. Nar
Bollinger28 15.09.2004 13:33
I'd love one of these. A good review but it would be helpful if you gave us a price and where you can buy one. Regards Lexy
water-witch 15.09.2004 12:25
I am considering getting one of these as we are having a new kitchen. I would have loved to know it bit more about how to use it etc. If you add anything let me know and I will happily re rate it.Kim :)
The Gaggia Classic Coffee defines the cutting edge of coffee makers: brass components ... more
maintain the beverages at a constant temperature; an internal mechanism composed of a solenoid and an expansion valve allows the rapid drying of the interior; the adj...
Postage & Packaging: 0.00 GBP Availability: In Stock
Theres nothing like a good cup of coffee to lend a little extra sense of refinement and ... more
taste to ones daily life. The CLASSIC COFFEE model embodies this by combining advanced technology and classic form, underscored by the durability and elegance of it...
Postage & Packaging: refer to website Availability: In stock
Sep 15th, 2004
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