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The Gaggia Classic is one of our best sellers since we began . Over time, Gaggia has added improvements designed
to enhance the user experience while staying true to their commitment
to produce espresso equipment that is on par with the best in the
industry.
New to 2003 Gaggia has replaced the nickle plated
carbon steel housing with a brushed or polished stainless steel. This
produced a machine with an even more durable housing that will not rust
or flake overtime. The portafilter handle was also upgraded to include
a stainless steel dispensing beak. This improved eveness of the
espresso flow when split between 2 demitasse cups or shot glasses. The
main design of the portafilter remained the same at a whopping 1 pound
of chrome plated brass with a commercial size, 58mm diameter. Gaggia
also uses a massive chrome plated brass brew group, which is where the
portafilter handle locks onto. Heat stability and retention is
remarkable with this much mass, and is a Gaggia standard that only the
Rancilio Silvia can match. All Gaggia espresso machines received a new
Pannarello style frother to replace what was known as the Turbo
Frother. This wand has proved to be both easier to use, and clean. Our
testing showed that it is less finicky and requires less technique to
produce frothed milk quickly, and of good quality. Also new is that
Gaggia has finally dumped the pod adapter and replaced it with a
stainless steel combination single shot/pod basket. For those that
know, the old pod adapter was a true contraption; it was difficult to
attach and too much effort to remove if you wanted to use ground coffee
as well. The new pod basket was designed with the approval of Illy, who
has been a founding member of the ESE (easy serving espresso)
consortium. Our internal tests, and those of Illy USA, performed by
both East and West Coast divisions has backed up this claim as well.
With this approval all Gaggia machines can use espresso pods from any
roaster that is ESE approved - the largest standard in the coffee
industry.
The overall wattage of all Gaggia machines stay at an
industry high 1425 watts. The electric pump accounts for 55 watts and
is the strongest in it’s class. The remaining wattage is directed to
Gaggia’s unique boiler system that incorporates not 1 but 2 heating
elements. Unlike every other manufacturer at this price range, Gaggia
does not position them in direct contact with water. They are actually
embedded into the sides of the boiler which prevents a major reason
espresso machines are brought in for warranty repair - corroded heating
element. This design has proved to be highly efficient by causing the
entire boiler to become a heating element. A fast method that further
supports temperature stability.
The Classic further distingushes
itself by sporting a 3 way solenoid valve. This is a feature generally
only found on commercial and prosumer equipment. It’s main purpose is
to relieve the pressure that develops during the brewing process. As
you may have read, espresso is brewed best at 8 to 9 bar or atmospheres
of pressure. With a single bar being 14.7 lbs of pressure per square
inch you can calculate that espresso is brewed at 132 lbs per square
inch. The 3 way solenoid valve instantly relieves that pressure and
diverts it to the drip tray. You may notice the chrome tube leading to
the drip tray in the larger image. The benefit of this is that the
quick release of the pressure takes much of the water left over in the
group and leaves a relatively dry coffee puck. Drier puck means less
coffee grounds to clean.
Includes
two Commercial grade quality stainless steel filter baskets (single/pod
and double shot), coffee tamper and 7g measuring scoop. Available in Brushed Stainless Steel (Satin Finish).
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Some
of the most crucial elements for producing high quality espresso are
influenced by the Style, Size and Construction of the portafilter.
Style: This portafilter is designed like a commercial machine and works
in the same way. The coffee is ground fine and is tamped (pressed)
firmly into place. Size: The size of the portafilter is also the same
as a commercial machine. Is has a large diameter (58 mm) so that the
water is distributed evenly over a wide surface area. Construction: The
portafilter is made up of two parts, the handle and the filter holder.
The handle is made of high quality plastic. The heavy chrome plated
brass filter holder keeps the temperature stable throughout the entire
brewing process, therefore producing a quality cup of espresso. |
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This
is the portion of the machine that the portafilter locks into. It is
made of chrome plated marine brass which provides a superior brewing
environment through maximum heat stability and component longevity. |
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The
Gaggia boiler system is very unique. It is designed of highly
conductive Alloy boiler with two heating elements. The heating elements are
imbedded into the exterior sides of the boiler, providing even heat
distribution. Having the highest wattage system available, incorporated
into a low volume boiler (3.5 ounces) provides excellent temperature
stability and will heat up quicker. |
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The
three-way solenoid valve is a commercial feature that relieves the
water pressure off the coffee when the brew switch is turned off. This
serves two functions; it dries out the coffee to prevent dripping and
makes it easy to knock the coffee out of the portafilter with one knock. |
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The
Classic contains three rocker arm switches. The one on the left is the
main power switch. It has an indicator light built into it that is
illuminated whenever the machine is turned on. The middle switch is the
steam switch. When turned on it will heat the boiler up to steam
temperature. The far right switch operates the pump and is also known
as the brew switch. To start the brewing process just turn on the brew
switch, wait until you have reached your desired volume and then turn
off the switch. There is an indicator light built in that is
illuminated whenever the boiler reaches operating temperature. |
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Preheating
your cups is very important. The Classic has a cup warmer that will
hold up to five espresso cups. It is a passive type heater which means
it is heated with the residual heat from the boiler. |
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If
you want hot water for any reason, be it Hot Chocolate, Tea or
Americanos it is very easy to do. Just turn on the pump (brew) switch
and open the steam knob. Hot water will start to stream out. |
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The
Gaggia Classic comes equipped with a new Turbo Frothing steam wand. The
new design makes great froth every time with no problems. |
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The large removable 64oz reservoir can be refilled from the top any time during the operation, for an endless supply of coffee. |
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Comes
ready to use with pods or ground coffee. Use the single shot filter
basket with Easy Serve Espresso (ESE) pods. Pods are single serve
prepackaged shots that are designed to be quick and clean. |
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The
Gaggia has three temperature controls. There are two thermostats and
one high limit. There is one thermostat for maintaining brew
temperature and one for maintaining steam temperature. The high limit
will turn off the power to the boiler in the event of a malfunction
thus preventing the boiler from overheating. |
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The
Classic is made of stainless steel for extreme durability and a
professional appearance. The drip tray is chrome plated while the drip
grate and pan are made of a durable plastic. |
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