Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 25 x 13 x 12 inches ; 20 pounds


• Shipping Weight: 24 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)


• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.


• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.


• ASIN: B0001KOA4Q


• Item model number: 14101
  

By : Gaggia
Price : $387.85
You Save : $211.15 (35%)

Product Description

Amazon.com Review
Combining advanced technology with a classic design, this coffee/espresso machine for making hot drinks at home includes all the benefits of a commercial system. Designed in Italy by Gaggia, one of the most respected names in the espresso industry, the unit uses standard 58 mm filters to provide ample room for brewing rich, full espresso. Its commercial-grade construction includes stainless-steel housing, a high-power 17-1/2-bar pump with a high-voltage boiler for quick warm-up times, and an independent expansion valve. A three-way solenoid valve is also included, providing immediate pressure release from the grouphead once an espresso pull is completed, allowing the portafilter to be removed and the next shot to be prepared instantly. For excellent temperature stability, its portafilters and grouphead are made of heavy-duty marine-grade brass with chrome plating. The machine works with coffee pods and is designed to deliver two cups at once. Other convenient features include a hot-water dispenser for tea, a frothing wand for crema, and a cup warmer. A single- and double-shot stainless-steel filter basket, coffee tamper, and 7-gram measuring scoop are included. Its 72-ounce water reservoir is removable for easy filling or cleaning. To keep the espresso machine clean, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. The unit measures 14-1/4 by 8 by 9-1/2 inches. --Catie Unger
Consumers Best Buy! The Gaggia Classic is one of our best sellers for several reasons. Commercial grade quality: Rugged construction of heavy duty materials for longevity. High performance: Forged brass components to stabilize temperature with a three-way solenoid valve and independent expansion valve. Gaggia is in the process of rolling out a new Turbo-Frother wand replacing the metal frothing wand and sleeve. The Gaggia Classic turns anyone into a "Barista" in their own home. Includes two stainless steel filter baskets (single and double shot), coffee tamper and 7g measuring scoop

 

Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

 

Product Features

• Coffee/espresso machine with 72-ounce removable water reservoir


• Stainless-steel housing; brass portafilters and grouphead for temperature stability


• 17-1/2-bar pump with high-voltage boiler; hot-water dispenser; frothing wand


• Single- and double-shot stainless-steel filter basket, tamper, and measuring scoop included


• Measures 14-1/4 by 8 by 9-1/2 inches

Customer Reviews

For the price, I'd give the espresso making part of this machine 5 stars. The portafilter and brew group are substantial and well-made. I've worked at two espresso shops with commercial machines, and the parts on this moderately priced Gaggia are nearly as heavy and substantial as the big multiple-thousands of dollars machines. I've had the machine for 4 days and have been brewing shots with Starbuck$ pods. The toggle switches are easy to use, the reservoir is easy to fill, and the shots are aromatic and full of crema every time. However, the steaming wand takes a star away from this machine. It does not rotate in every direction like the comparably priced Starbucks machine. This makes it hard to remove a cup full of frothed milk from under the wand without spilling. Also, the plastic frother contraption is silly. Actual frothing capability is pretty good, though the plain metal tips on the commercial machines produced finer microfroth, and were more fine-tuned to the trained barista's hand. Overall, it's a good-looking machine, and I'm satisfied with it for my main purposes - iced lattes and americanos, and straight double shots, all of which do not require use of the steaming attachment. This is a good entry-level machine that will brew you good shots, and look good on your countertop. However, I'm expecting to outgrow it and move up to an Isomac with more refined steaming capability within a few years.

I've used this machine extensively for the last 12 months. In every aspect, I learned a lot about making that still elusive perfect espresso: the bean, the grinding, the water, the temperature, the cleaning, the back flushing, the descaling, you name it. The purchase of this machine started a very rewarding journey into the unknown. From thermodynamics through agricultural techniques, I've read a lot. But only recently I started a new stream of Googling when I researched how to make a more thorough maintenance of the machine. I'm a chemical engineer, so by training, I know that machines need more than cosmetic cleaning to keep working.
And here is when the boiler issue comes along. Among the key components in any espresso machine, the boiler has obviously a very high importance. It's here where a truly exceptional machine shows it's quality. From the steam "disponsable" ones using stainless steel to the almost coffee bar quality solid brass boiler machines, the difference is astounding in terms of temperature stability and durability. There are cheaper machines that use aluminum instead of brass in the boiler. Like the Gaggia Classic. And that I didn't know when I bought it. Aluminum you see, corrodes VERY fast. Even if it creates a self protecting layer of aluminum oxide when exposed to the elements, it DOES corrode and it DOES end it's life in much faster way than a brass boiler. Why? simply because brass doesn't corrode as fast, and if you need to descale or clean a brass boiler, you can be much more aggressive in what you use to do that cleaning.
So, my boiler is now showing significant amounts of corrosion. I used bottled water and cleaned the machine every week extensively, used recommended anti-scaling and detergent agents and followed every rule. But next year this machine is ready for a full boiler replacement. Unacceptable in my mind. Go for the Rancilio Silvia (brass boiler), because that's the one I'm buying soon. It's well worth the extra money.

 

Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine, Brushed Stainless Steel

 

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