Gaggia 14101 Espresso Machine (click to enlarge)
Gaggia is an Italian company that specializes in espresso and cappuccino machines. The company has been around since 1947, so it’s safe to say that they know a thing or two about building coffee makers. I have to admit that I had never heard of this brand before I tested the 14101 Classic, but I’m so happy to now be acquainted with Gaggia. The Classic Espresso is a pleasure to use, and I couldn’t wait to share my review with you.
Unmatched Quality and Craftsmanship
Gaggia takes pride in their craftsmanship, and it really shows with this machine. The exterior housing is made from stainless steel, which gives it a sleek, modern look, but also makes the machine more durable. Both the grouphead and the portafilter are brass, so you’re really getting a well-made machine with the Classic Espresso.
| Click here to get the price of the Gaggia 14101 Espresso Machine. |
Modern Design & Practical Features
The Classic Espresso doesn’t boast any fancy features. It’s a simple machine that’s designed to do one thing: brew a smooth cup of espresso.
The 72oz. water reservoir is removable for easy cleaning. It also eliminates the need to make several trips to the sink just to brew more shots of espresso. Plus, it comes with a single- or double-shot filter baskets (both made of stainless steel).
The 17 1/2 bar pump and brass components help brew a fantastic cup of coffee. The frothing wand is great for making cappuccinos and lattes too. There’s also a nice hot water dispenser that you can use to brew tea.
As I mentioned previously, this machine doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles you’ll find with high-end automatic machines, but the focus here is really on the quality of the build and the coffee. And in this regard, the Classic Espresso is excellent.
Effortless Cleanup & Maintenance
With a stainless steel exterior, this coffee maker is very easy to clean. Just use a damp cloth to wipe down the sides and top of the machine. There’s no self-cleaning cycle, so you’ll have to clean the interior of the machine the same way you would a regular drip coffee maker.
The Utmost in Durability
With such high quality parts, I’m confident this machine will give you years of use. One online reviewer said their 15-year old machine is still brewing shots on a daily basis. Other reviewers have updated their reviews from 3+ years ago stating that their Classic Espresso Machine is still going strong.
Great Value
This is a mid-range espresso machine, but the quality of the coffee and the longevity of the machine make this machine worth the cost.
Pros
- 17 1/2 bar pump pressure, high-voltage boiler, and brass grouphead and portafilters for excellent temperature control and great-tasting espresso.
- Single and double shot filter baskets for versatile brewing.
- Commercial-grade quality.
- Frother for making cappuccinos, lattes and other coffeehouse-style drinks.
- Easy to use and clean.
Cons
- The milk steamer can be fickle.
Gaggia has already addressed the issue with the milk steamer, and have replaced it with a newer, upgraded frother wand.
The Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine brews an exceptional cup of espresso and is well-engineered to give you years of use. I enjoyed every minute of testing this model, and I highly recommend it to any coffee lover looking for a great espresso machine.
| Click here to get the price of the Gaggia 14101 Espresso Machine. |
