Gaggia Classic Pro (RI9380/46)

I’m very happy with my GCP (one month owner so far). I purchased it knowing I’d need to OPV mod and that a PID was strongly recommended, but I temp surf and again, I knew that going in.

it was a bit upsetting to realize that a lot of the recommendations of it being a good beginner machine are based on doing workarounds or mods ... definitely having a bit of buyers remorse and am wishing I just sprung a bit more money for a less fussy/more convenient machine.

I’m new to home espresso (was a barista) and just got the Gaggia Classic Pro. The only mod I have is the 58 mm tamper, and bottomless portafilter. I honestly love it, and can’t tell the difference between it and the commercial quality shots.

yea I have one too and frankly it's one of the only coffee makers I've had that doesn't break after a few years. this machine is like an old truck, it's not got the bells and whistles but it works well and is rock solid. after like 7 years of daily use mine finally clogged up and I had to service it, and now it's back to as good as when I first bough it and the servicing wasn't hard either.

I’ve had mine for two years. Considering and upgrade but absolutely no way in hell are you going to get a better beginner machine for the money. It’s smaller sized, well built, easy to work on, and a great clunky beast to learn on. The OPV is the only mod I’ve done and pull great espresso.

The fact that in over 10 revisions of this product gaggia couldn’t be arsed to address the wildly ridiculous stock pressure is frustrating af.

I agree with a lot of these points but the steaming… as a beginner I found the relatively low pressure of the GCP perfect for steaming. It gave me tons of time to whip in air before the milk got too hot. I think the steaming of the GCP is perfect for beginners.

Put shortly, this machine has temperature issues. The boiler is controlled by bimetal thermostats - one for brew, one for steam. The issue here is that they are incredibly imprecise - it will swing around the target temperature by a large amount, usually in the ballpark of +/-10° F or so.

I contacted them, provided my proof of purchase, and confirmed the black flakes. They quickly acknowledged the issue and offered three great resolution options ... I opted for Option 3, the DIY Boiler Upgrade. The new boiler and gasket have been sent , and I'll be installing it soon following the video guide they provided.

With all the mods necessary it only feels worth it if you get a screaming deal used (seems used they are being sold for too much as of late). I think the Breville’s get a bad rap and are a better entry, especially used if you are getting a separate grinder anyway. I think the Bambino is a lot easier and a cheaper entry.

I've had mine for a couple months. I definitely agree with your frustrations and I've poured a disproportionate amount of money into modding and tinkering with it. I probably would have had a simpler time with a Silvia, but I think it has definitely helped me understand the components and their functions. Other entry level machines could have made me better coffee, sure... but with this machine, *I* have learned to make better coffee.

Back when I started making home espresso all we had was the GCP and we liked it. It really doesn't *need* any mods to make a perfectly fine espresso. A proper tamper would be nice, but the rest of that list is just to feed the hobby side. I do agree that the price has exceeded the value, but a cheaper used GCP is as valid an option as a used Silvia.

Yep. It's a horrible machine if you don't plan to mod. Espresso machines only need to do 3 things. Deliver hot water at stable temperatures Provide pressure at 6-9 bars Deliver flow The GCP does all 3 of those things poorly with no control.