We upgraded to this model after our previous one didn't produce good enough coffee for my father-in-law. I cannot fault the quality of the coffee it makes, and since I always have espresso, I hardly noticed if the milk wand worked or not.

We, too, replaced the plastic handle, having banged through a whole lot of coffee shots and cracked it.

We serviced our machine annually at the store we bought it from, which was not the cheapest thing but since we used to own an Italian car, we knew that Italian technology isn't exactly fire and forge...Read more

After my first Gaggia Classic died due to poor maintenance on my part (never descaled it) I made the silly mistake of buying a Nespresso. Yes, this was handy with the pods and all but the coffee was expensive and lets be real, pod coffee actually tastes awful compare to a freshly ground bean coffee. The Gaggia really makes a great coffee. I now descale this every 6 months and it works like a charm. The pressure that this thing produces is enough to make a fantastically thick and creamy crema. It steams the milk with ease and it is easy to ...Read more

I've been using the Gaggia Classic's for a few years now and they outlive any pod machine or the all singing and dancing electronic machines. The classic is basically a manual machine in everyway. You need a burr coffee grinder to grind fresh beans for the best coffee with a decent crema. The crema is real unlike some other machines that have crema discs to make fake crema. Whilst I initially struggled with the machine it was down to user error rather than the machine itself. ie getting good coffee beans and finding the optimal grind. Thi...Read more

I've had this coffee machine for 6+ years and I use it every day.
It is very simple to use, once you get the grind setting correct.

It makes a great coffee which is comparable to a professional made coffee (if not better sometimes).

I have replace the handle once, which was not a big deal to find a replacement.

I also choose to use my own Coffee Tamper.

I removed the outer plastic of the milk frother (I kept the inner part to get some additional length) as I like to make my own froth. I have never received a complaint from my cappuccinos. :) ...Read more

I have three of these machines, one at home, one at the weekender and one in my office for the last 10 years.
The joy of grinding and making a cup of coffee first thing in the morning and again later in the day is undeminished after all this time.
Repair wise, have replaced the boiler on 2/3 and froth nozzle x 2 with stainless steel units. I learned ages ago to use demineralised water, and at my weekender, I use rainwater from the tank- no issues with either water variant since I switched to either water sources five years ago.
Pressure is g...Read more

On it's day, the Gaggia Classic will produce a coffee that's up there with the best Melbourne cafe. When that day comes however is not under the barrista's control.

This is at the same time a great machine and a frustrating machine. It is neigh on impossible to get consistently good results from this machine. One cup will be perfect, the next bitter then the next sour (repeat). When you hit that sweet spot and the shot is good, it really is good. I always get good crema and good micro frothing most of the time.

It is a well published...Read more

I've had this machine for over 12 years now and just can't destroy it. I've taken it in for repair after around 6 years for a service when then thermo-switch went on it. This unit with its 18bar pressure will push a golf ball through a straw so you know when you have your grind wrong when it struggles to push water through. Since having it, i've replaced the plastic group handle three times, and grouphead seal once. Its made 2 cups a day min for over 12years and has not missed a beat. I do clean it regularly but would not say i'm fanatic o...Read more

I haven't got a single bad thing to say about this machine. I've owned my machine since March 2008 and it has had daily use every day since then, and it has not failed to this day. The machine is understated and looks great on the kitchen bench. When I was looking at buying an espresso machine, at the time I was doing lots of research and the general consensus on coffee internet forums was this machine was the best value for money home espresso machine on the market. And, they were right.

The machine is easy to clean, the tray and water ...Read more

I bought a secondhand machine.I have had a number of different coffee machines before this one,and his would be the best l have owned.Perfect size,fits in any small space.Heats up very well,froths milk perfectly when you finally master the steamer.The only thing that could be improved is the steam wand.Needs to be more flexable,hard to place milk jug under.I wanted to buy a new one around $600,l chose to buy a used one for less than half that.Very happy and would recommend this product.

Product up date 3 years on!
Still the best coffee mac...Read more

This machine is perfect for home use, especially for the price (purchased on Amazon UK for a great saving compared to prices locally).

Like others, I recommend buying the unpressurised filter baskets (at around $8 each, not an expensive change), and upgrading the steam wand (around $60) if you are a drinker of milk-based coffee. All these accessories/parts can be purchased online in Australia from the coffeeparts website. I have found no need to tinker with the pressure valve (OPV mod) or temperature (PID kit) - if you need to make so many ...Read more