Gaggia Classic Pro Review (2026)

The Gaggia Classic Pro is arguably the most famous entry-level enthusiast machine in history. While other brands focus on touchscreens and automation, Gaggia focuses on heavy brass, solid steel, and commercial standards.

This review covers the current Classic Pro E24 in brushed stainless steel, model RI9380/46, which is the version our buy button links to. Gaggia's main change for the E24 is a new lead-free brass boiler, which Gaggia says improves thermal stability and steaming. Older Classic Pro units used an aluminum boiler.

58mm Commercial Standard

The biggest advantage of the Gaggia is its 58mm stainless steel portafilter. This is the same size used in professional cafes worldwide. It allows you to use a wider range of high-end baskets (like VST or IMS) and ensures a more even extraction across the coffee puck.

The Three-Way Solenoid Valve

Unlike cheaper machines that leave you with a "soggy puck" of wet coffee grounds after brewing, the Gaggia features a commercial three-way solenoid valve. This instantly relieves the pressure after the shot is finished, drying out the puck so it knocks out cleanly and keeps the group head much cleaner.

Temperature Surfing

The E24's brass boiler holds heat better than the old aluminum one, but it is still a small boiler (3.5 oz) on a simple thermostat with no PID, so the temperature can drift between heating cycles. To get the best results, enthusiasts often use a technique called "temperature surfing" (purging water to trigger the heating element).

For many, this is part of the charm of "learning the craft," but if you want a machine that is "set and forget," you might prefer a PID-controlled machine like the Breville Bambino Plus.

Pros

• Commercial Parts: 58mm portafilter and commercial steam wand.
• Repairable: Parts are widely available and the machine is easy to service.
• Mod Friendly: Huge community support for adding PIDs or dimmer switches.

Cons

• Single Boiler: You cannot brew and steam at the same time.
• No PID: A thermostat controls the boiler, so you temp surf for consistent shots.

Final Verdict

The Gaggia Classic Pro is the best machine for someone who wants to learn the art of espresso and isn't afraid to get their hands a little dirty. It is built like a tank and will last a lifetime if cared for. To see how it compares with the PID-equipped Classic UP and other machines for decaf, read our decaf espresso machine picks.

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Tech Specs

• Model: Classic Pro E24, RI9380/46 (brushed stainless steel)
• Boiler: Single lead-free brass boiler, 3.5 oz
• Portafilter: 58mm stainless steel
• Pump: 15-bar Ulka pump, OPV calibrated to 9 bar
• Body: 17-gauge brushed stainless steel
• Manufacturing: Made in Italy

Specs from Gaggia North America's Classic Pro E24 page. The model number is from the Amazon listing's title.