Gaggia - Classic Evo Espresso Machine - Green RI9481/17

I am new in the espresso game with a limited budget. After reading reviews about this machine, I decided to pull the trigger. After about 2 weeks of reading and watching videos, procuring a grinder, thankfully having a local roaster for good beans, and couple other odds and ends, I've just about dialed in my espresso game. This may be simple machine with a steep learning curve at times, but if you do a little homework and waste a lot of poor beans early in the game, it is worth your investment and time. It's solid as a rock, as you never see full metal construction anymore. Portafilter works great for my needs and comes with any filter that I could possibly want right now to put into it for pods, pre ground, or fresh ground beans. Steam wand gives me any kind of ... MoreI am new in the espresso game with a limited budget. After reading reviews about this machine, I decided to pull the trigger. After about 2 weeks of reading and watching videos, procuring a grinder, thankfully having a local roaster for good beans, and couple other odds and ends, I've just about dialed in my espresso game. This may be simple machine with a steep learning curve at times, but if you do a little homework and waste a lot of poor beans early in the game, it is worth your investment and time. It's solid as a rock, as you never see full metal construction anymore. Portafilter works great for my needs and comes with any filter that I could possibly want right now to put into it for pods, pre ground, or fresh ground beans. Steam wand gives me any kind of frothed milk I want with ease. Water reservoir is plenty big. You can tweak your brews anyway you like with this machine really, as long as your grinder is good and you have good beans. You can make anything as good as you'll buy at a local cafe. Temp surf, mess with the pressure, it's all there with this simple machine if you find the right instructions on how to do it. I have 2 friends with automatic makers who like their brews, but can't control anything but the coffee they feed them, you have so much more freedom with the classic pro. Tinkering with it can last hours and be much fun. I couldn't be happier with my purchase and hopefully I can enjoy for years to come! Love it.

I selected and purchased this make/model because I wanted a quality machine that would help me learn to ‘dial in’ espresso shots. I did not want an automatic ‘press the button and out comes a cappuccino’ machine. I want to learn and be able to make adjustments to how I pull shots and steam milk etc. This machine is perfect for that and for a beginner. After doing a little research on Whole Latte Love, and watching a YouTube video that shows the process they use to refurbish these machines, I ordered mine. It’s here and I am only in the very beginning stages of learning to use. I’ve pulled about 6 shots so far. I now know I need a quality grinder, but that fact was never hidden—just about everyone will tell you that the quality of the grinder is at least 50% of the ... MoreI selected and purchased this make/model because I wanted a quality machine that would help me learn to ‘dial in’ espresso shots. I did not want an automatic ‘press the button and out comes a cappuccino’ machine. I want to learn and be able to make adjustments to how I pull shots and steam milk etc. This machine is perfect for that and for a beginner. After doing a little research on Whole Latte Love, and watching a YouTube video that shows the process they use to refurbish these machines, I ordered mine. It’s here and I am only in the very beginning stages of learning to use. I’ve pulled about 6 shots so far. I now know I need a quality grinder, but that fact was never hidden—just about everyone will tell you that the quality of the grinder is at least 50% of the process for excellent espresso. It’s working just as they say and now I have the wonderful task ahead of learning to dial in and get things to where I want them. So happy. And such great customer service from Whole Latte Love. I sent in a Q, and got a nice comprehensive back and forth from Zach S. Terrific company, terrific product!

A great machine, if it wasn't for the coated boiler

The Gaggia Classic EVO would be a great and affordable machine, ideal for coffee enthusiasts the want start learning how to make proper espresso. But it comes with a terrible design flaw: the coated boiler.Ideally the coating should help reduce scale buildup, but in practice in most machines this (teflon-like non-stick) coating starts to flake after a few weeks/months of use, ending up in your coffee! Recently, hundreds of people around the world started reporting small black flakes coming out of the steam wand when dispensing water/steaming milk, and that is the sign of the boiler coating coming off. Just Google "Gaggia boilergate" to get an idea.Apparently this only affects the EVO models (from 2023), and not the original Gaggia Classic that had a traditional ... MoreThe Gaggia Classic EVO would be a great and affordable machine, ideal for coffee enthusiasts the want start learning how to make proper espresso. But it comes with a terrible design flaw: the coated boiler.Ideally the coating should help reduce scale buildup, but in practice in most machines this (teflon-like non-stick) coating starts to flake after a few weeks/months of use, ending up in your coffee! Recently, hundreds of people around the world started reporting small black flakes coming out of the steam wand when dispensing water/steaming milk, and that is the sign of the boiler coating coming off. Just Google "Gaggia boilergate" to get an idea.Apparently this only affects the EVO models (from 2023), and not the original Gaggia Classic that had a traditional aluminum non-coated boiler.Gaggia issued an official statement a few months ago acknowledging the issue and offering to replace the boiler or the machine. It's not clear whether the new 2024 machines have this problem fixed.Unfortunately, this happened to my machine after a few months, so I asked Galaxus for a repair/replacement. They sent me a new machine, which showed the same issue after only 3 weeks. I sent it back again. The 3rd machine they sent me had the same problem after a month. So I gave up. I'll look for a better machine eventually. I was really disappointed.If it wasn't for these serious problems, the Gaggia Classic would be a great machine to start your coffee journey.If you have pre-ground coffee, you can start with the pressurized (crema perfetta) filter and you'll get pretty decent results.Though at a certain point you'll realize that in order to get proper espresso you really need a coffee grinder. I got myself the amazing Niche Zero, and with that you can start using the standard double filter, weighting your coffee, tuning-in your grind to get the perfect espresso. The machine is really great to learn all the parameters and skills needed to make a good espresso or cappuccino.On top of that, it is a simple machine, and you can find plenty of learning material and forums online, and it is easy to mod if you want to improve it. There are plenty of easy mods that you can purchase and install: 9-bar OPV spring, precision baskets, PID, etc. for more consistent results; bottomless portafilters, single-hole steam tip, slim drip trays, pro shower screen, and many more; even an Arduino-controller (Gaggiuino) if you are an electronics enthusiast!

Brilliant little machine!

I received my Gaggia Classic Evo Pro a week ago. I expected a steep learning curve, as I was upgrading from a Breville Cafe Venezia (51mm pressurised filter baskets) to the Gaggia with 58mm unpressurised baskets. However, from the first shot that I pulled, the quality of the espresso that it produces are hunders of times better than with my previous machine.I feel that I could not do better at this price point. I like that it is a totally manual machine. I like being able to to "temp surf" and find my own sweet spot. I also love that I can control my own pre-infusion by opening the steam valve slightly before I activate the water pump and then slowly close the steam again. There are machines out there that does this all for you, but I like that I can feel in ... MoreI received my Gaggia Classic Evo Pro a week ago. I expected a steep learning curve, as I was upgrading from a Breville Cafe Venezia (51mm pressurised filter baskets) to the Gaggia with 58mm unpressurised baskets. However, from the first shot that I pulled, the quality of the espresso that it produces are hunders of times better than with my previous machine.I feel that I could not do better at this price point. I like that it is a totally manual machine. I like being able to to "temp surf" and find my own sweet spot. I also love that I can control my own pre-infusion by opening the steam valve slightly before I activate the water pump and then slowly close the steam again. There are machines out there that does this all for you, but I like that I can feel in control.I asked for a 9-Bar OPV to be fitted before delivery (I saw that a previous reviewer got his fitment for free, but the fitment cost me an additional R300.00).I have since added a bottomless portafilter holder and a IWS Precision basket and this should be a default in my opinion. The improvement in flavour depth is way more than I expected.For the real coffee enthusiast that is willing to learn and explore, I am yet to find a better espresso machine - at any price point!

Customer Service shines

I was one of those unfortunate GC EVO Pro buyers that got caught up in "boilergate". I loved my previous machine but with the coated boiler flaking I reached out to WLL for a replacent unit. The unit arrived about two weeks after my initial inquiry. During the interim period I purchased a used Rancilio Silvia. Both machines are remarkably similar in operation. Both require a bit of additional heat up time and temp surfing. The Miss Silvia does have a bigger brass boiler and it's steaming power does appear to be somewhat better than the Gaggia. Where they differ mostly though would have to be in size. The footprint of the Rancilio is nearly double that of the GCP. Now I'm facing the most difficult decision yet, which to keep and which to sell. I will likely be ... MoreI was one of those unfortunate GC EVO Pro buyers that got caught up in "boilergate". I loved my previous machine but with the coated boiler flaking I reached out to WLL for a replacent unit. The unit arrived about two weeks after my initial inquiry. During the interim period I purchased a used Rancilio Silvia. Both machines are remarkably similar in operation. Both require a bit of additional heat up time and temp surfing. The Miss Silvia does have a bigger brass boiler and it's steaming power does appear to be somewhat better than the Gaggia. Where they differ mostly though would have to be in size. The footprint of the Rancilio is nearly double that of the GCP. Now I'm facing the most difficult decision yet, which to keep and which to sell. I will likely be keeping my Gaggia because counter space is limited.This review would not be complete though without mentioning the amazing work done each day throughout the "boilergate" saga by the staff at Whole Latte Love. They faced numerous calls and email inquiries (and likely still are) without missing a beat. Customer service is amazing and I highly recommend this company. Keep up the great work!!

Great entry level machines, with one frustrating issue. . . the steam wand valves leak eventually.

I have purchased two Gaggia Classic versions. This Evo Pro replaced an original Classic that I bought six years ago. They are great machines, particularly for the price. That value, which can be improved even more when they are on sale here on WLL, makes it a no brainer purchase. A few upgrades, like the pro steam wand and a few which aren't really necessary such as an IMS filter screen and an upgraded gasket when the original wears out, coupled with a quality portafilter basket takes you deep into the quality espresso pulling game. As long as you need what this machine, and others like it offer, which is a small capacity single boiler manual shot puller and steamer, it is practically perfect. If you need higher capacity for sequential shots or frothing, nuanced ... MoreI have purchased two Gaggia Classic versions. This Evo Pro replaced an original Classic that I bought six years ago. They are great machines, particularly for the price. That value, which can be improved even more when they are on sale here on WLL, makes it a no brainer purchase. A few upgrades, like the pro steam wand and a few which aren't really necessary such as an IMS filter screen and an upgraded gasket when the original wears out, coupled with a quality portafilter basket takes you deep into the quality espresso pulling game. As long as you need what this machine, and others like it offer, which is a small capacity single boiler manual shot puller and steamer, it is practically perfect. If you need higher capacity for sequential shots or frothing, nuanced temperature, pressure or flow control then a significantly more expensive PID prosumer machine is what you need, but you already know that. I use a Synchronika at home for that purpose, but in my office at work, the Classic fits the bill perfectly.Now for the frustrating issue, the steam wand valve on these machines leak. On my original classic, it started leaking after three years of ownership. A quick discussion with WLL service dept. had a suspected diagnosis and part on its way post haste. The machine is easy to repair due it's simplicity and accessibility and in no time I was back puling luscious espresso again. No big deal. But the replacement valve only lasted about six months before it started leaking, worse than the original. I replaced that one, which lasted about the same time, which I attributed to the quality of replacement part not being up the original's level. When the third one failed, allowing a full stream of water from the steam wand while pulling a shot this time, WLL was out of stock of the part, and i was frankly tired of spending the money for what was turning out to be just a temporary fix. My solution was to order the newest Classic version, this Evo Pro model, instead of waiting for the part to come back in stock. Besides, I wanted to try the new 9 bar OPV since my old Classic was not modifiable like later generation Pros had been.I've owned this Evo Pro now for a month and it is still a great machine. I'm not able to taste any difference in my shots with the lower 9 bar OPV, but that's ok because they are still great and consistent extractionss. However, this brand new machine has a leaky steam wand already! It doesn't constantly drip, like my old Classic did, but it drips enough to make a wet spot on the counter while I'm pulling a shot so I try to keep a milk pitcher under it when pulling a shot. It seems to me this is either a design problem or quality assurance issue with Gaggia or their supplier. Valves shouldn't leak, or if they do it should take a reasonable amount of time under pressure until they do. I am careful to release the steam pressure after I froth, something I did not always do when my first one was new and is what I attributed its initial failure. Turns out that it may not have been the problem. I do use filtered water as well and have never detected scaling in the failed valves.The leaky steam valve aside, this is a terrific machine that is such a joy to use.IMG_5796.HEIC

Great machine. Delicious coffee.

Coming from a 20-year old DeLonghi 4-cup espresso machine, the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro has been a major and delicious improvement.Easy to operate. Produces a good amount of crema. Perfect size. Reasonable price.Milk frothing does take a little bit of practice but nothing that cannot be achieved with a little patience.Have read several comments about the annoyance of temperature surfing, but really, once you pre-heat the machine a few minutes before you pull the shot, it comes out excellent.Often, coffee is about the circumstances, I'm lucky enough to have enjoyed coffee in several places of the world, espresso, "con leche," Turkish, macchiato, "carajillo," Americano, cappuccino, "bombón" (with condensed milk - photographed), iced... point is, the Evo Pro is not ... MoreComing from a 20-year old DeLonghi 4-cup espresso machine, the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro has been a major and delicious improvement.Easy to operate. Produces a good amount of crema. Perfect size. Reasonable price.Milk frothing does take a little bit of practice but nothing that cannot be achieved with a little patience.Have read several comments about the annoyance of temperature surfing, but really, once you pre-heat the machine a few minutes before you pull the shot, it comes out excellent.Often, coffee is about the circumstances, I'm lucky enough to have enjoyed coffee in several places of the world, espresso, "con leche," Turkish, macchiato, "carajillo," Americano, cappuccino, "bombón" (with condensed milk - photographed), iced... point is, the Evo Pro is not going to substitute my afternoon coffee sitting at a terrace in Madrid, but it does allow me to reminisce, and that's a big plus.Kudos to the Whole Latte Love staff for their excellent customer service.

Great starter espresso machine, fantastic support

The Gaggia Classic Evo Pro is the best semi-automatic starter machine. This machine has been around forever, it is easily serviced, easy to modify, and there is tons of support here and on the web.You will need to be involved in making your espresso, otherwise get a fully automatic machine instead. Buy a good 58.5 mm tamper as it only comes with a cheap plastic thing that doesn't work. Get a good espresso grinder, this is the single most important purchase, figure ~$200 for a manual grinder and ~$500 for an electric one. The Knock Feld47, madebyknock.com, is a very good hand grinder for ~$200.Look online for tips on "Temperature surfing" to get the best brew temperature for the bean you have. To get the best steam pressure, turn on the brew button for a couple of ... MoreThe Gaggia Classic Evo Pro is the best semi-automatic starter machine. This machine has been around forever, it is easily serviced, easy to modify, and there is tons of support here and on the web.You will need to be involved in making your espresso, otherwise get a fully automatic machine instead. Buy a good 58.5 mm tamper as it only comes with a cheap plastic thing that doesn't work. Get a good espresso grinder, this is the single most important purchase, figure ~$200 for a manual grinder and ~$500 for an electric one. The Knock Feld47, madebyknock.com, is a very good hand grinder for ~$200.Look online for tips on "Temperature surfing" to get the best brew temperature for the bean you have. To get the best steam pressure, turn on the brew button for a couple of seconds. The brew light goes off a short while later. When the brew light comes back on, start a timer and turn on the steam button. Purge the steam wand at ~12 sec just to get the water out and close the steam knob at 15 sec. Start steaming your milk at ~30 sec, the steam will be powerful and dry, the boiler heater should stay on the entire time you're steaming. This will work for 1 cup of milk everytime. Again, if this level of involvement isn't what you want, look to an automatice espresso machine.Whole Latte Love provides excellent service, my first one had to be returned for warranty, they were fast, I got a new machine in a few days, no problems. They sent a UPS sticker, I dropped off the one to be serviced at the UPS store, within a day or two the new one was being shipped to me. This level of service is very impressive.

Not happy with the ergonomics and customer service could be better

Bought this machine after watching YouTube reviews. But as soon as I bought it, the "boilergate" issue has surfaced. Contacted customer support, but even after my pretty thorough explanation of what I do not like about this machine, got no response. Besides the "boilergate" issue, here are some other issues with this machine. The frothing wand is not conveniently placed (for me) and its fixed angle is not quite optimal. The water tank is another issue. I prefer to at least rinse my tank every time I make coffee, but the way I have to do it with Gaggia is clearly suboptimal. Finally, it takes some "dancing around" to get a good espresso (probably because the machine is not equipped with PID). The "temperature surfing" is cool, when you have nothing else to do. All in ... MoreBought this machine after watching YouTube reviews. But as soon as I bought it, the "boilergate" issue has surfaced. Contacted customer support, but even after my pretty thorough explanation of what I do not like about this machine, got no response. Besides the "boilergate" issue, here are some other issues with this machine. The frothing wand is not conveniently placed (for me) and its fixed angle is not quite optimal. The water tank is another issue. I prefer to at least rinse my tank every time I make coffee, but the way I have to do it with Gaggia is clearly suboptimal. Finally, it takes some "dancing around" to get a good espresso (probably because the machine is not equipped with PID). The "temperature surfing" is cool, when you have nothing else to do. All in all, the machine is for those, who would like to tinker with it (google "gagguino"), but if you have other things to do, then I would suggest to look elsewhere. And did I mention a non-responsive customer service, who probably stops caring about the customers as soon, as they pay?

Not worth the time and effort

My Gaggia Classic Evo Pro it’s totally disappointing. It is my third Gaggia and without question my last. It clogs endlessly. I decalcify regularly and I use a PWT magnesium filter to keep from getting scale build up, but nevertheless the solenoid clogs. I’ve had this one since July and I had to take out the solenoid again today. Sometimes I can just push water through the steam wand and that will clear it but for the third time I’ve had to break down the machine and take out the solenoid.Before the Before the Gaggia I had a Rancilio Silvia. I come from a family of Italian immigrants, I’ve been drinking espresso as long as I can remember. I bought my machines from Whole latte love since Whole latte love first came into existence, but this may be coming to an end. ... MoreMy Gaggia Classic Evo Pro it’s totally disappointing. It is my third Gaggia and without question my last. It clogs endlessly. I decalcify regularly and I use a PWT magnesium filter to keep from getting scale build up, but nevertheless the solenoid clogs. I’ve had this one since July and I had to take out the solenoid again today. Sometimes I can just push water through the steam wand and that will clear it but for the third time I’ve had to break down the machine and take out the solenoid.Before the Before the Gaggia I had a Rancilio Silvia. I come from a family of Italian immigrants, I’ve been drinking espresso as long as I can remember. I bought my machines from Whole latte love since Whole latte love first came into existence, but this may be coming to an end. Are used to be able to call and get directly to technical support that’s no longer the case.