Gaggia is one of the leading brands in all kinds of espresso and cappuccino machines. Their products impress with many features, of which the most remarkable and the most important is good quality. The Gaggia 14101 Classic espresso machine is a notable example.
In this Gaggia 14101 Classic review, we’ll talk about what makes this espresso machine so good, what can be better, and whether it deserves the “classic” in its name.
Gaggia 14101 Classic Review: What makes it special
Excellent performance is one of the most remarkable strengths of this powerful machine. This strength has received thousands of compliments from users and is the key factor decides the high quality drink in the end.
Overall, the Gaggia 14101 can pump out shot after shot of consistent and bold espresso. It’s reliable, robust, and does its job very well. Consdering that it is a semi-automatic machine, it’s good value for money.
The advantage with semi-automatic machines is that you get the best of both worlds. You can customize your shot before pulling it, which includes adjusting the grind to varying degrees of fineness as well as adjusting the weight of the dose.
Then the espresso machine pulls the shot for you, which is great because it can exert even and equal pressure in every shot.
Easy operation
This espresso machine is easy to use. Even you are using it for the first time, you can still run it with almost no difficulties and get a drinkable, tasty result.
Once you know how to do grinding and tamping, you can take complete control over the machine with almost no effort. If you want, you can make use of ground coffee and ESE ( Easy Serving Espresso) pods while brewing, though that is not recommended.
In term of brewing time, this machine takes you a little more time (about 5 minutes) compared to other espresso makers to complete a brewing cycle.
This includes the time needed for the machine to warm up and pull the shot.
After brewing, you should clean the machine to make sure that it is always in best working condition. This can done quickly and easily as the 72-ounce water reservoir is removable.
There’s also a Panarello wand that you can use to froth and steam milk to make cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and other milky specialty coffees.
Durability
This is one more great feature that make use this machine more impressive to users. It has boiler parts placed outside the water reservoir, which helps to better protect the machine from the calcification and corrosion, resulting in a longer life.
With such durability, you will feel safer and more confortable to make their preferred espresso every day without worrying about affecting the machine’s quality.
Some experienced users share that this machine can work fine for years of use and the espresso is always good, regardless of how old the machine is.
The key is regular cleaning and descaling to extend the life of your machine.
Charming design
This espresso machine looks somehow boxy, really simple and classic, but charming. It is made of stainless steel material, along with black accents, so it can match up into almost any kitchen.
In addition to this, it is of quite a compact size, so it is space-saving and neat enough to be included in any kitchen.
How to make an espresso with the Gaggia 14101 Classic
Like most espresso machines in this class, the Gaggia Classic takes care of many of the technical issues faced in brewing:
- First of all, the water temperature should be adjusted to be under the boiling point, nearly 190 Fahrenheit is ideal.
- Secondly, the pressure on the coffee beans should ne up to 200 psi, whcih is about 15 bars.
- Finally, the proper time has to be taken for the water to flow through the coffee grounds. Normally, 25 seconds is ideal for pulling a shot
Since the machine handles these three things, what’s left for you to control is how much coffee you add and the consistency of the grind.
Among these 4 factors, the final one is up to your own skill as a barista and the first three are the work of the machine. However, all of them play the same important role in making a good espresso.
If you miss any of them, you will be likely to get inferior espresso.
The Gaggia Classic espresso machine is not available with a built-in grinder and tamper. You do get a tamper in the box, which you’ll use to manually tamp down the grounds.
To grind your coffee beans, you’ll need to get a grinder of your own. They’re available in every budget, and they’re an absolute necessity in a coffee brewing kit.
Furthermore, quality of the coffee beans is another secret of a nice tasting espresso. So to make sure that you are adding good coffee grounds, you should test for the fineness of your coffee.
Once you’ve tamped the grounds and attached the portafilter, it’s just a matter of flicking a switch on the body of the machine to pull a shot. You can pull a single shot, double shot, or also set the machine to steam for frothing milk.
Pros
- It is easy to operate and control
- The design is simple, compact but attractive
- The life is long lasting
- Works with either ground coffee or ESE pods
- You can pull double shots
- Cup warmer on top of the machine
Cons
- Some users wish that the Gaggia would introduce a clearer and more calibrated water tank so that they can follow the water levels.
- Takes a long time to heat up
- Power plug is awkwardly positioned, so you can’t make it sit flush with a wall
Specifications and features
- Model: Pump
- Pump Pressure: 17.5 bar pump
- Input Power: 1370 Watts
- Construction: Brushed stainless steel
- Water Tank Volume: Detachable, 72 oz, which is able to offer up to 9 cups in each brewing
- Boiler: high-power, Double Exterior 3.5 oz boiler
- Measures: 14.5 x 8 in x 9.5 in
- Weight: 19 pounds
- Pod Capable: work with pods or ground coffee
- Warranty: 1 year
Here’s what you get in the box
- The brass porta-filters, along with grouphead to make sure that the water is always in stable temperature.
- A hot-water container
- A cup warmer
- A stainless steel filter basket, usable for not only single but also double shot espressos
- A measuring scoop
Final words
In conclusion, Gaggia 14101 classic espresso machine is a should-have-espresso machine in your house. It provides you with a wide range of great things that you can hardly find in other product.
It is high quality. It is designed with high quality materials for longevity and durability. Also, it offers amazing performance and can last you for years if you take care of it.
Last update on 2024-04-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
