The debate of Gaggia Classic vs Gaggia Classic Pro has been giving me tons of trouble since these models are so alike. But, after considering the espresso extraction, the additional features, and the prices, I believe Gaggia Classic Pro is the better one.
The winner Gaggia Classic Pro is a silent machine that has consistently offered me nutty and smooth espressos with velvety crema. It boasts of a giant 71oz water tank, making this device perfect for big families and offices. Classic Pro is equipped with a decent steam wand as well. Weighing the value and price of this model, I think it’s 100% worth buying.
As for Gaggia Classic, this model comes with the same water reservoir size as the Pro line above. The quality of espresso and milk foam is similar to what Pro can offer. But, there are fewer options for the body color, and Classic is much more expensive. Thus, I don’t think it is as good a deal as Classic Pro.
Gaggia Classic vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Comparison Chart
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gaggia Classic vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Differences
Gaggia Classic Pro wins 3-2 against Gaggia Classic thanks to its more variable color options and much more affordable price. The quality of espresso and milk texture is excellent for the price range, so there isn’t anything to complain about. I will give you further details below.
Coffee Flavor: Gaggia Classic Pro
+Dosing + tamping
Gaggia Classic Pro and Gaggia Classic are semi-automatic machines, which explains why many steps during the brewing process require users’ intervention. With this pair, we need an external grinder to grind beans first, then we dose the amount that we need with a spoon or scoop until the portafilter is almost full, and then we tamp.
The steps are exactly the same with these beauties. However, I still notice specific differences between the espressos of Gaggia Classic Pro and Gaggia Classic.
Gaggia Classic tends to dose longer, and the espresso comes out darker, more bitter, and more robust. The “bitter” isn’t the wrong type, but I’m sure the notes of flavor of the Classic line will suit users with a stronger taste.
As for Classic Pro, the machine doses quicker, the espresso comes out in a slightly brighter color, and the flavor isn’t as bitter. I will describe the taste as balanced, nutty, and smooth.
+Heating system
Despite having the same single boiler heating system, Gaggia Classic Pro and Gaggia Classic have different performances in this aspect. I’m not referring to the temperature of the drinks because both devices can deliver hot cups. But, the heat-up time is very distinctive.
With Classic Pro, it takes me over 1 minute to wait for the device to heat up enough for extraction. But with the Classic line, I have to wait for 3 minutes for the heating system to finish the self-priming process.
Milk System: Tie
After testing the steam wands, I’m left with a neutral attitude. Please keep in mind that I’m an ex-barista, and I own tons of espresso machines for review. Gaggia Classic Pro and Gaggia Classic’s Panarello wands can froth milk to a particularly creamy texture, just enough for a satisfying cup of flat white or latte. But, they aren’t potent enough for dry foam, which cappuccinos need.
Nevertheless, judging from the price tags, it’s explainable that Classic Pro has limitations in its milk system since the machine is very very cheap. On the contrary, with the price tag on Gaggia Classic, I think it should have had a better steam wand and a better boiler quality.
Utilities: Tie
Gaggia Classic Pro and Gaggia Classic are truly straightforward machines. They don’t have any additional features that I find revolutionary. The thing that I find most convenient is the transparent water tanks at the front that allows me to check the water level with ease.
Also, there is a small cup warming tray on top of each machine. It receives heat passively from the boiler, which locates right above the group head. The trays help warm the cups before, during, and after the extraction. I use them frequently when I want my coffee to last longer.
Cleaning & Maintain: Tie
Machines like Gaggia Classic Pro and Gaggia Classic require users to clean manually more, even though there are tricks that we can use to clean the brew path. For example, we can manually purge the steam wand and the dispenser daily for quick cleaning. This will help flush the milk and brew path from storing leftover coffee ground or milk, which can travel upward during the brewing process.
As for descaling, it shouldn’t be too complicated either. We need to mix water with a descaling solution and fill the water tank with the mixture. Then run the water dispensing/ brewing process until the machines use up all the water tanks.
As for the brew group, cleaning it twice per month is more than enough to keep things running smoothly.
Design & Material: Gaggia Classic Pro
Yes, the pair indeed has the exact same design and stainless steel body, so technically, there isn’t any difference in this aspect. But, Gaggia Classic Pro comes in many different colors, and I think the variety of colors will offer more control over the aesthetic part of your kitchen.
If you are looking for a specific color that doesn’t clash with the paint color of your kitchen or countertop, at least Classic Pro can offer more choices. This product line comes in silver, red, black, deep blue, and white. The classic line comes in silver only.
Gaggia Classic vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Similarities
Do you know that Gaggia Classic Pro and Gaggia Classic are hushed machines, which makes them ideal for shared apartments or families with small babies? The pair will work well in any environment with a keep quiet policy. And here are 2 similarities that I find highly convenient.
Secure mounting/ Quiet operation
Thanks to the secure and improved mounting that Gaggia Classic Pro and Gaggia Classic can keep the brewing sound to a minimum. They hardly vibrate during the entire brewing process, and so far, I’m satisfied with both the espresso quality and the noise level that the pair produces.
No integrated grinder
Gaggia Classic Pro and Gaggia Classic don’t come with integrated grinders, so you should own one before these machines arrive at your doorsteps. It’s normal for affordable espresso machines not to have an internal grinder since the brand will focus entirely on the quality of making espresso. If you want a model with every tool that brews from beans to cup, a bigger budget should inevitably be in sight.
Quick Rundown of Gaggia Classic Pro
- Solid Steel Housing, Made in Italy
- 9 Bar Espresso Extractions
- Stainless Steel 58mm Commercial Portafilter
- Commercial Three Way Solenoid Valve
- Commercial Steam Wand
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Quick Rundown of Gaggia Classic
Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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References:
- Gaggia Classic Pro: https://www.gaggia-na.com/products/gaggia-classic-pro
- Gaggia Classic: https://www.gaggia.com/manual-machines/new-classic/
I am a passionate coffee drinker. Since I left my job as a barista a few years back in 2012, I’ve been sharing my expertise on coffee and buying the best coffee equipment online. That’s how Wild Boar Coffee came to life.
I write about everything coffee-related under the sun. Where to buy the freshest coffee beans from? How to test coffee beans based on texture, aroma, and acidity?
I know all this from scratch – all thanks to my years and years of experience as a barista. So I’ve gotten real up-close-and-personal with coffee beans and different brewing techniques.