Gaggia Classic Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: What Are The Differences?

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Gaggia Classic vs Gaggia Classic Pro, the Gaggia Classic has seen few changes over the years since 1991, except for some less-than-popular updates in 2015. With the introduction of the Gaggia Classic Pro, this old dog has returned, improved and better than ever.

Compared to the Gaggia Classic, the Gaggia Classic Pro offers a pro-level steam wand and more color options, while also reviving beloved features such as the 3-way solenoid valve, stainless steel body, and aluminum boiler. So if you plan to steam milk often, the Pro version is worth adding to your arsenal.

Gaggia Classic Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Specs & Features Comparison Chart

Image
THE WINNER (#1)
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
PrimaDonna Class
Model
Gaggia Classic Pro
Gaggia Classic
Dimensions/Weight
14.2 x 9.5 x 8 inches/18.7 lbs
14.2 x 9.5 x 8 inches/18.7 lbs
Interface
Button-Operated Interface
Button-Operated Interface
One Touch Drink Options
2
2
Built-in Grinder
Grinding Settings
Heating System
Single Aluminum Boiler
Single Aluminum Boiler
Pump Pressure
15 Bars
15 Bars
Pre-Infusion
Milk Frothing System
Manual Steam Wand
Panarello Steam Wand
Spigot Type/Cup Clearance
Dual/3.3 inches
Dual/3.3 inches
Water Reservoir/Bean Hopper
2.1 L/None
2.1 L/None
Filter
Compatible With Pre-ground Coffee
App Connectivity
User Profile
What I Like
Price
$449.00
N/A
More Info
Not Available
THE WINNER (#1)
Image
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel
Model
Gaggia Classic Pro
Dimensions/Weight
14.2 x 9.5 x 8 inches/18.7 lbs
Interface
Button-Operated Interface
One Touch Drink Options
2
Built-in Grinder
Grinding Settings
Heating System
Single Aluminum Boiler
Pump Pressure
15 Bars
Pre-Infusion
Milk Frothing System
Manual Steam Wand
Spigot Type/Cup Clearance
Dual/3.3 inches
Water Reservoir/Bean Hopper
2.1 L/None
Filter
Compatible With Pre-ground Coffee
App Connectivity
User Profile
What I Like
Price
$449.00
More Info
THE RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
PrimaDonna Class
Model
Gaggia Classic
Dimensions/Weight
14.2 x 9.5 x 8 inches/18.7 lbs
Interface
Button-Operated Interface
One Touch Drink Options
2
Built-in Grinder
Grinding Settings
Heating System
Single Aluminum Boiler
Pump Pressure
15 Bars
Pre-Infusion
Milk Frothing System
Panarello Steam Wand
Spigot Type/Cup Clearance
Dual/3.3 inches
Water Reservoir/Bean Hopper
2.1 L/None
Filter
Compatible With Pre-ground Coffee
App Connectivity
User Profile
What I Like
Price
N/A
More Info
Not Available

Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Gaggia Classic Vs Gaggia Classic Pro: Differences

Without further ado, here is my detailed comparison between these two models

Coffee Flavor & Brewing System

Winner: Tie

Built-in Grinder 

Of course, the new Pro version still doesn’t have a grinder, and the old version, of course, doesn’t have one. So if you’re thinking about getting one of these espresso machines, consider the additional investment required for a good grinder and a scale for precise dosing.

the gaggia classic pro and breville smart grinder pro
The Gaggia Classic Pro and Breville Smart Grinder Pro

Dosing & Tamping

Both come with a lot of accessories, which is not unusual with semi-automatic machines. Inside the box, you’ll find the drip tray cover (crafted from perforated steel and safeguarded with a protective film), a 58-mm portafilter, a coffee scoop, a plastic tamper, and both pressurized and non-pressurized filter baskets.

the classic pro uses a larger 58mm portafilter
The Classic Pro uses a larger 58mm portafilter

I have two big complaints here. The first one is the absence of a milk jug. Sure, it’s not a bank-breaker to grab one on your own, and it’s readily available elsewhere, but isn’t it just a bummer when you have to make a separate purchase right after you thought you had everything you needed?

Also, despite numerous upgrades, both big and small, the Pro version continues to sport a plastic tamper. Oh dear! You will need to separately purchase a steel tamper to upgrade the tamping game.

Heating System

Both have only one aluminum boiler with a durable stainless steel housing. So if you’re expecting a dual-boiler system for brewing and steaming at once, the single boiler in these machines might feel like a disappointment. 

Still, it’s not all gloom and doom. 

Sure, there might be moments when you’ll need to pause and let the boiler catch up, but we’re not talking about a 15- or 30-minute wait like with some other machines out there. In fact, you can go from nothing to having a good coffee drink in your hands within 5 mins.

Both also have no PID controls, so you will need to learn about temperature surf, or you can also dive into a DIY PID mod if you feel a little more adventurous. Anyway, I’m crossing my fingers for the next iteration of the Classic to come equipped with a built-in PID.

Brewing System

In addition to temperature surfing, you need to do a bit of a trick on your own to manually pre-infuse the puck. All you need to do is open the steam wand knob a tad and hit the brew button for a few seconds. Then turn the steam wand off to kickstart full extraction handled by their robust 15-bar pumps, and voila!

Design & Convenience

Winner: Tie

Dimensions & User Interface

Gaggia ClassicGaggia Classic Pro
Dimensions14.2 x 9.5 x 8 inches14.2 x 9.5 x 8 inches
Weight18.7 lbs18.7 lbs

From the original Classic to the latest Pro model, the construction and body of the machine have been entirely metal. Unlike some budget or entry-level espresso machines that might give off a flimsy vibe with their creaky, superficial metal exteriors, thinly plastic frames, these machines exude quality and durability.

Both also have a simple three-button control panel: one for powering the machine on or off, one for brewing, and one for steaming. You really don’t require a fancy touchscreen or any more complex controls for such function-poor machines.

the classic pro’s control panel
The Classic Pro’s control panel

Spout Type & Cup Clearance

Gaggia ClassicGaggia Classic Pro
Spout TypeDualDual
Cup Clearance3.3 inches3.3 inches

The cup clearance between the spouted portafilters and drip trays on these machines is disappointingly low, almost as if Gaggia designed them with only espresso cups in mind. 

For those of us who prefer our brews in larger cups, this design choice can be a real source of frustration. And if you’re someone who likes to use a scale to ensure the perfect brew ratio, you might find yourself having to remove the drip tray entirely just to make room.

Water Reservoir & Bean Hopper

Gaggia ClassicGaggia Classic Pro
Water Reservoir2.1 liters2.1 liters
Bean HopperNoneNone

Their removable water reservoirs are quite large and sit behind the drip trays. Sliding these reservoirs in and out might be a bit tricky, but you can easily top them up directly from the top. The Pro version features side cutouts that offer a clearer view of the water level. An LED inside would surely be better.

Milk Frothing System

Winner: Gaggia Classic Pro

The biggest improvement of the Pro version is its commercial steam wand over the Panarello automatic wand on the older one. The wand features a 2-hole tip and a rubberized grip at its main bend for easy handling.

the pro version boasts a pro steam wand
The Pro version boasts a pro steam wand

The Classic Pro’s wand lacks a ball joint, limiting it to 360-degree rotation on a single plane. No problem. It can help you whip up velvety, paint-like microfoam in around 30 seconds. Positioned on the machine’s right side, the steam knob valve offers you a degree of control over the steam’s velocity.

The Panarello wand on the older Classic is more forgiving for beginners, but its capability for texturing milk leaves much to be desired. It can’t achieve the perfect microfoam needed for intricate latte art. I guess you have to take the bad with the good.

Drink Options & Programmability

Winner: Tie

Drink Options

Gaggia ClassicGaggia Classic Pro
Espresso
Hot Water
Espresso
Hot Water

The good news is that both deliver hot water for an Americano or tea beverage. The water is approximately 100°C, so just be cautious of any potential splashes to avoid the unpleasant surprise of burning yourself.

Programmability

Adjustable SettingsGaggia ClassicGaggia Classic Pro
Coffee StrengthNoNo
Coffee TemperatureNoNo
Milk Foam TemperatureNoNo
Milk Foam TextureNoNo

Both only allow you to manually control the shot volume and the steam power (by turning the dial on the right). The ability to fine-tune the brew temperature, which I’ve personally longed for, is absent here.

Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Classic Pro

Sale
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel
2,068 Reviews
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro, Small, Brushed Stainless Steel
  • 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 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros
  • Solid stainless steel construction
  • Easy to use and clean.
  • Compact footprint.
  • Both single- and double-wall baskets are included.
  • Hot water function.
Cons
  • No PID control.
  • One boiler.

Quick Rundown Of Gaggia Classic

Pros
  • Compact footprint.
  • Beginner-friendly Panarello wand.
  • Well built.
  • Cheap.
  • 58-mm commercial-grade portafilter.
Cons
  • The tamper is cheap and flimsy.
  • No PID.

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5/5 - (2 votes)