The Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro espresso machine is a popular semi-automatic espresso maker, often favored by both beginners and seasoned espresso enthusiasts for its blend of high-quality craftsmanship, simplicity, and consistency. As someone who enjoys brewing coffee at home, I spent considerable time with the Gaggia Classic Pro to fully experience what this machine has to offer.
This review will cover various aspects of the Gaggia Classic Pro, including its design, features, usability, performance, and value for money. I will also highlight any potential drawbacks, offering a comprehensive look at whether this espresso machine is worth your investment.
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Table of Contents
Pros:
- Commercial-Grade Portafilter:
- The 58mm chrome-plated brass portafilter is similar to what you’d find in professional machines, providing excellent temperature stability and flavor extraction.
- Solid Build Quality:
- The brushed stainless steel body ensures durability, and the overall construction feels robust and long-lasting.
- 3-Way Solenoid Valve:
- This valve helps dry the coffee puck after extraction, making cleanup easier and reducing mess.
- Professional Steam Wand:
- The manual steam wand allows for great control and can produce high-quality microfoam suitable for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Consistent Espresso Quality:
- With proper technique, the machine pulls rich, full-bodied espresso shots with thick crema.
- Relatively Compact Size:
- Fits easily on most kitchen counters without taking up too much space, despite its robust construction.
- Simplicity and Control:
- Straightforward manual operation, ideal for coffee enthusiasts who want to dial in their shots and control each step of the process.
- Large Water Reservoir:
- The 2.1-liter water tank means less frequent refills, which is convenient for home use.
- Affordable for its Features:
- Offers commercial-grade components at a mid-range price, making it a great value for home baristas looking for a semi-automatic machine.
- Retro Aesthetic:
- Its classic design is appealing for those who appreciate an industrial look in their kitchen.
Cons:
- Single Boiler System:
- The single boiler requires time to switch between brewing and steaming, which can slow down the process, especially when making multiple milk-based drinks.
- Learning Curve for Beginners:
- Manual operation means there’s a learning curve, especially with milk frothing, which may frustrate beginners who want an easier experience.
- No PID Temperature Control:
- Lacks a PID controller for precise temperature management, which is found in more expensive machines and could improve shot consistency.
- Plastic Components:
- Some parts, like the drip tray and water reservoir, are made of plastic and feel less premium compared to the overall stainless-steel construction.
- Basic Controls:
- Simple rocker switches offer minimal programmability—no automatic shot timings or pre-set options for espresso, which could be a drawback for users seeking more convenience.
- Not Suitable for Large Cups:
- The maximum cup height is only about 3 inches, which can be restrictive for larger mugs.
- Requires a Separate Grinder:
- The machine doesn’t include a built-in grinder, so investing in a high-quality burr grinder is essential for optimal espresso results.
- Vibration and Noise:
- Can be somewhat noisy during operation, and the machine vibrates slightly, which may cause smaller cups to shift during brewing.
- Descaling Required:
- Regular descaling is necessary, particularly if you live in an area with hard water, adding to the maintenance burden.
Design and Build Quality
One of the standout features of the Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro is its robust and timeless design. Gaggia, an Italian brand with a legacy dating back to 1938, has long been associated with traditional espresso machines, and the Classic Pro carries that heritage forward.
Aesthetics
The Gaggia Classic Pro is designed with a retro, industrial look that makes it feel like a professional machine you might find in a café. The stainless-steel body exudes durability and quality, providing a sleek yet practical design. It’s not overly flashy, which I appreciate—this machine feels more like a workhorse than a kitchen decoration. The minimalist design with simple rocker switches for power, brewing, and steaming adds to its utilitarian aesthetic.
It’s worth mentioning that the Gaggia Classic Pro is available in multiple colors, including brushed stainless steel, black, red, and blue. While I opted for the brushed stainless steel version, I found the color options appealing for those who want to match their machine to their kitchen decor.
Build Quality
The construction is solid. The stainless-steel housing is built to last, and you can feel the weight and sturdiness of the machine immediately. The internal components, including a commercial-grade 58mm portafilter and a professional-style steam wand, reinforce the feeling that this machine is built for performance, not just looks.
While I found the build to be generally excellent, it’s worth mentioning that the plastic components, such as the drip tray and water reservoir, feel a little less premium compared to the rest of the machine. However, they are functional and durable, and this does not detract significantly from the overall experience.
Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro Features and Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Number | RI9380/46 |
| Machine Type | Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine |
| Body Material | Brushed Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 9.5 x 14.2 x 8 inches (24 x 36 x 20 cm) |
| Weight | 20 lbs (9 kg) |
| Portafilter Size | 58mm Commercial-Grade Chrome-Plated Brass |
| Boiler Type | Single Boiler with Stainless Steel Lining |
| Boiler Capacity | 3.5 oz (103 ml) |
| Heating Time | 30-60 seconds (for brewing) |
| Pump Pressure | 15 bars |
| Water Reservoir Capacity | 2.1 liters (71 oz) |
| Water Reservoir Type | Removable |
| Steam Wand Type | Professional-Grade Stainless Steel Wand |
| Steam Wand Movement | 180° Rotation |
| Power Consumption | 1425 watts |
| Voltage | 110-120V (US) / 220-240V (EU) |
| Control Interface | Manual Rocker Switches |
| Solenoid Valve | 3-Way Solenoid Valve |
| Filter Basket Options | Single, Double, Pressurized and Non-Pressurized |
| Drip Tray | Removable Plastic |
| Cup Warmer | Passive, Stainless Steel Top |
| Max Cup Height | 3 inches (7.6 cm) |
| Included Accessories | Tamper, Measuring Scoop, Single and Double Shot Filter Baskets |
| Color Options | Brushed Stainless Steel, Black, Red, Blue |
| Warranty | 1 Year Limited |
| Made In | Italy |
The Gaggia Classic Pro comes with a range of features aimed at providing a great espresso experience. It may not be packed with high-tech features like some modern machines, but its simplicity is one of its strengths.
Commercial-Grade Components
One of the major selling points of the Classic Pro is its commercial-grade components, which are rare to find in machines at this price point. The 58mm chrome-plated brass portafilter is a professional-style component that enhances temperature stability, which is crucial for pulling a good espresso shot. This portafilter is larger and heavier than the ones found on most consumer machines, helping to extract more flavor from the coffee grounds.
Three-Way Solenoid Valve
The Gaggia Classic Pro is equipped with a three-way solenoid valve, which is typically only found in more expensive machines. This valve relieves pressure off the coffee grounds after extraction, preventing a wet, soupy puck and allowing for easier cleanup. For a home barista, this is a very welcome feature as it streamlines the brewing process and reduces mess.
Professional Steam Wand
The professional-style steam wand is a notable upgrade from the previous versions of the Gaggia Classic. This wand is capable of producing the microfoam needed for lattes and cappuccinos. It’s not the easiest to master if you’re new to steaming milk, but with practice, it offers a lot of control and can produce café-quality milk froth. I found that the wand performed very well once I got the hang of it, allowing me to experiment with different textures and techniques.
Boiler and Heating System
The Gaggia Classic Pro features a single aluminum boiler with stainless steel lining, which heats up relatively quickly—around 30 seconds to a minute for brewing. However, because it’s a single boiler machine, there is a bit of a wait time when switching between brewing and steaming, as the machine needs to heat up or cool down to the appropriate temperature.
While the single boiler may seem like a limitation, it’s typical of machines in this price range. The heat-up time is relatively short, and with a little patience, it doesn’t significantly impact the experience. If you’re in a hurry to make multiple milk-based drinks, though, this could be an area of slight frustration.
Water Reservoir
The water reservoir holds around 2.1 liters, which is fairly generous for a home espresso machine. It’s located at the back of the machine and can be removed for refilling or cleaning. I found it easy to access, and the large capacity means you don’t have to refill it too often, which is a big plus.
Usability and Setup
One of the Gaggia Classic Pro’s greatest strengths is its simplicity. It doesn’t come with a steep learning curve, and setting it up is straightforward, even for those who are new to espresso machines. I appreciated that Gaggia includes everything you need to get started, including a measuring spoon, tamper (though it’s not the best quality), and single and double shot filter baskets.
Getting Started
Out of the box, the machine is ready to go in about 10-15 minutes, which includes cleaning the components, filling the water tank, and allowing the machine to heat up. The controls are very basic: three rocker switches for power, brewing, and steaming. There’s no digital display or programmable settings, which might be a downside for some users who prefer more automation. However, I found this lack of complexity refreshing, as it allowed me to focus on dialing in my shots without unnecessary distractions.
Brewing Espresso
Once set up, pulling a shot of espresso with the Gaggia Classic Pro is a fairly intuitive process. The portafilter locks into place securely, and the brew head is sturdy and well-constructed. One thing to note is that Gaggia recommends using pre-ground coffee or a separate grinder, as the machine does not come with a built-in grinder. In my case, I used a high-quality burr grinder to ensure a consistent grind size, which is critical for good espresso extraction.
The machine’s pressure is preset at 15 bars, which is slightly higher than the standard 9 bars typically used for brewing espresso. However, this did not negatively impact my results. In fact, I found that with the right grind size and tamping pressure, the shots were consistently rich, full-bodied, and flavorful. The crema produced was thick and satisfying, a hallmark of a well-pulled espresso shot.
Milk Frothing
Steaming milk with the Gaggia Classic Pro requires a bit of practice, especially if you’re used to automatic frothers. The professional-grade steam wand is manually operated, which gives you control over the texture of the milk but also means there’s a learning curve. Initially, I struggled to achieve the perfect microfoam for lattes, but after a few attempts, I was able to produce froth that was silky and smooth, ideal for latte art.
One drawback is the single boiler system. After pulling a shot of espresso, you need to wait for the machine to heat up to steaming temperature. This delay isn’t huge—about 30 to 45 seconds—but it’s something to be aware of if you’re making multiple milk-based drinks in succession.
Cleanup and Maintenance
Cleaning the Gaggia Classic Pro is relatively easy. The drip tray is removable and holds a good amount of water before needing to be emptied. The three-way solenoid valve ensures that the portafilter and brew head stay clean after each shot, making it easier to knock out the used coffee puck.
The steam wand also requires regular cleaning, especially if you’re steaming milk frequently. I found that wiping it down immediately after use prevents milk from drying and clogging the wand.
One of the more maintenance-heavy aspects of the machine is descaling. Depending on your water hardness, you’ll need to descale the machine regularly to prevent limescale buildup. Gaggia recommends doing this every two to three months if you’re using hard water, but using filtered water can reduce the need for frequent descaling.
Performance and Coffee Quality
The most important factor in evaluating any espresso machine is the quality of the coffee it produces. After using the Gaggia Classic Pro for several weeks and experimenting with various beans and grind sizes, I’m confident in saying that this machine is capable of making excellent espresso.
Espresso Quality
The Gaggia Classic Pro consistently pulled espresso shots that were rich in flavor and balanced in acidity and bitterness. The crema was thick and velvety, a sign of good extraction, and the shots had a strong, full-bodied flavor. While the machine is not as forgiving as fully automatic models, it rewards careful attention to detail, such as proper grinding, dosing, and tamping.
I found that the 58mm portafilter, paired with a high-quality grinder, allowed for excellent flavor extraction. The shots were consistently better than what I’ve experienced from less expensive machines, and in some cases, they rivaled the espresso I’ve had from local cafés.
Steamed Milk Quality
Once you get the hang of the steam wand, the Gaggia Classic Pro excels in milk-based drinks as well. The microfoam is ideal for creating lattes and cappuccinos with a smooth, creamy texture
. If you’re into latte art, this machine provides enough control to create intricate designs with practice.
Temperature Stability
Temperature stability is crucial for consistent espresso, and the Gaggia Classic Pro performed well in this area. The aluminum boiler with stainless steel lining heats up quickly, and the machine maintains a stable temperature throughout the brewing process. While the machine does not have a PID (a digital temperature controller found in higher-end machines), I found the temperature consistency to be more than adequate for home use.
Price and Value for Money
The Gaggia Classic Pro is priced in the mid-range for home espresso machines, typically around $450 to $500. Given the quality of its construction, the commercial-grade components, and the consistency of the coffee it produces, I believe this machine offers excellent value for money.
Compared to entry-level machines, which often lack durability or produce subpar espresso, the Gaggia Classic Pro stands out as a long-term investment for serious coffee enthusiasts. While there are more expensive machines on the market that offer advanced features like dual boilers or PID controllers, the Classic Pro strikes a great balance between affordability and performance.
Potential Drawbacks
No machine is perfect, and the Gaggia Classic Pro is no exception. Here are a few areas where I think the machine could be improved:
- Single Boiler Limitation: As mentioned earlier, the single boiler system requires waiting between brewing and steaming, which can slow down the process if you’re making multiple drinks in a row.
- Lack of Programmable Features: For users who prefer the convenience of automated machines, the Gaggia Classic Pro’s manual operation may feel cumbersome. There’s no ability to program shot timings or temperatures, which can be a downside for some.
- Plastic Components: While the overall build quality is excellent, some of the plastic components, like the drip tray and water reservoir, feel less durable compared to the stainless steel body.
Who Should Buy the Gaggia Classic Pro?
The Gaggia Classic Pro is best suited for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy the process of making espresso manually. If you’re looking for an entry point into the world of espresso and don’t mind a bit of a learning curve, this machine is a great choice. It offers the durability and performance of more expensive machines without the high price tag, making it ideal for home baristas who want to improve their skills over time.
However, if you prefer the convenience of an automatic machine or frequently make milk-based drinks, you might find the single boiler and manual steam wand to be limiting.
Conclusion
Overall, the Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro espresso machine is a fantastic option for home baristas looking for a semi-automatic machine that balances quality, durability, and affordability. Its commercial-grade components, consistent performance, and simple operation make it a standout in its price range.
While it does have some limitations, such as the single boiler system and lack of programmable features, these are minor inconveniences considering the quality of espresso the machine can produce. If you’re serious about your coffee and enjoy the hands-on experience of making espresso, the Gaggia Classic Pro is well worth the investment.
Comparison with Alternatives
1. Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro vs. Rancilio Silvia
The Gaggia Classic Pro and Rancilio Silvia are two of the most popular semi-automatic espresso machines in the sub-$1000 range, both offering solid build quality and great espresso.
The Gaggia Classic Pro is more beginner-friendly, featuring a three-way solenoid valve for drier pucks and easier cleanup. Its 58mm commercial-grade portafilter and stainless-steel steam wand offer excellent espresso and milk frothing performance at a lower price point (around $450). However, its single boiler means you’ll wait between brewing and steaming, which might slow down drink preparation.
On the other hand, the Rancilio Silvia is pricier (around $775), but boasts a larger 12oz brass boiler, which provides more stable temperatures and better steaming power. The build quality is robust, with an all-metal body and superior heating element, but it lacks a three-way solenoid valve, making cleanup messier. The Silvia is better for enthusiasts who prioritize durability and temperature stability, while the Gaggia is ideal for those who want a more affordable, easier-to-use machine.
2. Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro vs. Breville Barista Express
The Breville Barista Express ($700) comes equipped with a built-in grinder, making it a more convenient all-in-one solution compared to the Gaggia Classic Pro. While the Gaggia is a more focused espresso machine with a professional-grade 58mm portafilter and steam wand, the Breville offers a wider range of features, including a pressure gauge, programmable shot sizes, and a built-in conical burr grinder.
However, the Gaggia Classic Pro outshines in durability, with its stainless-steel body and longer lifespan. It’s the better choice for purists who want to control every aspect of the brewing process, while the Breville Barista Express suits users looking for convenience and integrated features without needing a separate grinder.
3. Gaggia RI9380/46 Classic Evo Pro vs. De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe
The De’Longhi Dedica Deluxe ($350) is a more compact and budget-friendly alternative to the Gaggia Classic Pro, making it appealing for those with limited space or a tighter budget. The Dedica features a thermoblock heating system, which heats up quickly but lacks the temperature stability of the Gaggia’s single boiler.
While the Dedica is easier to use and more compact, it compromises on build quality with plastic components and a smaller portafilter (51mm). The Gaggia Classic Pro, with its commercial-grade components, delivers superior espresso quality and durability, making it the better choice for espresso aficionados willing to invest in a long-lasting, high-performance machine. The Dedica is more suited for casual drinkers who want convenience and space-saving features.