Gaggia Classic RI8161 Filter Coffee Machine

The Gaggia Classic is a powerful 1300 watt filter coffee machine with 15 bars of water pump pressure, removable water tank and stainless steel body
Comes with coffee filters for 1 and 2 cups of ground coffee, and a special filter for ESE (easy serve espresso) pods
Professional chromed brass filter holder and ring (as used in Gaggia’s commercial machines)–provides a consistent temperature throughout the coffee making and dispensing process
Steamer rotates for easy access to froth milk in seconds, plus delivers hot water for tea and other hot drinks
Solenoid valve delivers a widespread shower through the coffee, eliminating ‘hot spots’ which can burn the coffee; precise pressurisation ensures no drips and leaves drier coffee grounds after brewing

THE GOOD

THE BAD (Hardly!)

As you would expect from a as near a professional filter coffee machine as you can get, you will need to put some time and effort into making the perfect americano or espresso. The following section will help you get the most out of this machine.

MAKING THE PERFECT COFFEE

Filtered water works well to avoid scaling and affecting the taste – also avoids having to take the reservoir out so often;
Properly ground coffee is a must. Please, please , please choose the best beans you can if you are grinding your own coffee or the best pre-ground coffee if not;
Invest in a better tamper – the provided plastic one just does not allow you to compress the pellet enough; Whittards do a nice stainless steel one for about a fiver that also polishes well;
Get some shot glasses for when you want to make cappucinos or lattes as the is not enough space under the head for big cups;
Allow it and your cups/shot glasses to warm up as well; seem to get better coffee after about 6-10 mins rather than when the ready-light first come on.

Other points to note

it looks good and stays clean
it feels sturdy and well made, particular the heavy filter holder that locks satisfyingly into its holder each time
Make sure you push the plastic steam attachment all the way on to the steel pipe and it seems to work better.

Verdict 5/5

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Filter Coffee Machine