Gaggia is one of the most trusted and popular Italian brands when it comes to espresso and cappuccino makers, both manual as well as super-automatic. The 14101 Classic Espresso Maker is an excellent machine that gives you the perfect cup of coffee within the comfort of your home.
The best part about it is that Gaggia manufacturers have incorporated and even improvised on some the best features that you get to see only of the high-end coffee makers.
Here is a complete review of the Gaggia 14101:
Design
This machine is a definite beauty that will enhance the aesthetics of any kitchen. It comes in a brushed stainless steel finish with a 14.5”x8”x9.5” body, weighing 19 pounds. The color choice is however limited to silver alone, though that won’t be an issue once given it looks as good as they get.
Water Tank Capacity
It features a removable water reservoir that makes refilling a bit easier and spill free as compared to the inbuilt ones. Since it has a capacity of 72-ounces, which is enough to last for around 10 cups, you will not find the need to refill the machine for every use.
Grouphead filters
The grouphead filters as well as the brewing groups are made up of heavy duty marine-grade chrome plated brass. This helps maintain perfect temperature stability throughout the process of coffee making, which is a major complain with most other coffee makers of this range.
The Gaggia 14101 also includes two stainless steel filter baskets offering the options of a single as well as a double shot so that you can experiment a little with your cup of Joe.
- Measuring scoop and tamper
It also includes a 7g measuring tool and a tamper to ensure that you are able to add the exact amount of coffee every single time and maintain a consistency in flavor. The tamper allows you to experiment with tastes by tamping loosely or firmly, as per your preference.
The aluminium boiler is designed in a way that it gets optimal heat on both sides from two exterior elements. This means that heat gets equally distributed, adding to the consistency and also that the highly conductive boiler heats up quickly for use.
The Classic Gaggia Espresso Maker is easy to you and doesn’t leave you keep guessing. It features three switches that allow you to manually keep charge of the whole process. It also has temperature indication lights and a steam switch. This means that you can easily find out where the brewing and extraction process has reached.
The 3 way solenoid valve instantly releases pressure from the group head giving you access to the portafilter for immediate refilling. Basically it means that with The Gaggia 14101, you will be able to make espresso at a quick rate as compared to anything else.
Price and Warranty
The Gaggia 14101 costs $300 on many online retailers. If you are not looking for some of the really low priced coffee makers and can afford a mid-priced one, this is the best option. A warranty of just 30 days is a major concern though.
Pros
- For the features it has to offer, the Gaggia 14101 is quiet a steal.
- It has a robust makeup that makes it a long lasting asset. The stainless steel body is also easy-to-clean.
- The Cup Warmer heats up to 5 cups simultaneously, without drawing on extra power. It gets heated passively, making use of the residual heat from the boiler.
Cons
- If you are a beginner, it might be a little complicated for you to get a hang of this. It is advisable that you go through the instruction manual carefully before using it for the first time.
- The machine lacks an inbuilt grinder and you might have to invest in it separately. Since the grinder costs another $300, this might be an issue for a few of us.
- The 30 day warranty is another major issue. However the Classic Gaggia Espresso Maker tends to work perfectly for a long time and doesn’t really call for a replacement.
- The aluminium boiler might get corroded with time.
Verdict
The Classic Gaggia Espresso Maker is definitely the best semi-automatic coffee maker available. The quality you are getting is a lot for the price at which it is being offered. Though the minor improvements don’t seem to mean much theoretically, customers who have upgraded to a Gaggia have actually felt that they result in a tastier drink!
If you are a budding barista, looking for a great coffee maker at some reasonable price, the Gaggia 14101 is a must grab!
