The Gaggia Classic espresso machine isn’t flashy, but it’s less than $500 and a total workhorse

The

Gaggia Classic

is a semi-automatic espresso machine that takes a little barista knowledge to get going, but once you do, it’s a workhorse. I picked mine up years ago after a recommendation from a local coffee shop owner, and it’s been the center of my

afternoon espresso ritual

ever since.

Right now, the best price on the machine is

$454.27 at Amazon

for the stainless steel version, but the

matte black is only a few bucks more ($499.99)

. There are definitely cheaper espresso machines out there, but

less than $500

is a solid deal for a machine that can be self-serviced, upgraded for cheap, and is great at pulling café-quality espresso shots. It’s also $500 less than its closest competitor, the

Rancilio Silvia ($995)

. If you’re curious about home espresso but don’t want to pay for bells and whistles you don’t need, the

Gaggia is worth looking into

.

It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable (and that matters more)

This machine

isn’t trying to be the ‘smartest’ thing on your counter, but it’s reliable, and that’s more important when you’re pre-coffee. I pull 3–5 shots a day and clean it regularly, and the only real upkeep is

replacing the rubber gaske

t every couple months. That’s a five-minute job and

about $5 on Amazon

.

If you feel your grouphead wiggling while you’re pulling a shot—and you’re sure the basket isn’t overfilled—you probably just need a new gasket. Easy fix. Especially once you get a

5-mm hex key (with a short handle!)

and a

screwdriver with a short shaft

.

It’s just nice to walk downstairs and

make yourself a really good cup of coffe

e. I’m not talking café aesthetic, just

solid espresso

that’s as good as anything down the street,

made with your own hands

.

If you’re someone who wants to drink better coffee at home and

enjoy the process of making it

—without falling into a gear spiral or dropping

$1,800 on your first setup

—the Gaggia Classic is a great place to start. Don’t forget a grinder, a tamp, and some cleaning supplies!

Want help figuring out your setup?

Clive Coffee

(based right here in Portland) has incredibly helpful staff if you want to ask questions or see machines in person. And

James Hoffmann’s YouTube channel

is one of the best places to learn more—there’s a reason

2.35 million people

trust his reviews and tutorials.

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