Gaggia
Gaggia Classic Pro review
Updated 2026-06-10
A long-running Italian single-boiler machine with a commercial-size 58 mm portafilter, popular with enthusiasts who want to learn manual espresso and tinker.
Our opinion
7.5/10
The tinkerer's machine
We have a soft spot for the Classic Pro, and we will also admit it is a project. Out of the box it makes good espresso and asks you to learn your timing. Add a PID later and it fights well above its price. Buy it if the fiddling sounds like fun, and skip it if it sounds like a chore.
- In the cup 8.0
- Value 8.5
- Ease of use 6.0
- Build & longevity 8.0
- Versatility 6.0
- Type
- Single-boiler espresso machine
- Portafilter
- 58 mm (commercial size)
- Boiler
- Aluminium single boiler
- Valve
- Three-way solenoid valve
No buy link here: we could not verify a trustworthy Amazon listing for this machine, and we only link to listings we have checked ourselves.
What works
- +Commercial 58 mm portafilter matches accessory ecosystem
- +Simple, repairable design with a large mod community
- +Teaches manual espresso skills
The catch
- −Single boiler means waiting between brewing and steaming
- −No PID out of the box (temperature surfing or a mod needed)
Watch
See it in action
Video: Coffee Kev. Embedded from YouTube.
Full specifications
| Model | RI9380 |
|---|---|
| Type | Single-boiler espresso machine |
| Portafilter | 58 mm (commercial size) |
| Boiler | Aluminium single boiler |
| Valve | Three-way solenoid valve |
| Milk frothing | Manual steam wand |
| Made in | Italy |
Who it's for
The Gaggia Classic Pro suits enthusiasts, tinkerers, manual-espresso.
About Gaggia
Gaggia is a historic Italian espresso brand credited with popularising the lever espresso machine. Its Classic line is a long-standing favourite among home enthusiasts who want to learn manual espresso.
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Compare with
Rancilio Silvia
Rancilio has built the Silvia since 1997 with parts borrowed from its commercial line, including a brass boiler and the 58 mm portafilter size used in cafés.
Smeg ECF01
Smeg's retro-styled manual pump machine, matching the 1950s look of its fridges and kettles, with a 15 bar pump, a Thermoblock heater and a steam wand. It takes ground coffee or ESE pods through a 51 mm portafilter. It is the original of Smeg's manual range, now sitting below the restyled ECF02 and the 58 mm ECF03.
CasaBrews 3700
A compact budget espresso machine sold direct and on Amazon, with a stainless body, a Thermoblock heater and a steam wand. It comes in an Essential version with a 51 mm portafilter and a GENSE version with a 58 mm portafilter and pressure gauge.