When people first start their espresso-making journey, they want beginner-friendly and affordable coffee makers. There are many espresso machines available on the market, but not all of them are user-friendly and of great quality at a reasonable cost. If you’re among those seeking such a balance, then the Gaggia Classic Pro E24 might be just what you need. Renowned for its durable build and ability to pull rich, flavorful shots, it has become a firm favorite among home baristas.
In this review, I’ll share my honest experience with the Gaggia Classic Pro E24, breaking down its features, performance, and potential drawbacks to help you decide if it fits your coffee setup.
Why Gaggia Classic Evo Pro?
If you are a beginner or a home barista searching for an inexpensive and simple-to-use espresso machine, this model stands out. Its minimalist control panel and straightforward interface make it approachable for newcomers. While other options exist, not every espresso machine is designed with beginners in mind, and many have a steeper learning curve. Crucially, you’ll be hard-pressed to find this level of build quality and feature set in its price range.
To get a perfect shot of espresso, simply fill the reservoir, attach the portafilter, turn on the main power, and press the brewing button. The To get a great shot of espresso, you’ll fill the reservoir, attach the portafilter, turn on the main power, and press the brewing button. While it’s not fully automatic and requires some user interaction for optimal results (like grinding and tamping), it handles the core brewing process efficiently.
Features I Love About the Gaggia Classic Pro E24
Commercial-Grade Brass Boiler and Group Head
One of the most significant upgrades and features you’ll appreciate is its brass boiler and group head. Previous Gaggia Classic models (like the Gaggia Classic Evo Pro, which briefly had an aluminum boiler in some markets) faced criticism for inconsistent temperature stability. The E24’s brass components are key to achieving excellent and rich espresso without under- or over-extraction. Brass provides superior temperature stability throughout the brewing process, leading to espresso shots with a richer and more balanced flavor profile.
58mm commercial-style portafilter
f you’re after a cup of espresso with rich, consistent crema, this machine delivers. It features a 58mm commercial-style stainless steel portafilter. This larger size allows for better coffee distribution, which is crucial for even extraction and a well-balanced, flavorful shot every time you brew. Unlike smaller portafilters found on many entry-level machines, the 58mm design holds more coffee grounds, contributing to that desirable rich and creamy cup.
Commercial Steam Wand
If you love crafting café-quality lattes and cappuccinos at home, the Gaggia Classic Pro E24’s commercial steam wand is a game-changer. This powerful wand makes it easier to create silky microfoam, perfect for stunning latte art and creamy beverages. You won’t need a separate milk frother with this machine.
Commercial 3-Way Solenoid Valve
This machine incorporates several commercial-grade components, and the 3-way solenoid valve is a prime example. If you find cleaning up after making espresso to be a hassle, this feature is a huge plus. The 3-way solenoid valve releases residual pressure from the portafilter immediately after extraction, which results in a dry, easily removable coffee puck.
This makes the cleaning process so much easier for you in comparison to other espresso machines. When you try to remove the used coffee grounds from the portafilter after the extraction process, it sometimes becomes messy. So, in this case, cleaning the espresso becomes difficult after extraction. In short, this valve helps you a lot in cleaning without mess. So, you can just remove the dry puck easily and then make the E24 ready immediately for the next shot.
3 Filter Baskets
We appreciate that the Gaggia Classic Pro E24 includes three filter baskets: a pressurized double shot, a non-pressurized double shot, and a non-pressurized single shot. The pressurized double-shot basket is particularly useful for beginners or when using pre-ground coffee, as it helps create consistent crema.
The non-pressurized baskets are ideal for freshly ground coffee and allow for more control over extraction, perfect for honing your barista skills. It also comes with a pod filter basket, allowing you to use ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) pods for convenience. This variety lets you experiment and find the best match for your preferred flavor profile and skill level.
Fast Heat-Up Time
If you’re a busy person who wants espresso without a long wait in the morning, the Gaggia Classic Pro E24 is quite efficient. Thanks to its brass boiler, it heats up quickly, allowing you to pull your first shot within about five minutes of turning it on. The steam function is also ready in approximately 30 seconds after reaching brewing temperature, making it ideal for those who want their espresso and frothed milk promptly.
15-Bar Pump Pressure (Often Operated at 9 Bars)
The Gaggia E24 comes equipped with a 15-bar pump, which is standard for many home espresso machines. However, for optimal espresso extraction, the machine is typically set up to deliver around 9 bars of pressure at the group head. This ensures a balanced extraction, yielding a rich, full-bodied espresso with a smooth, consistent crema.
Durable Stainless-Steel Build
If you’re seeking an espresso machine with a solid build quality and long-lasting materials at an affordable price, then this is best for you. The Gaggia Classic is made of stainless steel, so you only need to buy it once, and it will last forever.
Beginner-Friendly (with a learning curve)
There are several espresso machines on the market, but not all of them are suitable for beginners. You will enjoy how simple it is to use and how quickly you can brew espresso shots in just a few steps. If you are a beginner, a quick learning curve and an intuitive interface are ideal. With a few simple steps, you can quickly prepare a rich and tasty cup of espresso with rich crema.
Follow these steps for basic operation:
- Fill the water tank with fresh, filtered water.
- Turn on the machine and wait for it to heat up (the “Ready” light will illuminate).
- Grind fresh coffee beans to a fine, consistent espresso grind (this is crucial!).
- Load the portafilter with ground coffee and tamp it evenly with firm pressure.
- Lock the portafilter into the group head and press the brewing button.
- Stop the extraction after approximately 25-30 seconds, yielding about 1.5-2 ounces of espresso.
- Enjoy your espresso or froth milk for a cappuccino or latte.
Clean-Up
To keep your Gaggia Classic Pro E24 in optimal condition and extend its lifespan, proper care is essential. Regular cleaning not only ensures longevity but also guarantees a great espresso flavor with each brew. Neglecting cleaning can lead to mineral deposits accumulating in the water reservoir and boiler, affecting performance and taste.
Follow these instructions for proper cleaning and maintenance:
- Immediate Rinse: Don’t leave your espresso machine uncleaned after use. Rinse the portafilter basket and wipe the steam wand immediately after brewing and steaming.
- Descale Regularly: Remember to descale your machine with a descaling solution roughly once a month (depending on your water hardness and usage). This prevents mineral buildup, which can impact flavor, quality, and even damage the machine.
Gaggia Classic Pro e24 Drawbacks
Single boiler requires waiting between brewing and steaming
The Gaggia Classic Pro E24 features a single boiler. This means you cannot brew espresso and steam milk simultaneously. After pulling a shot, you’ll need to wait for the boiler to “temperature surf” or heat up to steaming temperature, which can add a minute or two to the process. If you’re making multiple milk-based drinks for guests, this can slow things down. If speed for multiple drinks is your absolute top priority, a dual-boiler or heat-exchanger machine might be a better fit.
No built-in grinder
This machine does not include a grinder, so you’ll need to purchase one separately. A high-quality burr grinder is essential for achieving the right espresso consistency. So, if you purchase a grinder separately, your entire coffee setup will become quite expensive, and it will also take up more counter space.
Need Practice
This machine is beginner-friendly and easy to use, but you will need some practice frothing milk if you are using it for the first time. The steam wand is manual, so getting the right microfoam texture may be challenging for you. If you’re used to automatic frothers, this could take some practice to get the perfect creamy texture.
Who Should Buy the Gaggia Classic Pro E24?
Here is a quick breakdown for you on whether you should buy the Gaggia e24 or not:
Best For:
- If you are looking for a semi-automatic espresso machine to improve your skills.
- If you want a commercial-style machine at a reasonable price.
- If you are looking for a professional milk frother so that you can make latte art and get rich cream on top of your espresso.
- If you love to control your espresso brewing process.
Not Best For:
- If you want a fully automatic machine with one-touch brewing.
- If you want a dual-boiler system for simultaneous brewing and steaming.
- If you want an espresso machine with a built-in grinder.
Gaggia Classic Pro e24 Vs Evo Pro 2023
The main difference between the Pro E24 and the Evo Pro and the (briefly sold) Evo Pro from 2023 lies in the boiler material. The Evo Pro, in some iterations, featured an aluminum boiler which unfortunately struggled with consistent temperature stability, sometimes impacting espresso quality. The E24, on the other hand, reverted to a robust brass boiler and group head. This ensures consistent heat throughout the brewing process, leading to consistently well-extracted, balanced cups of espresso, eliminating worries about weak or bitter coffee due to temperature fluctuations.
Wrap-Up
Despite lacking a built-in grinder and requiring a short wait between brewing and steaming, the Gaggia Classic Pro E24 remains an outstanding espresso machine that offers commercial-grade features at an accessible price.
If you want to make café-quality drinks at home, this is absolutely the best option.
If you enjoy having control over your brewing process and want to improve your barista skills, this machine is a solid investment. However, if you prefer a fully automatic experience or need a built-in grinder, you may want to explore other options.
In the end, the best espresso machine is the one that fits your needs. If the Gaggia Classic Pro E24 checks all your boxes, it’s definitely worth adding to your coffee setup!
Check out “The 5 Best Coffee Scales for Home Brewing and Why You Need One.”
