Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro: The Perfect Manual Espresso Machine

Introduction to Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro

The Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro manual espresso machine is an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy preparing their coffee manually. While it doesn't offer advanced automatic functions or an integrated bean grinder, it excels at consistently producing high-quality espresso with minimal effort.

Design and Water Reservoir

The machine features a robust industrial design and a large casing, making it stand out on the countertop. However, this size allows for a spacious 2.1-liter (2.2-quart) water reservoir, which surpasses many competing machines.

Included Accessories and Suggested Improvements

While Gaggia is generous with its water reservoir capacity, it is relatively stingy regarding accessories. The machine comes with three filter baskets (for single shot, double shot, and a double-walled filter for perfect crema preparation), a non-articulated steam wand, and a light plastic tamper.

The accessory package does not include a milk pitcher or a cleaning kit, which are additions many expect from an espresso machine in this price range.

Important tip: It is highly recommended to upgrade the included plastic tamper to a better quality tamper for even and comfortable pressure, as a good tamper is essential for pressing the coffee grounds evenly and consistently, ensuring proper water flow and preventing "channeling," which negatively affects espresso flavor extraction. You can visit this link for more information.

Espresso Extraction and Steam Performance

Despite some observations on design and accessories, the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro's performance is its true strength. The machine consistently allows for the preparation of rich and refined espresso shots without the need for endless adjustments to variables like grind size and pressure.

Users found the steam wand, despite lacking a ball joint, to be effective in frothing milk after finding the optimal angle and depth. However, caution should be exercised as the steam wand does not feature a cool-touch design and becomes very hot during operation.

Operation Speed and Noise Level

The machine takes about 60 seconds to reach initial operating temperature, which is slower than some other machines, but takes less than 10 seconds for subsequent shots. The machine operates relatively quietly, reaching 66 decibels during operation, making it a good choice for those who prefer a quiet coffee machine.

Espresso Quality and Ease of Maintenance

The Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro produces espresso with a strong and consistent crema of a light brown color with a hint of caramel. The taste is rich and refined, with a perfect balance between bitterness and acidity.

The machine is also easy to clean and maintain, although the cleaning process requires a few steps.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Overall, the Gaggia Classic E24 Evo Pro is a good investment for users seeking a manual espresso machine that consistently produces excellent coffee without excessive complexity. Although its price places it in the mid-range category, its performance justifies the cost, making it a reliable companion for coffee enthusiasts.

However, if you are looking for many automatic features or a quick coffee brew, this machine may not be the best choice.