The Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine - Cafe Quality Espresso At Home

If you want to have great tasting espresso at home then you simply have to have a good espresso machine. I've bought and discarded 10 different espresso machines over the years so I now consider myself something of an expert on what makes a good one. As far as I'm concerned, the Gaggia 14101 Classic is the best one on the market for under $1000. It has all the features you'd find in a top professional model, yet is compact and can be used everyday at home.

One of the first things you'll notice about this machine is that it is very well built. When you've used cheaper espresso makers, you really appreciate the robustness and quality of a unit such as the Gaggia 14101 Classic. Features such as a three way solenoid controlled valve might elicit a shrug of the shoulders from most coffee drinkers, but the absence of them become clear when you use a cheaper machine. This one just keeps going and going.

It has a high-power bar pump and a high-watt heater (much higher wattage than other models in a similar price range) that makes coffee quickly and easily. It uses brass components that are typically only found on expensive commercial models. It's easy to clean, easy to fill with water, and I've found I've had better success steaming the milk without using the provided plastic tube. It produces consistent espresso shots every time. I know exactly what I am getting every morning and don't have to waste coffee to get that perfect espresso shot.

I also love the versatility of the Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine. It's exactly what I need in a home coffee machine because I can't simply give up counter space to a multitude of appliances. The Gaggia 14101 can make every type of specialty coffee drink as well as a plain cup of joe.

Another great feature of the Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Machine is that it uses standard filters. It can also use coffee pods, a popular and convenient way to brew a quick cup of coffee. The steam wand lets you easily make foam for your specialty drink.

Overall, the the Gaggia 14101 Classic is a well built machine that should last you many decades. Although it seemed pricey when I first bought it, it has turned out to cost about 6 cents a day to own it, which has been well worth the price, especially considering that it'll probably last me another few decades.