Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Stainless Review

By Paul Carabis | Gaggia

Aug 25

Often times we feel that operating some machines should require a barista certification. They look dangerous! That is not the case with the Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Stainless. When this quaint machine was built, they had the espresso newbies in mind. Not bad for a company that goes back more than 65 years. Its founder Achille Gaggia was actually the inventor of the first modern coffee machine, using pressurized hot water instead of steam to brew the best espresso. Important by-result: the unique crema we have all come to love!

Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Stainless Review

Newbie or not we all have to start somewhere. This is the perfect machine to get rid of the stress of 42 buttons, knobs, and hoses. We wish we were exaggerating! If delightful espresso, a simple and cost effective way to create it, and a modern design is what you crave, Gaggia has got you covered.

What Makes it Different?

Sometimes when searching for the right machine, we get a bit overwhelmed. Geez, don’t they all just make espresso? Shouldn’t it be based on the coffee bean we use? Well, if it were that easy, there wouldn’t be such an enormous difference in prices.

The Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso stainless pop above the rest of the starter machines. It comes will all of the great features you would want in your espresso and makes it easy for you to craft a deliciously steamy cup. What REALLY makes this device stand out is its simplicity, design, and lifespan.

It’s perfectly chrome plated to give it an edgy, modern look. Gaggia definitely took the time to research and develop the right size because it fits perfectly on your countertop. Some other machines look like someone took a piece from your engine and left on your table. This product in particular has been known to have a lifespan of 12 – 30 years. Geez, that’s like $10 a year for this machine.

Let’s get under the hood of one of these beauties. Check out some of the great specs it offers.

Product Details

  • Coffee Compatibility: Ground coffee or ESE coffee pods
  • Frother: Yes.
  • Hot Water: Yes.
  • Pressure System: 17.5 Bar pump
  • Pressure Power: 55 Watts
  • Boiler Size: 3.5 oz
  • Wait Time: 2 minutes
  • Water Level Detection: None, but water level visible.
  • Removable Tank: Yes.
  • Tank Capacity: 72 oz
  • Auto Power Off System: No
  • Body Materials: Stainless steel
  • Grinder: Not included
  • Size: 14.25 x 8 x 9.5  inches
  • Weight: 20 pounds
  • Warranty: 30 days
  • Indicator Lights/Buttons: Power and cup heating lights

We weren’t kidding. They took everything you’d want in an espresso and gently crammed it into a stainless piece of art. Just because they care, Gaggia decided to include a coffee tamper and a 7g measuring scoop for all barista and espresso dreamers.

What Other Espresso Dreamers Are Saying

Amazon Rating: This is definitely a machine that people love to use. There have been over 300 lengthy and quality reviews! It has achieved 4.1 out of 5 stars which is definitely hard to maintain after that many purchases. Users are so enthusiastic about the espresso maker, they’re leaving some tips for others!

“A Decade of Happiness. I have been using the Gaggia Classic for over twelve years. The first machine is still going strong, but my ex-wife inherited it, so I am on the second and newer machine.

Both are well-made heavy duty units that are used to make 5-6 cups of espresso a day, and the occasional cappuccino. The machine does this flawlessly.

Warning: This will make you drink entirely too much espresso. First, this espresso machine is a tank. It’s hefty, and the important parts are heavy duty. This is probably the closest you’re going to get to a commercial machine anywhere near this price. Made many shots already with great/plenty of crema, and using the normal filter despite what some reviews say. Don’t bother with the gimmicky super crema filter (which also puts the hot water/coffee through a plastic part), just get a good conical burr grinder ($90 Capresso works fine) and tamper and use fresh espresso blend coffee beans. That’s even more important than the machine.”

Well, you weren’t excited about becoming your own barista, I’m sure you are now. People seem to adore the ease of use and understanding they get just from creating the first espresso shot. Yum!

Similar Products

With qualities of commercial grade products and espresso that boasts the same, it’s definitely tough to find a machine like this for this price. A comparable machine is the Rancilio HSD Silvia Espresso Machine but it runs about $280 more than this one. If you’re looking for an upgrade from this, we recommend the Breville BES840XL.

Final Thoughts

The Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Stainless is beautiful, elegant, and perfect for the starter. Even if you’re a seasoned barista you’ll find this machine impressive, easy, and homey. There aren’t many, if any, that are designed the create this quality and fit perfectly with the rest of your countertop appliances. Thumbs up from us! Now you just have to figure out who you’re going to give your old machine too. I’m sure you’ll think of someone.

Find out more info and read user reviews about the Gaggia 14101 Classic Espresso Stainless

About the Author

Hi, I'm Paul Carabis, coffee lover (ok, maybe coffee addict). I started this website as a way to document the best coffee machines, products and information for personal use and it took off from there! Now I help thousands of readers per month and I trust that I've helped you too!