If you love good coffee—not just the taste but the glorious aroma and the infinite variety of it—and you want a proper espresso with crema on top, or a professional cappuccino, but at the same time you do not want to have to go out to a restaurant or coffee bar to get it, then it is simply not possible without a pump-driven machine. You can buy cheaper coffee machines, filter, stove top, percolator and cafetier devices, but only pump-driven machines make real espresso.
The coffee bars invest in Gaggia machines costing multi-thousands, but they do the same as this Gaggia Classic: they make a shot of espresso coffee and froth milk, so you can produce everything from espresso to cappuccino, macchiato, latte, pocillo, mocha, cortado, Uncle Tom Cobley and all.
To make sure our Members have the coffee they enjoy, we have just made a new arrangement with Gaggia, whose founder Achille Gaggia produced the first modern steamless coffee machine in 1938. His company is now probably the most renowned coffee making brand in the world, and so together we chose the Gaggia Classic for our Members.
It is just that, a classic. It is Italy’s favourite coffee machine. It works brilliantly, is uncomplicated, and has been around for 15 years. That does not mean it is behind other, newer models as it has been constantly upgraded. It is also very robust, with a stainless steel body, professional brass filter holder, 2.1-litre water tank and Panarello steamer attachment, and is a good weight, 9kg, which keeps it firm when in use. It stands 14in tall, 9in wide and 9 1/2in deep. On the top is a cup warmer. It is all you need for great coffee.
The Gaggia Classic is currently selling in Selfridge’s and elsewhere for over £300, but our Members save over £100 and receive a Gaggia set of two espresso cups and saucers, chocolates and arabica coffee worth £50, a total package of over £150. Gaggia Classic coffee machine & gift set