I bought one of these about a month ago, and it's been really good. I've now nailed down a workflow that consistently makes excellent espresso. I'll probably mod it eventually, but I've been really happy with its performance stock. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a GCP Evo to people who have no interest in modding.
Shades of coffee makes a full mod kit for the GCP that has PID with dual temp control (brew and steam). This allows to raise and mantain steam temp which increases steam pressure. It also has a pressure gauge that reads pressure at the group head and a dimmer for flow control. This allows to do pressure/flow profiling. It is relatively cheap and much easier to install than gaguino. You can flow profile but you have to do so manually. Takes a bit of practicr but you grt the hang of it.
The Uranus/Saturn joke killed me! I don’t own an espresso machine. I currently use a Bialetti 6-cup Moka Express and a French press for cappuccinos and the like. I’ve thought about getting an espresso machine, if only to have a proper milk steamer. I waffle between a Bambino+ for its ease of use and a Gaggia Classic Pro for its longevity and modability, i.e. its ability to grow with me. Both are roughly the same price, though the Bambino+ is easier to find on sale. I know many eschew Breville/Sage products for their lack of build quality, but I think it’s a fair trade off for being super easy to use. Each has its place.
They advertised the new gaggia Classic 2023 to come by default with the OPV set at 9 bar, you mentioned in your video its at 13.5. Did you measure it with a closed basket and pressure gauge?
I’ve seen mixed opinions on Reddit r/gaggiaclassic about the EU having the 9bar OPV. Also tried to contact Gaggia Italy (I’m in Spain and I think don’t have an official reseller) but haven’t got an answer. Has someone measure it?
Got the 2023 shortly after release. I ended up doing the gaggiauino mod because it was similar price as PID. That and I my electronics. Still getting used to using it (only 3 days in) but I'm really enjoying the coffee out if it. Delicious. Steam improvement is nuts good.
Gaggia did not change the cleaning and maintenance instructions in their user manual for the new model. Now that there is a new non-stick coating does the boiler still have to be cleaned as instructed in the manual or did Gaggia just miss to change this? Does lemon acid harm the coating?
Winking is annoying. A couple of weeks ago I managed to disable that for a couple of days - but can't remember how! I do remember it involved switching off at the socket, though.
Hi where can I purchase the cups please I have looked online can’t find anything ? Ps love the videos have just ordered the 2023 Gaggia pro and varia vs3 grinder .
Hey Kev! Sincere thanks for your reviews on this. I bought one after watching your videos and I'm really happy with it. I even got the lovely cherry red version. 😂 Much appreciated and I'll keep an eye on your future productions! ⭐️
The only upgrade Evo has is a portafilter in stainless steel, the other changes are only based on cost efficiency and not improvements. On my friend's new Evo, black stuff came out of the machine so it went back right away, that's how good the new boiler coating is.
I’ve had this machine for a week now but cannot get crema. I’m using enough coffee, have the grinder set to the finest setting, have it distributed well and tamped, but the time it takes to fill 4oz is only 15 seconds, so it’s clearly brewing too quickly. I have a 9 bar spring on order so maybe that will do the trick.
HI Kev, loving your videos! I've upgraded my previous Gaggia Classic to the 2023 Evo Pro, I have one question, should I remove the filter holder before steaming milk, does it matter?
As an Americano lover who needs to put a big mug under the portafilter this machine was an instant nope and i went for the Bambino Plus instead. Had this machine more headroom i would have bought it. And yeah i know you can buy slimline drip trays for it but it's still not enough space for me. If you have little cups this is a great machine. It's really a purely espresso machine.
Hi :-), not specifically for the new model, however if you go here: bit.ly/3B5qY1F the second one from the bottom, that's the best I have for this machine. Cheers, Kev.
I read your blog about the bowler and seeing they are continuing without coating is great. But quick question if I go buy a Gaggia Evo pro from there website will I get the non coated or will I get the coated batch. Thanks for your time
If you're buying the Evo Pro from Gaggia Direct in the UK, at the time of writing I believe their stock still have the coated boilers. If you do get one from them and it has the issue, they'll offer to swap it with one with an un-coated boiler. Ta, Kev.
Thanks, Kev. After a month I'm still finding an 18g input hits 36g output in under 20-seconds. I can pour water out the frothing wand for the first 8-seconds, but I'm wondering if there is something else I can look at to slow it down?
It really depends on the kind of espresso you're wanting to drink. If you enjoy classic chocolaty espresso, you probably don't need to worry about switching, although it's not a big deal, try it - see what you think, it's a very cheap and very simple mod, you can easily change over to the 9 bar spring if you decide to. Cheers, Kev.
Hi Mark, Have a at the Sage/Breville Smart Grinder Pro or the Baratza Encore ESP, if you want more info, have a look at my blog post on the best coffee grinders:coffeeblog.co.uk/best-budget-electric-burr-coffee-grinders-in-the-uk/ Cheers Kev
Hi 😀, it's the same machine just in a limited edition design, so it's just a case of whether you like the design of it enough to warrant the extra price, and whether you feel that being a limited edition, it may hold it's value slightly more in the longterm, although classics have historically held their value really well anyway. Ta, Kev.
@@Coffee_Kev thanks for the reply Kev, the Limited edition is actually the cheapest one and I've plumped for it, hoping the chroming lasts well but it does have a 3 Yr warranty! Also gone for the Eureka Mignon Specialità grinder tk pair with it.
no, I've done the flush test and thankfully the one I have here isn't affected. See: coffeeblog.co.uk/boilergate-gaggia-classic-pro-evo-boiler-problems/
The aluminium boiler is a let down. Now upgraded to a non-stick one. A stainless steel boiler is by far a better choice. Years ago the Gaggia Clasic has a stainless steel boiler. Gaggia is the only brand using aluminium boilers in their espresso machines. Delonghi is using stainless boilers in their espresso machines. Even the cheaper ones.
Agreed, genuinely I am so puzzled how people put up with such a bad design and call it a great machine……. I think it’s just sold at a right price point for what it is and there is just no better alternative at this price….
![일상 속 기분 좋음 [Proto disco meme]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DwmEIaZ7XGQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I bought one of these about a month ago, and it's been really good. I've now nailed down a workflow that consistently makes excellent espresso. I'll probably mod it eventually, but I've been really happy with its performance stock. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a GCP Evo to people who have no interest in modding.
So glad you are enjoying the Evo, its a great machine :-)
Shades of coffee makes a full mod kit for the GCP that has PID with dual temp control (brew and steam). This allows to raise and mantain steam temp which increases steam pressure. It also has a pressure gauge that reads pressure at the group head and a dimmer for flow control. This allows to do pressure/flow profiling.
It is relatively cheap and much easier to install than gaguino. You can flow profile but you have to do so manually. Takes a bit of practicr but you grt the hang of it.
The Uranus/Saturn joke killed me!
I don’t own an espresso machine. I currently use a Bialetti 6-cup Moka Express and a French press for cappuccinos and the like. I’ve thought about getting an espresso machine, if only to have a proper milk steamer. I waffle between a Bambino+ for its ease of use and a Gaggia Classic Pro for its longevity and modability, i.e. its ability to grow with me. Both are roughly the same price, though the Bambino+ is easier to find on sale. I know many eschew Breville/Sage products for their lack of build quality, but I think it’s a fair trade off for being super easy to use. Each has its place.
Hi there.
Did you get the boilergate problem?
I've got one coming next week, my first espresso machine. I'm super excited!
Fantastic Rick, let me know how you get on :-)
I just got a classic. Wonderful. Easy to use. Fantastic espresso. Do not hesitate
They advertised the new gaggia Classic 2023 to come by default with the OPV set at 9 bar, you mentioned in your video its at 13.5. Did you measure it with a closed basket and pressure gauge?
It's set with the 9 bar modification in the US (only) through Whole Latte Love. Elsewhere throughout the world, it's still 13.5. Annoying.
I’ve seen mixed opinions on Reddit r/gaggiaclassic about the EU having the 9bar OPV. Also tried to contact Gaggia Italy (I’m in Spain and I think don’t have an official reseller) but haven’t got an answer. Has someone measure it?
Came with 9 bar from factory in Romania (purchased November 2023)
I love this machine, way better and more fun than sage machines that I owned in the past.
Got the 2023 shortly after release.
I ended up doing the gaggiauino mod because it was similar price as PID. That and I my electronics.
Still getting used to using it (only 3 days in) but I'm really enjoying the coffee out if it. Delicious. Steam improvement is nuts good.
Fantastic, thanks for letting me know :-)
Gaggia did not change the cleaning and maintenance instructions in their user manual for the new model. Now that there is a new non-stick coating does the boiler still have to be cleaned as instructed in the manual or did Gaggia just miss to change this? Does lemon acid harm the coating?
I think the GCP is cute. But I like my three second heat up on my Breville. I dislike the machine winking at me for a cleaning at 6am though.
Winking is annoying. A couple of weeks ago I managed to disable that for a couple of days - but can't remember how! I do remember it involved switching off at the socket, though.
We need a follow up on how the boiler is holding up, heard lots about the coating flaking and silence from Gaggia
see: coffeeblog.co.uk/boilergate-gaggia-classic-pro-evo-boiler-problems/ I'm updating this constantly as I learn more about what's happening. Ta, Kev.
Hi where can I purchase the cups please I have looked online can’t find anything ? Ps love the videos have just ordered the 2023 Gaggia pro and varia vs3 grinder .
Hey Kev! Sincere thanks for your reviews on this. I bought one after watching your videos and I'm really happy with it. I even got the lovely cherry red version. 😂 Much appreciated and I'll keep an eye on your future productions! ⭐️
Glad you are enjoying the Evo, there are mores videos to come in this series so keep you eye out in the next few weeks!
The only upgrade Evo has is a portafilter in stainless steel, the other changes are only based on cost efficiency and not improvements.
On my friend's new Evo, black stuff came out of the machine so it went back right away, that's how good the new boiler coating is.
I’ve had this machine for a week now but cannot get crema. I’m using enough coffee, have the grinder set to the finest setting, have it distributed well and tamped, but the time it takes to fill 4oz is only 15 seconds, so it’s clearly brewing too quickly. I have a 9 bar spring on order so maybe that will do the trick.
Hi bro , I also bought it same machine.How many seconds should I hold the glass for a double shot espresso?☕
I have a feeling anodized aluminum is better than "nonstick". Money saving move by Gaggia
Yeah, immediate red flag. Off my list. Ugh
HI Kev, loving your videos! I've upgraded my previous Gaggia Classic to the 2023 Evo Pro, I have one question, should I remove the filter holder before steaming milk, does it matter?
The new stainless steel porta filter would be a nice replacement for the old brass one for folks with a 2019.
I can't find a "pro" Version on the gaggia website. Is it a UK only naming?
As an Americano lover who needs to put a big mug under the portafilter this machine was an instant nope and i went for the Bambino Plus instead. Had this machine more headroom i would have bought it. And yeah i know you can buy slimline drip trays for it but it's still not enough space for me. If you have little cups this is a great machine. It's really a purely espresso machine.
You pour into a espresso cup and then into a bigger cup.....
Bold of you to assume they have more than one cup
just mod with the lower drip tray -- it's half the height
Hey Kev, thanks so much for this video. Do you have a discount code for the evo coloured versions at all? Couldnt see on the link. Thanks 😊
Hi :-), not specifically for the new model, however if you go here: bit.ly/3B5qY1F the second one from the bottom, that's the best I have for this machine. Cheers, Kev.
@@Coffee_Kev fab thanks so much
I read your blog about the bowler and seeing they are continuing without coating is great. But quick question if I go buy a Gaggia Evo pro from there website will I get the non coated or will I get the coated batch. Thanks for your time
If you're buying the Evo Pro from Gaggia Direct in the UK, at the time of writing I believe their stock still have the coated boilers. If you do get one from them and it has the issue, they'll offer to swap it with one with an un-coated boiler. Ta, Kev.
@@Coffee_Kev thank you for the info!!
What about the non stick coating this concerns me they say its food safe
Thanks, Kev. After a month I'm still finding an 18g input hits 36g output in under 20-seconds. I can pour water out the frothing wand for the first 8-seconds, but I'm wondering if there is something else I can look at to slow it down?
You need a finer grind size for the beans.
Lots of hype about switching the 9bar spring for the 6bar now? Whats the thought process behind this?
It really depends on the kind of espresso you're wanting to drink. If you enjoy classic chocolaty espresso, you probably don't need to worry about switching, although it's not a big deal, try it - see what you think, it's a very cheap and very simple mod, you can easily change over to the 9 bar spring if you decide to. Cheers, Kev.
Nice video! . Can anyone recommend a budget grinder for this machine please
Hi Mark, Have a at the Sage/Breville Smart Grinder Pro or the Baratza Encore ESP, if you want more info, have a look at my blog post on the best coffee grinders:coffeeblog.co.uk/best-budget-electric-burr-coffee-grinders-in-the-uk/
Cheers
Kev
Hi could you do a comparison with Gaggia Classic Pro 2023 "Evo" model and ECM Casa V ??
I will add it to my list, thanks for the idea :-)
Where can I purchase the cups? Thanks
Since this one is easier to open do you think Gaggiauino mods are gonna be easier with it? Or harder at all?
I will let you know when I do some testing,
Cheers
Kev
@@Coffee_Kev can’t to see whatever video you put out! These mods really are peak internet community culture
What's with the background elevator music, Kev?
Whats the difference between this model and gaggia viva -deluxe etc models
Hey kev, would you advise the evo pro over the 30th limited edition, £450 vs £400 respectively?
Hi 😀, it's the same machine just in a limited edition design, so it's just a case of whether you like the design of it enough to warrant the extra price, and whether you feel that being a limited edition, it may hold it's value slightly more in the longterm, although classics have historically held their value really well anyway. Ta, Kev.
@@Coffee_Kev thanks for the reply Kev, the Limited edition is actually the cheapest one and I've plumped for it, hoping the chroming lasts well but it does have a 3 Yr warranty! Also gone for the Eureka Mignon Specialità grinder tk pair with it.
@@apierc1 ah, obvious choice then 👍 and specialita is a great pairing 👏👍
Have you noticed flaking from the boiler?
no, I've done the flush test and thankfully the one I have here isn't affected. See: coffeeblog.co.uk/boilergate-gaggia-classic-pro-evo-boiler-problems/
it would be worth if the newest could brew and steam at the same time
Aside from the 2023 having 9 bars in North America??? That’s a pretty big change.
Not the case in Europe sadly, I'll get confirmation that that's the case in North America and I'll then add a pinned comment to let people know. Ta
@@Coffee_Kev correct it is only the North American version that is 9 bar. All others still 15bar.
@@bigcmcg3946 ow thats dissapointing. could be why i am having a difficult time extracting with no sputter from the classic basket and less crema
@@arbuzovpaul1911 doubtful. Mine work’s wonderfully with 9 bars. Probably you need to dial in grind and dose.
If I’m not wrong, whole Latte Love (the seller of gaggia in the US) added the 9 bars that’s why it’s only available in the US.
The aluminium boiler is a let down.
Now upgraded to a non-stick one.
A stainless steel boiler is by far a better choice.
Years ago the Gaggia Clasic has a stainless steel boiler.
Gaggia is the only brand using aluminium boilers in their espresso machines. Delonghi is using stainless boilers in their espresso machines.
Even the cheaper ones.
Where is ep2?
Its coming soon :-)
I wouldn’t purchase the gaggia because of the boiler issue
Agreed, genuinely I am so puzzled how people put up with such a bad design and call it a great machine……. I think it’s just sold at a right price point for what it is and there is just no better alternative at this price….
DIY...... LOL...😂