The Gaggia classic was first released back in 1991. It's a classic not really because it produces the best coffee out there. Rather, these were admired for their simplicity and practical engineering.
They are reliable, fixable, economic, durable.
The original classic was made between 1991 and 2009
(SIN035 RI9303)
The solenoid valve allows the water to gently enter the group head rather than hitting the puck with force.
There was also a OPV (over pressure valve) that was easy to tweak to get 9 bars of pressure.
Finally, it was easy to modify.... from changing the drip tray, and steam wand, to adding PIDs, flow controllers and microcontrollers.
Parts are cheap and easy to install.
They are built like tanks and if looked after will last a lifetime.
Gaggia was acquired in 1999 by the Italian firm Saeco .
The Gaggia production site was moved from Robecco sul Naviglio (Milan) to Romania & Gaggio Montano (Bologna) in 2007.
The machine on the left is a 2003 model.
Montano was the location of Saeco's International HQ. Saeco didn't at this point change the Classic design. Still the same rocker switches with the larger steam switch in the middle. The lights are in the bottom of the switch.
The pre 2009 Gaggia classic logo is printed in black on the lower right corner.
The Romanian models are still pretty good.
But, in 2009, when Philips bought Seaco International the new management decided to alter the design and manufacture.
but I think the true classics are pre-2009.
Machines made up until about 2009 have the sticker on the back
"Made in Milan" (Robecco s/N (Milano) or "Made in Italy" and these are what referred to as the "original classic".
The water tank is 2.1 litres.
Models between 2009 & 2014
SIN035 RI9303
This still has the solenoid valve.
The logo is raised, metallic.
The words "Classic" above "GAGGIA".
Also known as the Gaggia Classic V2
It has modern push buttons in stead of the rocker switches. ...the push buttons tend to stick.
It doesn't have the 3 way solenoid valve.
It uses a stainless steel boiler instead of the traditional aluminum one
The logo is raised, metalic.
Gaggia above Classic
Lights are in the upper part of the switches
Finally, you can't mod the steam wand.
In 2019, Gaggia returned to the old design with the Gaggia Classic Pro (SIN035R RI9380) & Gaggia Pro Eco (SIN035UR RI9480)
The rockers are a new design. Steam is now on the right.
The lights are not integrated into the switches.
The Eco version had a new Eco PCB .
This is a power saving 20min switch
(SIN035R RI9380)
It's manufactured in Italy, has a 3 way solenoid valve and the
old small aluminum boiler.
The OPV (over pressure valve) can't be tweaked to
adjust the pressure.
The steam wand was great out of the box, so no tweaking needed.
The On/off switch has a auto off.... not quite the same as the original.
Chrome plated brass group head & portafilter.
Gaggia Classic Evo Pro 2023
RI9481 (SIN035R) - 240V version
RI9380 (SIN035R) - 120V version
Externally, pretty much identical to the 2019 model
Solid brass group (instead of being chrome plated).
Solid stainless steel portafilter instead of chrome plated brass.
Eco PCB
9 Bar OPV
There is a new non-stick coating on the boiler.
Gaggia thought that the contact between uncoated brass group and aluminum boiler may lead to galvanic corrosion.
However this has lead to some cases of "boiler Gate" where the coating started to flake off.
The boiler max capacity is 140ml, operating capacity is 105ml (3.5oz). The water reservoir holds 2.1l of water (72fl.oz)
Classic Evo Pro 2024
The aluminum boiler is now uncoated.
Links
+ Auber mods
+ My main Coffee Index Page:
+ Gaggia Classic Evo Pro - Modding with arduino - Gaggiuino
Part 1 Gaggiuino Build Log with Workflow intro
Part 2 Gaggiuino V3 - Build Log Notes - switches, PCB
Part 4 Gaggiuino - boot first time
Part 5 Gaggiuino - wiring
Part 6 Gaggiuino boiler & pump removal & first tests
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