The Gaggia New Classic is an interesting espresso machine that's a great introduction to espresso brewing. This small single-circuit machine scores highly in terms of construction, is solid, and delivers good results. There's just one thing you need to learn: controlling the temperature to brew the perfect espresso.
Larger and more expensive espresso machines, as well as dual-boiler espresso machines, and especially espresso machines with PID control, are characterized by a constant brewing temperature. Single-boiler machines have to make compromises, especially when switching between frothing and brewing espresso.
In a single-circuit machine, both the brewing water and the steam for frothing the milk come from a single boiler. Hence the name "single-circuit machine." However, a different temperature is required for preparing espresso than for frothing the milk .
The perfect espresso brewing temperature is between 92 and 94 degrees Celsius. To create foam, the temperature in the boiler must be raised to over 120 degrees Celsius. Only then does the necessary pressure develop. On the Gaggia New Classic, heating begins by pressing the foam button.
In order to achieve the perfect brewing temperature after frothing and also when heating up after starting the machine, we have developed a frothing-rinsing-waiting time rhythm for you, which we will introduce to you here.
Bring the Gaggia New Classic to the right temperature
When you start up the Gaggia New Classic, the indicator lights indicate that it's ready for use after just a few minutes. Both the on/off switch and the espresso brewing light are illuminated. However, the actual brewing temperature is now too hot. So what should I do?
We recommend the following procedure when starting the Gaggia:
- As soon as both lamps are lit, the process can begin
- Press the espresso button and let the water run for 10 seconds.
- Briefly hold the portafilter under the hot water so that it also reaches the brewing temperature.
- Dry the portafilter thoroughly and begin the grinding and tamping process.
- You have 45 seconds for this. 45 seconds after the initial rinse, we measured a suitable brewing temperature of 92-93 degrees.
- Without this step, we had a brewing temperature of more than 98 degrees and the coffee was correspondingly bitter.
If you want to prepare more espressos immediately afterwards, we recommend the following procedure:
- Serve the just brewed espresso (approx. 15 seconds)
- Unclamp the portafilter and rinse for 2 seconds using the brew button.
- Cleaning the portafilter, grinding, etc.
- 45 seconds after rinsing, the brewing temperature is correct again.
If you brew a cappuccino in between, repeat the process as before, including a 10-second rinsing phase.
What follows is a review of the Gaggia New Classic. For now, we felt it was important to provide you with these tips in writing. A suitable grinder for the Gaggia New Classic is, for example, the Sage Smart Grind Pro.
