The Gaggia New Classic is an interesting espresso machine that is very well-suited as an entry point into the world of espresso preparation. This small single-boiler machine scores points in terms of build quality, is robust, and delivers good results. However, there is one thing you have to learn: how to control the temperature to brew the perfect espresso.
Larger and more expensive espresso machines, as well as heat exchanger espresso machines and in particular espresso machines with PID control, are characterized by a constant brewing temperature. With single-boiler machines, you have to make compromises, especially when switching between steaming and pulling espresso shots.
In a single-boiler machine, both the brewing water and the steam for frothing milk are drawn from one boiler. Hence the name single-boiler. However, a different temperature is required for preparing espresso than for frothing milk.
The perfect espresso brewing temperature is between 92 and 94 degrees. To be able to steam, the temperature in the boiler must be increased to over 120 degrees. Only then is the necessary pressure generated. On the Gaggia New Classic, you start the heating process by pressing the steam button.
To reach the perfect brewing temperature after steaming, and also to find it when heating up after starting the machine, we have developed a steam-flush-wait rhythm for you, which we are presenting here.
Bringing the Gaggia New Classic to the right temperature
When you start the Gaggia New Classic, according to the signal lights, it is ready for operation after just a few minutes. Both the light on the on-off switch and the espresso brewing light are on. However, the effective brewing temperature is now too hot. So what to do?
We recommend the following procedure when starting the Gaggia:
- as soon as both of the mentioned lights are on, the process can begin
- Press the espresso brewing button and let water run for 10 seconds.
- Hold the portafilter under the hot water briefly so that it also reaches the brewing temperature.
- Dry the portafilter well and begin the process of grinding and tamping.
- You have 45 seconds for this. 45 seconds after the initial flush, we measured a suitable brewing temperature of 92-93 degrees.
- Without this step, we had brewing temperatures of more than 98 degrees and the coffee was bitter as a result.
If further espressos are to be prepared immediately afterwards, we recommend the following procedure:
- Serve the freshly brewed espresso (approx. 15 seconds)
- Remove the portafilter, flush for 2 seconds using the brew button.
- Clean the portafilter, grind, etc.
- 45 seconds after flushing, the brewing temperature is right again.
If a cappuccino is brewed in between, the procedure should be carried out as it was for the start. That is, with a 10-second flushing phase.
A review of the Gaggia New Classic will follow. For the moment, it was important for us to provide you with these tips in writing. A suitable grinder for the Gaggia New Classic is, for example, the Sage Smart Grinder Pro.
