The Gaggia New Classic is an interesting espresso machine that is very well suited as an introduction to the world of espresso preparation. The small single boiler scores well in terms of construction, is solid and delivers good results. There is 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. With single boilers you have to make compromises, especially when switching between steaming and pulling espresso.
With a single boiler, both the brewing water and the steam for frothing milk come 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 froth, the temperature in the boiler must be raised above 120 degrees. Only then does the necessary pressure build up. With the Gaggia New Classic, you start heating up by pressing the steam button.
To reach the perfect brewing temperature after steaming and to find it when heating up after starting the machine, we have developed a steam-flush-wait cycle rhythm for you, which we present here.
Getting the Gaggia New Classic to the right temperature
When you start the Gaggia New Classic, according to the indicator lights it is ready to operate after just a few minutes. Both the light on the power switch and the espresso dispensing lamp are on. However, the actual brewing temperature is now too hot. So what should you do?
We recommend the following procedure when starting the Gaggia:
- Once both lights mentioned are on, you can begin the process
- Press the espresso dispensing button and let water run for 10 seconds.
- Hold the portafilter briefly under the hot water 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 correspondingly bitter.
If further espressos are to be prepared immediately afterwards, we recommend the following procedure:
- Serve the espresso you just brewed (approx. 15 seconds)
- Remove the portafilter, flush for 2 seconds using the dispensing button.
- Clean the portafilter, grind, etc.
- 45 seconds after flushing, the brewing temperature is suitable again.
If a cappuccino is brewed in between, the procedure should be repeated as at startup. That is, with a flush phase of 10 seconds.
A test of the Gaggia New Classic follows. For now, it was important to us to provide you with these tips in writing. A suitable grinder for the Gaggia New Classic is, for example, the Sage Smart Grind Pro.
