Gaggia · Reviewed by Alternative Brewing · Published 2026-03-01
Based on a review by Alternative Brewing (accessed 2026-03-01).
Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about improved shot-to-shot temperature stability with a larger lead-free brass boiler — just accept single boiler system requires waiting between brewing espresso and steaming milk.
The reviewer concludes that the Gaggia Classic E24 finally feels like the 'Classic done properly' due to its upgraded lead-free brass boiler and group head, which significantly improve temperature stability and shot-to-shot consistency. While acknowledging the single boiler workflow and minor design flaws, they highly recommend it as a robust, affordable, and 'mod-ready' machine suitable for beginners and home baristas who value build quality.
This review provides an in-depth look at the Gaggia Classic E24 espresso machine, highlighting its design, key specifications, and performance improvements over previous models. The reviewer demonstrates its use by making espresso and milk drinks, and offers practical advice on operation and maintenance.
The Gaggia Classic E24 is a highly recommended entry-level espresso machine that finally delivers on the Classic's reputation by fixing its long-standing temperature inconsistencies. Its larger lead-free brass boiler and group head significantly improve shot-to-shot thermal stability, ensuring consistent flavor profiles from your first to your second espresso. However, the machine's Gaggia-specific 58mm portafilter limits universal accessory compatibility, and the steam wand's restricted vertical movement hinders optimal positioning. If you're a beginner wanting to learn proper espresso technique or a tinkerer planning future PID mods, this machine offers an excellent, robust platform that grows with you. However, if you frequently entertain with multiple milk drinks or seek an automated, "press a button and walk away" experience, its single boiler workflow will be a limitation.
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visual_inspectionpositivet=00:00–00:03
The reviewer states that the Gaggia Classic E24 is built in Italy with a full stainless steel body and has a compact footprint, indicating a sturdy and space-efficient design.
specification_claimpositivet=00:04–00:15
The machine features a 125ml lead-free brass boiler operating at 1,200 watts, and a matching lead-free brass group head, paired with a 58mm portafilter. This configuration provides good thermal mass and improved temperature stability.
specification_claimneutralt=00:15–00:19
The Gaggia Classic E24 includes three baskets: a single shot, a double shot, and a pressurized 'Crema Perfection' basket designed for pre-ground coffee.
specification_claimpositivet=00:19–00:25
The machine is equipped with a vibratory pump featuring a factory-set 9-bar Over-Pressure Valve (OPV) and a reliable three-way solenoid valve, which helps create dry coffee pucks and ensures a clean workflow.
comparisonpositivet=01:21–01:46
The reviewer explains that older Gaggia models suffered from inconsistencies between shots, but the E24's larger lead-free brass boiler has more mass and water volume, allowing it to hold heat better than aluminum or stainless steel, resulting in greater shot-to-shot stability.
expert_opinionpositivet=01:57–02:11
The reviewer elaborates that brass is denser than aluminum, so once hot, it stays hot. When cold water enters during extraction, the temperature drop is slower and more controlled compared to smaller aluminum boilers, ensuring consistent taste for consecutive espressos.
reviewer_claimneutralt=02:50–03:00
Even though the boiler light illuminates quickly, the reviewer recommends allowing the machine another 8 minutes to heat up. This is because brass needs additional time to fully absorb and maintain heat, ensuring optimal temperature stability.
hands_on_demonegativet=04:13–04:26
The reviewer demonstrates that the height of the drip tray is limited, making it difficult to fit a coffee scale and a cup simultaneously, or accommodate taller cups like travel mugs.
reviewer_claimnegativet=04:27–04:54
The reviewer notes that while the machine uses a 58mm portafilter, its lugs are specific to Gaggia. This means that generic third-party 58mm portafilters may not be compatible with the machine.
hands_on_demonegativet=04:57–05:19
The reviewer demonstrates that the steam wand can only swivel 360 degrees horizontally, lacking vertical movement. This limitation makes it frustrating to position the wand to drip directly into the drip tray or to get it completely out of the way.
hands_on_demomixedt=05:51–06:33
The reviewer confirms that the Gaggia E24 is a single boiler machine, requiring a wait between brewing and steaming. However, they observe that the larger brass boiler holds steam pressure better and more consistently, allowing for genuinely good microfoam, which is powerful enough for quality results.
reviewer_claimpositivet=06:54–06:59
The reviewer states that the machine's two-hole steam tip provides enough power to effectively 'roll' milk for microfoam quickly, without blasting it and creating unwanted soap bubbles.
expert_opinionneutralt=07:16–07:56
The reviewer recommends a post-steaming habit: turning off the steam switch, opening the steam wand, and pressing the brew switch to flush water through the wand. This refills the boiler, covers the heating element, and replaces superheated water to prevent scale buildup.
expert_opinionneutralt=08:04–08:31
Given the machine's three-way solenoid valve, the reviewer advises regular backflushing. A quick chemical backflush once a week prevents coffee oils from accumulating in the group head, and periodic shower screen cleaning ensures proper internal function.
visual_inspectionnegativet=08:58–09:07
The reviewer shows the basic plastic tamper included with the machine and recommends budgeting an additional $50-$100 immediately to purchase a proper 58mm tamper for better results.
The Gaggia Classic E24 addresses inconsistencies found in older models by incorporating a larger, lead-free brass boiler and matching group head, which provides greater thermal mass and water volume. This results in significantly improved temperature stability and shot-to-shot consistency. It also includes a factory-set 9-bar OPV and a redesigned drip tray for better stability.
The lead-free brass boiler in the Gaggia Classic E24 has higher thermal mass, allowing it to hold heat better than aluminum. When cold water enters during extraction, the temperature drop is slower and more controlled. This translates to consistent taste, meaning your second espresso will taste just like your first, a significant advantage for dialing in new coffee.
While it is a single boiler machine requiring a wait between brewing and steaming, the larger brass boiler holds steam pressure better and more consistently, preventing it from fading quickly. The two-hole steam tip provides ample power to quickly roll milk into genuinely good microfoam, performing beyond expectations for a budget machine.
The reviewer highlights three main cons: the drip tray has limited height, making it challenging to fit a scale and cup or taller mugs; the 58mm portafilter has proprietary lugs that limit compatibility with generic third-party portafilters; and the steam wand lacks vertical movement, making it awkward to position for drips or storage.
The Gaggia Classic E24 is recommended for beginners who are eager to learn proper espresso making, as well as for tinkerers planning to add modifications like a PID. It's praised for its solid build quality, repairability, and its ability to serve as a platform that can grow with the user's skills.
The reviewer recommends two key maintenance routines: first, after steaming, turn off the steam switch, open the steam wand, and press the brew water switch to refill the boiler, preventing heating element exposure and scale buildup. Second, regular backflushing (a quick chemical flush once a week) is essential due to the three-way solenoid valve to prevent coffee oil buildup and ensure the machine runs properly for years.
The machine comes with basic accessories, including a plastic tamper, which the reviewer finds insufficient. It is strongly advised to immediately budget for and purchase a proper 58mm tamper, estimated to cost between $50 to $100, to achieve the best espresso extractions from the machine.
60/100 source quality
The Gaggia Classic E24, built in Italy, features a stainless steel body, a 125ml lead-free brass boiler, and a 58mm brass group head, designed to offer superior temperature stability compared to older aluminum models. It includes a factory-set 9-bar OPV and a 2.1L water reservoir. While it's a single boiler machine requiring a specific workflow for brewing and steaming, the brass boiler delivers powerful and consistent steam for excellent microfoam. Key drawbacks include limited drip tray clearance, a proprietary portafilter fit, and restricted steam wand articulation. The reviewer suggests budgeting for a better tamper but ultimately recommends the E24 for beginners and those interested in modifying their machine.
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