Coffee controlVery strong
Extraction format, adjustment and the amount of manual control available.
Manual espresso · RI9481
GaggiaClassic E24
A durable, repairable espresso machine with a brass boiler and serious steam power—but it rewards technique, not shortcuts.
Best forEnthusiasts who enjoy learning, adjusting and maintaining their setup
Think twice ifFast mornings, automatic milk or anyone without a capable grinder
Price band£300–£500Prices change daily—see today’s price at the retailer
More retailers ↓We don’t quote prices because they change daily. The retailer always shows today’s price.
Quick pros & cons
What it gets right—and what it asks of you.
Pros
✓Brass boiler improves temperature stability
✓Commercial-size 58 mm portafilter
✓Strong manual steam wand
✓Repairable design with a large owner community
Cons
–No PID or shot timer
–Requires temperature management
–Basic included accessories
Where to buy
Check today’s price.
Price band£300–£500
Affiliate disclosure: some retailer links may earn Home Coffee Index a commission at no extra cost to you. Official De’Longhi store links are tracked by Awin. This never changes our verdict. We don’t show prices on this page; each retailer shows today’s price, stock and delivery.
Source 01
G
Gaggia DirectManufacturer
Opens Gaggia Direct’s listing for the exact RI9481; it shows today’s price, stock and delivery.
Check price at Gaggia Direct ↗More choice
A
Amazon UKExact product affiliate link
Open the verified RI9481 product destination and confirm the seller, variant and delivery terms.
View exact RI9481 on Amazon UK ↗Structured specifications
The numbers that affect daily use.
- Width
- 23 cm
- Depth
- 24 cm
- Height
- 38 cm
- Heat system
- Lead-free brass boiler
- Water tank
- 2.1 L
- Grinder
- Separate grinder needed
- Pressure
- 9-bar brew pressure
- Milk
- Manual steam
- Warranty
- Up to 5-year parts cover
Evidence and provenance
What this page is based on.
Gaggia product information
Used for the model identity, dimensions, systems and warranty details shown above.
Open manufacturer source ↗Ben Murrell, editor
This is a desk-researched verdict. The score weighs capability, workflow, ownership trade-offs, kitchen fit and value; it is not an owner star rating.
Read the scoring and sourcing policy →Checked 23 October 2026
Specifications and model details were checked on this date. We don’t quote prices; the retailer shows today’s price, stock, delivery and returns.
Check today’s price ↑Independent review trail
Links checked 7 August 2026 · some publishers use subscriptions, advertising or affiliate linksWhat hands-on reviewers add.
These external publications tested Gaggia Classic E24. Their conclusions remain theirs; Home Coffee Index does not copy their scores or turn them into a fabricated consensus.
Daily workflow
From sleepy to first cup.
Spec sheets miss the routine. This is what owning the machine actually feels like.
- 01
Allow the group and portafilter to warm
- 02
Grind, dose and tamp
- 03
Manage boiler temperature before brewing
- 04
Start and stop the shot manually
- 05
Switch to steam and purge before milk
Own this machine?
Open Classic E24 maintenance guide →Use the exact-model care plan.
Separate the after-use milk and coffee routine from weekly cleaning, filter changes and prompt-led descaling.
Something not working?
Troubleshoot Classic E24 →Diagnose the symptom safely.
Work through flow, grinder, milk, warning, cleaning and leak checks written for the exact RI9481 model.
Water filter and parts · sources checked 17 October 2026
No water filter for this machine
The Gaggia Classic E24 does not take a water filter
There is no tank filter to buy for this machine. Use the maker’s descaling routine instead.
Gaggia spec table: 'Water filter compatibility -' (not supported); descaling cycle manual
Source: Gaggia ↗
Care and fit parts
- Gaggia Decalcifier 250 ml
RI9111Named by Gaggia for the RI9481. E24 manual: 'Use the GAGGIA descaling product only... Never use vinegar'; descale every 2 months
Use it only as the machine’s own care programme describes. We do not sell or link to buy descalers or liquid cleaners here.
Sources: Gaggia manual ↗ · Gaggia ↗
- 58 mm portafilter (tamper/basket size reference)
Fits the RI9481. Gaggia spec: professional stainless-steel filter-holder 58 mm; plastic tamper included. No specific Gaggia replacement tamper part verified
Source: Gaggia ↗
Amazon links are affiliate links (tag website103c-21); De’Longhi UK links go through Awin. Where we have verified the maker’s exact Amazon listing, the link opens that product directly. Otherwise it is clearly labelled as an Amazon search, whose results can include third-party compatible parts. Match both the maker and exact part number before ordering. Only parts the maker confirms for this exact model or model family get a buy link.
Complete the coffee station
Accessories for Classic E24 →Choose accessories that fit this exact model.
Compare scales, grounds handling, preparation tools, milk accessories and care products selected for the RI9481 workflow.
Complete the setup
Best grinders for Gaggia Classic →Give the Classic enough grind control.
Compare five electric, hopper, single-dose and manual grinders against the Classic E24’s hands-on 58mm workflow.
Compare next
Open full comparison →Two useful alternatives.
Head to head