In September 2025, Gaggia Milano — the brand that invented the modern espresso machine in 1948 — launched something it had never made before: a prosumer dual boiler machine. The Gaggia Classic GT is not simply an upgrade of the Classic Pro. It is an entirely different machine, built to compete directly with the Lelit Elizabeth, Rancilio Silvia Pro X and Profitec MOVE in the most hotly contested segment of the home espresso market.

For South African coffee enthusiasts, this is significant news. For years, getting genuine dual boiler performance at home meant spending well over R40,000. The Classic GT changes that conversation entirely.

What Makes the Classic GT Different

The Classic GT ships factory-equipped with features that Classic Pro owners typically spend thousands of rands — and hours of DIY labour — adding themselves:

• Dual PID-controlled boilers — separate brew and steam temperatures, independently controlled with digital precision
• Externally adjustable OPV — set brew pressure without opening the machine. True 9-bar extraction out of the box
• Advanced low-flow pre-infusion with bloom step — gently saturates the puck before full pressure, dramatically reducing channelling
• Brew pressure gauge — visible, real-time feedback on every shot
• Commercial 58mm group head — compatible with every professional portafilter, tamper and accessory

Classic GT vs Lelit Elizabeth: The Head-to-Head South Africans Are Having

Feature	Gaggia Classic GT	Lelit Elizabeth V3
Boiler type	Dual boiler	Dual boiler
Temperature control	Dual PID	PID + LCC display
Pre-infusion	Advanced low-flow + bloom	Programmable pre-infusion
Pump type	Vibration	Vibration
Group head	Commercial 58mm	Commercial 58mm
Water tank	2.1L	2.5L (removable)
Steam power	Very strong	Strong
Approx. SA price	R28,000–R32,000	R30,000–R35,000

Both machines are outstanding. The Classic GT edges ahead on pre-infusion sophistication and the raw power of its steam wand. The Elizabeth leads on its LCC display interface and the flexibility of its water tank placement.

Who Should Buy the Classic GT in South Africa?

The Classic GT is the right machine if you:

• Are stepping up from a single boiler (Classic Pro, Gaggia Classic, Rancilio Silvia) and want a genuine leap in capability
• Make multiple milk-based drinks daily and are frustrated by heat-up times between brew and steam
• Want factory-fitted precision rather than modding an entry-level machine
• Drink lighter roasts that demand precise, stable brew temperature

The Gaggiuino Effect: Why the Classic Platform Still Wins in 2026

Even with the GT’s arrival, the original Classic remains the most popular home espresso machine for a reason that goes beyond spec sheets. The Gaggiuino open-source project transforms a standard Classic into a computer-controlled machine with full pressure profiling, temperature precision beyond most PIDs, and a touchscreen interface — all for under R5,000 in parts. For the hands-on South African barista who enjoys the technical side, a modded Classic remains unbeatable at its price point.

The Classic GT, however, is for the barista who wants all of that without picking up a soldering iron.

Where to Buy Genuine Gaggia in South Africa

Genuine Gaggia machines — including the Classic GT, Magenta Prestige and Classic Pro — are available from Coffee & Blenders SA in Walmer, Gqeberha. We ship free to all 9 provinces including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Polokwane and Kimberley. All machines come with full manufacturer warranty and South African plug configuration.