Gaggia’s petite Babyclass espresso maker has all of the performance and features of a larger model in a machine half of the size. The Gaggia 12300 babyclass can make multiple shots of espresso without needing to be refilled, foams milk for crema as well as any espresso maker on the market, and delivers consistent results thanks to its heavy steel and brass construction.
Features:
- This compact machine measures 10 1/2” wide, 9 1/4” deep, and just under 16” tall
- Straightforward and stylish push-button controls
- High wattage boiler gets the water up to temperature fast
- Built-in milk foaming wand
- 3-way solenoid-operated dispenser so you can make two cups at once
- Comes with single-shot, double-shot, and ESE filters, tamper, and measuring scoop
- Attractive, durable, and easy to maintain brushed stainless steel finish
- Imported from Italy
- 2-year limited warranty from Gaggia
The Good
The Gaggia 12300 babyclass may be small, but unlike larger machines it’s designed to be able to make espresso for two. Gaggia includes their solenoid-operated three-way dispensing valve so you can brew two cups, or a double-shot, just as quickly and easily as you make a single. This valve also allows you to change out the filter and add new grounds without the need to take everything apart, refill the boiler and start all over again from scratch. It’s a real time-saving feature that you might not expect to see in such a compact machine.
The styling of the Gaggia 12300 babyclass is also worth mentioning. With sleek lines and brushed stainless-steel construction, this is an extremely attractive espresso machine. Gaggia bills the Babyclass as the perfect mix of form and function, and with all of the positive attention that this machine has received it’s easy to see why. This machine is attractive, reliable, and easy to keep clean, thanks mostly to Gaggia’s use of stainless steel and brass throughout.
Gaggia gave the Gaggia 12300 babyclass its name because of the small size and tight, compact build of this espresso machine. Obviously it saves on counter space in the kitchen, but the fact that the Gaggia Babyclass is so tightly engineered has a few other benefits as well. When it comes to making a great cup of espresso, being able to hold a constant, steady temperature is key. The Gaggia 12300 babyclass is so dense with heavy metal fixtures that it holds its temperature better than a larger machine can.
That translates to a more consistent cup of coffee every time you turn it on.
The Bad
The one thing that sets the Gaggia 12300 babyclass apart from Gaggia’s other offerings is its small size. The compact footprint is a plus for a lot of people since it saves on counter space, but it does come with a tradeoff. This machine has a smaller reservoir and boiler than other Gaggia models, which means that it will need to be refilled and brought up to temperature more frequently. As long as you’re making coffee for two you’ll never even notice the difference, but if you’re planning on having friends over for brunch you might find you have a line at the espresso machine.
Our Verdict
Gaggia’s Babyclass has a lot of great things going for it. Not only does it have a much smaller footprint than a lot of espresso machines, the quality of every cup doesn’t suffer because of it. The Gaggia 12300 babyclass is just as simple to use and easy to keep clean as a larger machine, and it’s even better than most at keeping a constant temperature for consistent cups. Although the reservoir and boiler are a bit smaller than most other machines in the same price range, it has plenty of capacity for individuals, couples, and even small groups of people. The Gaggia 12300 babyclass is an excellent little espresso machine, and if you’re serious about coffee it absolutely has a place in your kitchen.