DISCOVER THE GAGGIA STORY
LA NOSTRA STORIA A PARTIRE DAL 1895
I t was one man's determined quest for the perfect espresso in 1930s Milan that gave birth to one of Italy's most iconic brands.
For more than half a century, Gaggia has been supplying both bars and homes with innovative, state-of-the-art coffee machines. Beautiful, timeless products inspired by the fashion, design and culture of the day – as well as the inherent Italian passion for la dolce vita. From the crema layer to the crème de la crème of coffee machines, discover more about Gaggia's rich history here.
On 5 September 1938, Milan coffee bartender Achille Gaggia (born 1895) files patent No. 365726 for a steam-free coffee machine, heralding the modern age of espresso. Unlike its predecessors, Gaggia's design uses a revolutionary piston mechanism which forces water through the coffee grounds at high pressure – it takes 15 seconds to produce a single espresso shot. It's believed the idea for the piston mechanism came to Gaggia after he observed the engine of an American army jeep which used a hydraulic system.
Achille Gaggia’s 1938 patent becomes a reality and Gaggia starts producing its first coffee machine for use in bars: the Classic. Its unique piston mechanism produces crema – a natural layer of coffee oils resembling foam – on the surface of the coffee. It makes Gaggia’s espressos unlike anything else, giving the diminutive drink a more intense aroma and flavour. Gaggia installs his machines in bars around Milan accompanied by huge signs in the window saying caffé crema di caffe naturale (coffee cream from natural coffee). And the espresso craze begins...
2015
The latest iconic products launched on the market encapsulate all the 75 years of Gaggia tradition and experience.
2011
Gaggia relaunch the professional line with a complete new range: Gaggia Deco Line
2009
This vintage Orione 1G-U-serial number 1153, made especially for Michael Jackson features a customised plaque saying Neverland.
1999
Gaggia Launches his first fully automatic coffee machine with removable brewing group.
1991
Gaggia launches the semi-automatic Classic. To this day, it remains a bestseller all over the world.
1977
After years of research and tests, Gaggia unveils the Baby Gaggia, a professional machine for home-use. It becomes an instant success.
1964
The assembly line inside the Gaggia factory. The development of a number of new professional products boosts the Italian brand.
1954
Sirocci Bar, also in London, where the best Italian espresso is served by Gaggia.
1953
With its iconic stand designs, Gaggia makes a huge impression at the Fiera Milano (Milan Trade Fair). Around 50 different nations exhibit here and Gaggia quickly garners international appeal.
1952
Achille Gaggia introduces the Gilda, the first espresso machine for home use. Apparently, he named it after seeing 1946 film noir classic Gilda, starring glamorous Hollywood actress Rita Hayworth.
1951
A Gaggia espresso machine takes pride of place at Club Astoria, a legendary 50s nightclub for fashionable young Italians in downtown Milan.
1949
Achille Gaggia's 1938 patent becomes a reality and Gaggia starts producing its first coffee machine for the use in bars: the Classic.
1948
The Gaggia company is founded in Milan, Italy.
1947
Achille Gaggia filed a new patent regarding the introduction of the piston which pumped pressurized water over the ground coffee.
1938
On 5 September 1938, Milan coffee bar owner Achille Gaggia (born 1895) files patent No. 365726 for an innovative steam-free coffee machine, heralding the modern age espresso.
