Hodda said:Hi All
Now that our house is back to normal after lots of work, I want to start using the Gaggia classic again (I was using some reground illy or lavazza coffee with it to this point).
Now I like espresso and she likes Americano, but she never makes them - too much faff for her she says, but is always more than up for one if I make 'em. So anyway, taken the Gaggia back out of storage, cleaned it and its ready - then I start reading about grinders etc.
It was my orinignal intention when I bought the classic, to get an Iberital MC2 but that was a few years ago (predating here and other 'hobbies', now Im not so sure - I don't want anything with a massive footprint, don't want it to be kept out on show (mostly a swift cup in morning and weekends), so I am also now reticent to spank out £130 for one as well - Ie just got more things to spend my money on now and its not at that wave of I need one priority anymore.
So I have been looking at the lower end: mainly a porlex or a modded Delonghi KG79.
I know some of you have the porlex, how long would it take to sort out two double shots worth? Is it a killer? Will I just get fed up with it and then not use it?
Anyone used the delonghi? Mixed reviews everywhere from saying its poor for espresso to saying its ok after a mod etc. I know its cheap as chips for a grinder but would I, the 'I like espresso and just want a nice cup rather than chase top end' kind of person I am feel its pants?
I would eventually like to sort the Gaggia to run with a non pressurinsed filter so also need to buy a basket and maybe do the wand swap and get a tamper - essentially tbh I don't want to spend £200 to get all this just for the sake of it with upgradeitits etc as I already have this issue with this forum and home-brew on that front!
Any input would be welcome.
DevonStan said:I'm not really gonna be much help here...but I'll offer a couple of thoughts if I may. Tell me to do the other thing by all means
Irrespective of the type of coffee you like it has always seemed (looking at the numerous dedicated coffee forums all round the world) that you need/must/should always place as much, if not MORE, importance on the grinder, than the machine.
I'm currently use a domestic/light trade Nuova Simonelli Oscar. Have used for six years, daily making two cups of cappaccino once or twice per day. I started off with a Classic and it's still in the loft in case the Oscar ever broke down. The Oscar has NEVER needed anything other than routine maintenance and is a lovely machine...a lot easier to use than the Classic. But that's neither here nor there.
I'm getting round to saying that it wasn't all that cheap but has stood the test of time, and in the same way ...so has my Rancilio Rocky grinder. Six years and utterly faultless. I bought new grinder blades for it recently and when it came to swapping them it was apparent that they really didn't need changing. It's an absolute beast in terms of build quality and motor performance and it has ground nicely for all that time and will, I feel sure, keep going a lot longer.
I'm just saying that IF you can get something that has a proven background and reputation for reliability you might end up spending less in the long term. The grinder is £220/£230 (Mine came from Drury in London...a lovely old fashioned firm). My Oscar came from a retailer in Italy...it was cheaper that way.
Some of the American forums are very enthusiastic..to a severe degree and recommend even better machines, but you might want to give it a look.
The other name for reasonably priced, decent, machines which enthusiasts keep on about is Baratza. Have a look. Check Home Barista along with some of the other serious forums and you'll get a good idea of what's recommendable and what isn't.
Hope to have been of some small help.
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