Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Thinking to upgrade: Choosing a new mid-range Machine

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Thinking to upgrade: Choosing a new mid-range Machine

    Hi everyone.
    It is a bit I am entertaining the idea of upgrading from my Gaggia Classic. Basically, what I am searching for is more temp stability (without the need to pid anything) and to obtain a more consistent espresso shot.
    In my home we only basically drink espresso or macchiato at best, just to give some guidelines.

    As far as the budget is concerned, I would like to shoot 'somewhere in the middle'. Pointing to something better than the Gaggia but, as we usually only make 1 or 2 espressos in the morning, I would avoid to spend more than let's say 1-1.2k on said machine (considering second hand of course).

    Do you expert CSers have any suggestions to which machines or brands I should consider?

    Cheers,
    David

  • #2
    Theres a couple of e61 single boiler machines it would be worth looking at.

    Comment


    • #3
      Thanks trentski. Which ones do you mean?
      Also, what about small low-end second hand "commercial" machines? In these days I went around and looked at some second hand models, but am uncertain if they are a worthy upgrade.

      For instance, I have seen a very small Fiamma (I don't remember the exact model, but its size was not much larger than the Rancilio Silvia) and a couple of single group Espressimo (the CMA/San Marino/Astoria rebranded variant).

      Another thing to consider is that I cannot take anything that needs to be plumbed in for space reasons.

      Comment


      • #4
        What trentski said. I'd recommend using the contact form on the website to send an email asking sponsors for recommendations and quotes, make a short list from there and then arrange to check them out 'in the metal'.

        Personally I have a Profitec/ECM bias so would lean toward the ECM Classica - tiny footprint, uses the modified ECM E61, looks great and available with PID (which I would consider essential for a single-boiler to be used exclusively for straight espresso, but that's just me).

        Comment


        • #5
          Thanks Magic_Matt. That would be a great machine, but I am unsure if I can find one second hand in my price range. I would also try to avoid brass boilers, as a personal preference.
          Will try to shoot a message to the sponsors as you suggested.

          Comment


          • #6
            My espressos picked up markedly when I bought my La Pavoni Pro (previously a Silvia). It's not a machine that you use for entertaining a hoard of people, but for a few espressi at a time it's great. And for $1.2K you get a brand new one.

            Gonzo

            Comment

            Working...
            X