This thread is to document my attempt to cure the madness of an itch to fiddle, and upgrade and hopefully make a better coffee at the same time.
For at least 20years I have been faithfully served an OK coffee (2-3 times per day) from a Saeco Via Venezia (Absolutely bullet proof).
Which is paired with a Bezzera grinder (maybe in time a Bezzera Unica might join)
I've been watching the 2nd hand market for used Gaggia classics and been quite surprised at price of used vs new, especially with a used Gaggia hovering around $300 - $400.
An upgraded/repaired/well maintained machine is good at this price.
But unknown used presents a few risks, and crunching the numbers of adding new steam wand, boiler, seal etc. The gap to new (with warranty) is small.
However an unusual beast presented itself. The KitchenAid Artisan Expresso Machine.

To my surprise this curvy monster is a confused Gaggia Classic with two boilers (1 expresso and 1 steam boiler), so twice as likely to fail (maybe?)
For a whopping $100 this "well maintained" , but only 1 working boiler (Steam boiler not working) and "sticky buttons" was mine.
This will not be a fast project, rather it will have 3 stages so I don't over invest in a junk machine.
1. Fix machine to minimum requirements.
- Fix steam boiler
2. Clean/Upgrade
- Steam wand upgrade
- New seals/O'rings
- New showerscreen, portafilter screen, brass showerplate.
3. Pull it all apart and custom paint it ( Etna Black Metallic)
Advice along the way is appreciated
For at least 20years I have been faithfully served an OK coffee (2-3 times per day) from a Saeco Via Venezia (Absolutely bullet proof).
Which is paired with a Bezzera grinder (maybe in time a Bezzera Unica might join)
I've been watching the 2nd hand market for used Gaggia classics and been quite surprised at price of used vs new, especially with a used Gaggia hovering around $300 - $400.
An upgraded/repaired/well maintained machine is good at this price.
But unknown used presents a few risks, and crunching the numbers of adding new steam wand, boiler, seal etc. The gap to new (with warranty) is small.
However an unusual beast presented itself. The KitchenAid Artisan Expresso Machine.
To my surprise this curvy monster is a confused Gaggia Classic with two boilers (1 expresso and 1 steam boiler), so twice as likely to fail (maybe?)
For a whopping $100 this "well maintained" , but only 1 working boiler (Steam boiler not working) and "sticky buttons" was mine.
This will not be a fast project, rather it will have 3 stages so I don't over invest in a junk machine.
1. Fix machine to minimum requirements.
- Fix steam boiler
2. Clean/Upgrade
- Steam wand upgrade
- New seals/O'rings
- New showerscreen, portafilter screen, brass showerplate.
3. Pull it all apart and custom paint it ( Etna Black Metallic)
Advice along the way is appreciated

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