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  • Upgrading from Gaggia Classic

    Hi all

    Was hoping to get some advice regarding upgrading my machine.

    I've got a Gaggia Classic which I've been using for a while (together with a Rancillo Rocky Grinder)

    I find I can get a decent cup of espresso out of it, but it's a bit inconsistent. I'm considering upgrading to something like the Lelit Mara X which I've been reading about. I'm hoping that I would get a noticeable improvement in espresso quality, more consistency, and a bit more steam power. Do you think this would be a worthwhile machine to go for?

    Cheers


  • #2
    Hi,

    You'd get a big improvement in espresso quality and consistency and a *lot* more steam power. In "X Mode" it prioritises brew temperature via the heat exchanger thermocouple. But when you pull a shot it bumps up the steam pressure in anticipation. It's a lot of machine for the $$ and the next shipment is due end of the month

    https://www.jetblackespresso.com.au/shop/p/lelit-mara-x

    charlie

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    • #3
      The Gaggia Classic is a great little machine! Terrific for straight espresso and good value for $$'s. ? Very challenging if you're trying to do anything more than a single cup (or 2?) with milk! ?

      I upgraded 5-ish years ago to an Expobar Minore IV (dual boiler) and have loved it! It's not missed a beat. I can pull and pour 2 flat whites in about 1 minute. Some have said in the past that the 'finish' isn't as good as some of the Italian/German brands, but I'm guessing you won't notice unless it's sitting on the bench next to one of them, or you're coming from owning one. If cost is an issue, they're definitely worth a look as a value for $'s proposition. The Lelit looks like a good option too! Either way, what ever you get will see you smiling every time you pull a shot! ☕

      If $'s are no object then go for the pretty one's!

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      • roosterben
        roosterben commented
        Editing a comment
        Quite a similar journey here, the Gaggia Classic was my first proper coffee machine. While it is excellent, I moved to a Rocket Giotto HX machine, the step up was a huge improvement and gives you scope to jump deeper down the coffee rabbit whole. I am looking to move to a dual boiler PID but actually considering the Lelit Mara X as it has really strong temperature control.

        There is also to love about E61 lever operated machines as they have a certain classical quality, feel and manual process which is hard to replicate in other machines.

    • #4
      Upgrade the Rocky first before deciding on a new espresso machine.

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      • Dimal
        Dimal commented
        Editing a comment
        Upgrade the Rocky first before deciding on a new espresso machine.
        Or, complete the so-called 'Stepless Mod'. Easy and quick to do, reversible and Voila, an infinitely adjustable Rocky...

    • #5
      After my 12 year old classic died I saved my pennies for a year and just got a vim domobar super. More consistent brews and instant, high pressure steam. I am in clover.

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      • #6
        Thanks all, that's helpful!

        I've booked in at a local shop for some demos of these machines. Pretty excited for the upgrade

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        • #7
          Plus one for the Expobar. I’ve got the Office, and it’s a beast for my no more than 6 coffees plus milk drinks per day. Awesome steam and built solid. It doesn’t look flash, but does the trick.

          What swung the Expobar for me when I upgraded was the ease of availability of parts if anything goes wrong.

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