spence Senior Member Joined: 15 Aug 2002 Posts: 103 Location: TivertonRI Expertise: Intermediate
Posted Tue Jan 20, 2004, 11:49am Subject: Best small yet upscale machine...
I've been contemplating replacing my Gaggia Classic with a nicer machine and am wondering if anyone can recommend something given my size requirements. I have limited headroom and a narrow window of counter space. I already have to store my Mazzer Mini on a low shelf and set it up each use, which is a pain...but worth it.
- Size: Can't be much bigger than the Gaggia Classic wich is 14" tall, 8" wide and 10.5" deep. Perhaps I could go 2" wider and 3" deeper. Overall headroom is only about 15.5" with 14.25 the max that would slide under...so if the machine puts out a lot of heat I would need a few inches at least. I've not noticed any heat damage from the Gaggia.
- Use: I make mostly ristrettos, with the occational cappa. Rarely make a lot at one time. I work out of the house so every day I'll make a double, work some, make another a while later and be done.
- Cost: Under 1000
I don't mind tinkering and have considered a old school lever model. Any comments would be appreciated.
Posted Tue Jan 20, 2004, 12:17pm Subject: Re: Best small yet upscale machine...
Spence,
The Salvatore machines may be something to look into, though new ones might be a few hundred outside of your pricerange. I think Rob just bought one for his folks. It looks really nice, and packs a lot of features into a small, hand-made package.
Posted Tue Jan 20, 2004, 12:30pm Subject: Re: Best small yet upscale machine...
spence Said:
--- Size: Can't be much bigger than the Gaggia Classic wich is 14" tall, 8" wide and 10.5" deep. Perhaps I could go 2" wider and 3" deeper. Overall headroom is only about 15.5" with 14.25 the max that would slide under...so if the machine puts out a lot of heat I would need a few inches at least. I've not noticed any heat damage from the Gaggia. --- Use: I make mostly ristrettos, with the occational cappa. Rarely make a lot at one time. I work out of the house so every day I'll make a double, work some, make another a while later and be done. --- Cost: Under 1000
Wow Spence...a new machine possiby! Given that your current machine has a 58mm PF and 3 way solonoid and performs pretty well, a Silvia is not really an upgrade. The next step is probably HX but I don't know of any that fit your dimensions.
Our Expobar is 15 in. tall, 9.5 in. wide and 16 in. deep. It replaced a less deep machine, but we move it so it's controls are at the front of the counter, so the depth is no biggie. The cupboards are 18.5 so there are 3 in. of space above the machine.
Most HX are 15 in plus, but the Livia 90 is only 13 inches tall, and the Giattos are 11.5-13.8 in.
If yours is going under a cupboard, you could either raise the cupboard, or put an HX on a rolling cart. A lever would fit under a cupboard (note our La Pavoni in the background). The LaPavoni is not an upgrade from your Classic (just my opinion). I got nearly as good a shots from my LaPavoni as we did from the Silvia, but the basket is only 50mm so the shots are smaller (smaller basket = less grounds = smaller pulls).
spence Senior Member Joined: 15 Aug 2002 Posts: 103 Location: TivertonRI Expertise: Intermediate
Posted Tue Jan 20, 2004, 1:23pm Subject: Re: Best small yet upscale machine...
ljguitar Said:
If yours is going under a cupboard, you could either raise the cupboard, or put an HX on a rolling cart. A lever would fit under a cupboard (note our La Pavoni in the background). The LaPavoni is not an upgrade from your Classic (just my opinion). I got nearly as good a shots from my LaPavoni as we did from the Silvia, but the basket is only 50mm so the shots are smaller (smaller basket = less grounds = smaller pulls).
Posted Wed Jan 21, 2004, 7:36pm Subject: Re: Best small yet upscale machine...
Spence,
Did you consider doing the "PID" thing with your Classic? Many people have done it to regulate the temp on a Silvia--should be adaptable to the Classic, as well.
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