dorkroast Senior Member Joined: 3 Oct 2012 Posts: 78 Location: CA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Classic Grinder: Mazzer Mini Roaster: Popcorn Pumper
Posted Sat Oct 20, 2012, 8:08pm Subject: Did I do the right thing?- Gaggia Classic vs Baby Twin
Due to some financial fun at tax time I was unable to purchase the espresso machine of my dreams....
SO instead I finally took the plunge and purchase a Gaggia twin.....
Then, for some reason I started reading the reviews again..... It seemed a lot of people whose machines worked were very happy with them, however it appeared a lot of people had reliability issues with their machines and rated them poorly...
So I went back to my initial choice and changed my order to the Gaggia Classic.
The Gaggia Classic works well, though you did not specify your usage. Looks like your aim was quite a bit higher on your prior thread, La Scala, so hopefully SBDU will meet your need. You will want to read about PID on SBDU machines though those terms is easily searched if you wish, and beyond your question.
A good grinder is a necessity, though again, not your question. The Baratza Preciso refurb is probably the least expensive adequate grinder, nonmanual.
dorkroast Senior Member Joined: 3 Oct 2012 Posts: 78 Location: CA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Classic Grinder: Mazzer Mini Roaster: Popcorn Pumper
Posted Sun Oct 21, 2012, 8:49pm Subject: Re: Did I do the right thing?- Gaggia Classic vs Baby Twin
Yes my original aim was (and still is) much higher. But for now, this will have to do. I had the wife convinced to let me buy a Brewtus until we got the taxes done. :(
The classic will still be the nicest machine I have personally owned. My last machine was a Krups with a pump (I don't know the model) but it quickly gave up the ghost and just provided aggravation until I pitched it in the trash.
As far as my usage- It's only growing. Probably 3-4 drinks a day.
And I'm aware I'm in need of a great grinder, part of the reason I went with a cheaper machine, so I could afford a better grinder.
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,772 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Mon Oct 22, 2012, 5:40am Subject: Re: Did I do the right thing?- Gaggia Classic vs Baby Twin
You have it right, with a limited budget, spend on the grinder and make do with the machine, you will like the results better and if the grinder is a high enough step the first time, you might upgrade the machine a time or even two before the need of a new grinder.
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
tracerbullet Senior Member Joined: 13 Feb 2012 Posts: 157 Location: Saint Paul Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Mon Oct 22, 2012, 10:23am Subject: Re: Did I do the right thing?- Gaggia Classic vs Baby Twin
Agreed on the Classic. Many of the parts are the same between them, but the ones that aren't are the trouble spots on the Twin. The 2nd dedicated boiler in the housing, the electronic buttons, etc. You aren't looking at guaranteed problems with the Twin or anything, but it's definitely more risk than the Classic. Classic is much easier to modify too if you get into that.
Keep up w/ the maintenance on the Classic (backflush and clean the shower screen occasionally, don't let it run dry, things like that) and it'll last a very long time.
johnboddie Senior Member Joined: 28 Nov 2008 Posts: 154 Location: Virginia Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Brasilia Mini Classic,... Grinder: Rocky, KitchenAid Pro Drip: Cuisinart (non-grinding)
Posted Mon Oct 22, 2012, 7:42pm Subject: Re: Did I do the right thing?- Gaggia Classic vs Baby Twin
My son asked me for advice when he upgraded. He couldn't afford an MCAL, so I advised him to get a Classic. He's very pleased, as I expected he would be.
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