I realise this is a strange question - asking whether to buy a Zaffiro or a Classic, they are in different leagues, I know.. But here goes anyway

I have decided on the Mahlkönig (Baratza) Vario grinder and my question is as you may have guessed, are there advantages to playing around with a machine like the Gaggia Classic as a beginner for a few years before taking the leap to a machine like the Zaffiro, or should you always go for it straight away if possible?

If I pair the Vario with the Classic, then the idea is, of course, that the grinder will suffice for a machine upgrade to a Zaffiro or the likes at some point..

I'll be drinking mainly espresso, with the occasional milk-drink, which is why I have landed on the Zaffiro. At the moment I use an aeropress and zass manual grinder with good beans, but as you know, it is not espresso. However, I think I'll still be drinking aeropress from time to time, which adds to the pros list of the Vario...

I had a Gaggia for years. The only issue with them is steaming capacity. Once you learn the temperature characteristics of your particular machine, you'll be able to (read - should be able to) pull great tasting and consistent shots. I don't have experience with the Zaffiro, but I'm sure it is a capable machine. Personally I can't tell the difference between shots from the Gaggia and an e61. I'm sure others on this forum will vehemently disagree, but that's my experience. So if money is tight, get the Gaggia and keep your eyes open for a better machine on ebay or craigslist and jump when you see a great deal. If you have a decent education, stable job, and some disposable cash, go with the Zaffiro! I wish you all the best in your search!

oknewell wrote:Personally I can't tell the difference between shots from the Gaggia and an e61. I'm sure others on this forum will vehemently disagree

Interesting. I love espressos, but I rarely have them so I have no idea whether I'd be able to identify differences. From my readings here, I do have the impression, however, that achieving consistently good, very good and great shots as a beginner is significantly easier on the zaffiro. Correct me if I'm wrong!

oknewell wrote:If you have a decent education, stable job, and some disposable cash, go with the Zaffiro

Well... I'm a student and I don't have a job But when I buy stuff, I buy quality products that will last and please and I'm very particular with maintenance and general care-taking. But you have a point, considering my situation, a Zaffiro and Vario is a bit insane... A third solution, which I may go with, is enjoying aeropress and the occasional espresso in a cafe for another few years until I'm (hopefully) in the above mentioned situation. But, to continue this line of to you completely irrelevant considerations, one could argue that the quality of the last two years of my education will increase with the added "fuel" of espresso, thus making this a long-term economically beneficial investment

Maybe I should just get back to the studies now...