Comparing Espresso Machines with Built in PIDs

by **innermusic** on Sun Feb 27, 2011 2:24 am

Help me not to make a mistake.
I don't want to spend more than $700ish. - I would like temp stability.
So, that kind of says, forget the HX machines - too expensive.
I did a bit of research and found the LeLit PL41TEM which I've already asked about and the response here was kind of underwhelming. I also found the Ascaso Steel Uno with PID. Similar price. Not much info either.

Is there a review on either of these? Anyone have one, and care to comment?

by **hperry** on Sun Feb 27, 2011 2:42 am

innermusic wrote:I don't want to spend more than $700ish. - I would like temp stability.
I did a bit of research and found the LeLit PL41TEM which I've already asked about and the response here was kind of underwhelming.

In this price range the choices are kind of underwhelming. However, the Gaggia Classic is widely available for $399 and with a PID kit is slightly under your price point. There's a pretty fair group on Yahoo that provides lots of support as well. My daughter has one, and I've used it enough to respect it as quite a good machine. The next jump above is about $1,000 to $1,200 so that Gaggia is a good value as well.

by **innermusic** on Sun Feb 27, 2011 2:58 am

I'm just not able nor willing to PID a machine myself, hence the idea of buying something with the PID already on board. Any comments on the Ascaso?

by **randytsuch** on Sun Feb 27, 2011 1:13 pm

Tex, the mod from the gaggia groups sometimes offers PID'ed gaggia's that he has rebuilt. He adds a PID and sets the OPV, I think he cleans the whole thing out. He has one for sale right now, if it hasn't been sold yet

Randy

by **Bluecold** on Sun Feb 27, 2011 3:18 pm

A gravity fed lever with the auberins plug and play temperature controller would fit your budget too.

by **innermusic** on Sun Feb 27, 2011 11:22 pm

Thanks. I'll check with Tex on the Gaggia. I take it no one's using the Ascaso. Are there reviews on it?

by **Alessandro** on Tue Mar 22, 2011 11:15 am

My wife bought me an Ascaso Uno w/ PID for Christmas. It does everything I want it to do without putting up a fuss. The temp stability is pretty good and the recovery is great (once you get the PID settings right). It can easily steam a large pitcher of milk but will take a few seconds to recover for a second.

FWIW, I only drink espresso straight and my wife doesn't drink coffee- only chai lattes.

by **vashonz** on Sat Jun 04, 2011 11:24 am

I was looking at similar machines, one that looks really interesting is the Crossland CC1, it should be available on the 15th. Bill Crossland is well known for the GS/3.
CC1 features I liked were: PID, 58mm, Thermblock for steam, volumetric dosing, programmable preinfusion, built in shot timer. All for $700

by **Spitz.me** on Sat Jun 04, 2011 11:56 am

FYI - Steve, the OP, got a Silvano and hasn't stopped talking about how great it is! haha


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