Hello Everyone,

After a few adventures and starts and stops, I am still in the market for an actual espresso machine. (tho now I am the proud owner of a very nice Vario Grinder).

To recap, I asked a few months back about looking for a dealer in Los Angeles, and well, didn't get an espresso machine from any dealer in LA. Was debating between an Atra Pro and the Bezzera siblings (the 02 and 07), then I was offered a very good deal on a Gaggia Baby Twin, and took it. That lasted all of a few days before it went back. Was able to get good espresso out of it. But wow, steaming was horrendous. I mean, it was a black art to get it to steam period. And even after about 4 gallons of bottled water, the steam still smelled like rubber (apparently very normal for the model).

Anyway, as my posting said, I am currently wondering about the Gaggia TS, the "semi-commercial" machine. (does it qualify as "fancy"? it seems fancy to me) I haven't found much in the way of reviews out there (or anywhere). Does anyone have any experience with it?


Thanks!

It seems that all the commercial espresso manufacturers keep a standard single group in their range somewhere that seems to have descended from something like the Faema Compact. I don't know this particular machine, but most of the ones based on this sort of design are clearly aimed at low to medium commercial use and use fairly standard componentry. it should do fine in a domestic situation and should last you well.

It's a rock bottom economy catering machine that's been around for at least 20 years, and has gone through several iterations. Older models had a reputation for running too cool; newer ones have a group head heater which may cure the problem (if it is a problem)

However, they are hardly sold in the US; and there has been no long term owner report on anglophone boards that I know of. The reports I've heard are people buying them used, throwing up their hands after a week of trying to get them to work right, and reselling them on Ebay.

Thank you Nick and Jim,

I think the the idea of a machine running too cold for espresso would get me to run the other way. This is probably why I don't see many of these offered anywhere. That's unfortunate, since aesthetically, this machine fits into what I'm looking for an HX machine (yes, I know, beauty is most definitely subjective). Back to the drawing board I guess. Thanks again for the info.

Qi