Looking to replace Gaggia Classic, primary use will be for espresso

Recommendations for buyers and upgraders from the site's members.
andradejose89
Posts: 7
Joined: 8 years ago

#1: Post by andradejose89 »

Good afternoon all,

Currently looking to replace my old Gaggia Classic and have found the following:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gaggia-RI9403-1 ... 00P2I15ZY/

However, the reviews are awful. Has anyone had any experiences with this model?

I have three options.
1. I buy this model
2. I avoid this model and instead pay double the price for the Rancilio Silvia V4 2015 Edition Espresso Machine
3. I avoid this model and instead purchase a second hand version of the classic R18161 which includes a three way solenoid valve and over pressure valve.

I am currently thinking no.3 is best...

The primary use of the machine will be for espressos. I have a local coffee roaster for beans and will shortly be investing in a coffee grinder.

José

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NightFlight
Posts: 246
Joined: 10 years ago

#2: Post by NightFlight »

If it was me, number three it would be.

HoldTheOnions
Posts: 764
Joined: 9 years ago

#3: Post by HoldTheOnions »

Yeah, don't get that one, step down from what you have.

Marcelnl
Posts: 3831
Joined: 10 years ago

#4: Post by Marcelnl »

Buy a used la pavoni europiccola, caravel or something along those lines?
LMWDP #483

andradejose89 (original poster)
Posts: 7
Joined: 8 years ago

#5: Post by andradejose89 (original poster) »

Having read up on the La Pavoni I'm now thinking this is my preferred solution.

Either second hand with the chrome base or a new machine with the plastic base.

On a side note, might be able to purchase a Gaggia Classic 2003 model...

Marcelnl
Posts: 3831
Joined: 10 years ago

#6: Post by Marcelnl »

I have used the old GC for a lomg time, and recently had to use one of the two machines I owned for a week.
Even though the espresso is not bad if you get the temp right there was a distinct difference in the complexity of the extracted cofee between the GC and my current machine, enough to convince my GF.
Invest in a good grinder and buy something simple so you can do service and maintenance by yourself, there are options but you'd need to tune in on your needs and what you're afterw.
LMWDP #483

andradejose89 (original poster)
Posts: 7
Joined: 8 years ago

#7: Post by andradejose89 (original poster) »

Even though the espresso is not bad if you get the temp right there was a distinct difference in the complexity of the extracted cofee between the GC and my current machine, enough to convince my GF.
Sorry don't understand which machine produced the better espresso?

andradejose89 (original poster)
Posts: 7
Joined: 8 years ago

#8: Post by andradejose89 (original poster) »

So I ended up purchasing a 2003 Gaggia Classic. It could do with having the group head replaced but otherwise it is working well.



All set up and there is a space for the grinder (Rancilio Rocky) - which I will buy in a couple of weeks.