Hi,
I have had semi automatic espresso machines (various ones, Saeco Aroma (junk), La Pavoni Lusso and lastly the Gaggia Classic) over the last 10 years. I have not been thrilled with any of their performances to be perfectly honest. I called Whole Latte Love and they are trying to convince me into buying a super automatic--one in particular which is about $849 with the 20% off---the Gaggia Brera unit. Can anyone tell me if they think I'd be making a mistake biting the bullet on a super automatic or if I should just stick with the semi automatic????
I use my Gaggia Classic with my MDF grinder. Not thrilled with the MDF either as I probably need a grind at about 3 1/2 and it only grinds in whole increments. They say the Classic is grind friendly. Not so much.... I'm doing the correct grind and tamping. Thanks in advance.

I don't think anyone here is going to recommend that you get a superauto machine over your current semiauto. The Gaggia Classic is a good machine for the money, and the Brera superauto is not going to make better shots. Given a good grinder and fresh, high quality beans, you should be able to make good shots with the Classic.

The MDF is only a mediocre grinder for espresso, however. As you say, the stops are too widely spaced to allow you to really fine tune your shot. So you might be better off shopping for a better grinder than upgrading your machine. A Baratza Vario or Preciso would be a big improvement, or you can get a commercial grinder like a Mazzer Super Jolly.

Another issue is the type of beans you're using. Are you using fresh, high quality beans, or stale beans from Starbuck's or the supermarket? Fresh, quality beans are essential to making good espresso. Even the best equipment will give you mediocre shots if your beans are stale or low quality. You may want to check the list of recommended roasters on this site to get some ideas of which companies and beans are recommended for best results.

Thanks guys,
I'm thankful for the replies. I now am reassured to not get the super automatic. I always use nothing but the best in fresh beans from reputable roasters....NEVER EVER stale Starbucks. I have to say since I've been spoiled with the reputable roasters I use--Starbucks is gross...burnt tasting.
I'm thinking I should maybe be replacing the MDF with a Vario? Hopefully the Vario won't be difficult with the learning cure, anyone???? Also, it was my understanding that the Vario has not been out there real long??? Thanks again!

I had a machine similar to you for at least ten years. The best move i ever made was to dump my crappy grinder and get something good. Shot quality and consistency sky rocketed after that so i definitely recommend that course of action over a super auto.

We have one of those (Jura) at the office and it blows big time. We actually bought a nespresso (lesser of two evils if you ask me) for the espresso drinkers because we simply could not stomach the shots it made

The Vario has many followers in these forums. A quick search using "Vario" will reveal many interesting threads. I went with a Mazzer because i wanted something bullet proof and tank like. Compak also makes a nice grinder in that price range.

Halleluja brother, thou hast been saved from super auto hell!!

I am by no means an expert so take my advice with that in mind. I have the same set-up you have - Gaggia Classic and MDF. I came FROM a super auto - Saeco something-or-nother (can't remember). If espresso TASTE is your main concern, you will be disappointed with the super auto, it doesn't even compare.

One thing I did (and would recommend before you give up on it) was to modify my MDF to make it stepless. I did this within a week of receiving and it works great. Just google search "Stepless Gaggia MDF Mod" or something like it, you will find easy instructions. Took me about 1/2 hour and gave me an excuse to give the grinder a good cleaning. Once done, you can make micro adjustments very easily. This mod doesn't cost anything and if you don't like the result you're no worse than where you are today. I believe the grinder is adequate but folks are correct (as you surmised yourself) - there just aren't adjustment steps. Making it stepless solves that and (IMO) turns it into a very decent home grinder for the price.

If any questions, please let me know.

Happy brewing, Paul

I have had a Gaggia super automatic. It did make coffee but it took up alot of space, was mostly plastic and the overall time saving wasn't very different from the Gaggia Classic routine I had on my sisters machine. The super automatic stopped running after 2 years of heavy use and its replacement will be a semi or fully manual just for my own enjoyment factor.

I did upgrade my coffee grinder recently and that is highly recommended. It adds so much to the coffee experience.

Having owned a superauto in the past, I will chime in with some of the others. A superauto is great if you want convenience. I would not want to switch to a superauto if taste is the priority. A superauto wil be as "good" or better than Starbuck's; but you won't get much more out of it than that. Basically, they can't grind fine enough or tamp with a proper amount of pressure.

Those suggestions you're getting to go with a better grinder are spot on.