anybody know of other brands of portafilters that will fit the Gaggia Espresso? Machine is great for where I'm at, and I still have some practicing to do, but I'd like to see how some other filter baskets might work. Don't want to buy one that I can't use, though. On the steam issue- those frothing attachments that seem to be on all the home machines annoy the hell out of me, but I'm doing ok by just using the inner nozzle from that plastic attachment. The steam power is not what I wish it were, but I bought the machine for the brew components. I also have a Capresso Infinity grinder which really seems to do the job and was not expensive. Someday I'll throw down $2000 and get really happy, though.

reedsandbeans wrote:anybody know of other brands of portafilters that will fit the Gaggia Espresso? Machine is great for where I'm at, and I still have some practicing to do, but I'd like to see how some other filter baskets might work. Don't want to buy one that I can't use, though. On the steam issue- those frothing attachments that seem to be on all the home machines annoy the hell out of me, but I'm doing ok by just using the inner nozzle from that plastic attachment. The steam power is not what I wish it were, but I bought the machine for the brew components. I also have a Capresso Infinity grinder which really seems to do the job and was not expensive. Someday I'll throw down $2000 and get really happy, though.

I've enjoyed the La Marzocco ridgeless double basket in my Gaggia Espresso. I completely removed all plastic parts from the steam wand and I use the bare metal (you have to get a smaller 12oz steaming pitcher to do that though or the wand won't reach far enough). One trick (that you may already know) is to start steaming BEFORE the ready light comes on. This will keep the heating element on throughout the entire steaming session. That should help maintain steam pressure. I turn on the steam button and then start steaming after 30 to 35 seconds.

I was never happy with my Capresso Infinity for espresso. The grind is too inconsistent and there's too much dust. Getting a Mazzer Mini is the best thing I ever did for the quality of my espresso and it only cost me ~$300 on Ebay.

bc

thanks, digme! i"ll pick up one of those baskets. and i have since realized that to really get a good espresso grind, i will need a grinder that has much finer adjustments than the capresso. as far as dust goes, you should have seen what i was dealing with before. there was no point in trying to make espresso with the old grinder. mazzer mini is on the list now that i understand the importance of the grind.
by the way, im also planning to get a bottomless portafilter. do you know of one that fits the gaggia? thanks again!

You can make you own, refer to How To Make Your Own Naked Portafilter

If you make you own, a hole saw and drill press is probably the easiest method (if those tools are available to you). Other techniques (Dremel, and/or a hand drill with or without a hole saw) are in that thread as well.

EPNW has Gaggia bottomless (naked) portafilters.... WLL appears to be out based on a recent post, but you might call.

http://www.espressoparts.com/product/F_NK0PF

reedsandbeans wrote:by the way, im also planning to get a bottomless portafilter. do you know of one that fits the gaggia? thanks again!

I made my own as well. Here's the link to my instructions:

http://www.coffeegeek.com/forums/...sso/general/273511

bc