SlowRain wrote:Congratulations. I'm curious to know how the Gaggia w/PID compares, not so much regarding convenience, but more so regarding taste. Did you install the PID yourself? What kind of grinder do you use?

There is no comparison regarding taste. The shots have more subtle notes, smoother with better balance,

texture and more mouthfeel. The consistency factor with the Alexia is amazing. Out of 10 shots so far

all were superb except one which was okay. I'm using a Behmor 1600 roaster and high quality beans.

I had a "few" somewhat comparable shots with the Gaggia only when i bought

Kona Peaberry Fancy and roasted myself $30.00/lbs. This Gaggia has a solid brass shower screen holder

bought as an aftermarket part, it is also tuned to 9bar pressure.

Is the Alexia worth almost $1,000.00 more cost wise?

That's strictly up to the individual. I had been saving for 3+-yrs while using the Gaggia.

I installed the PID using the kit from Auberins (no-brainer install). I use a Rancilio Rocky doser with

bottomless e-61 portafilter. I am extremely happy with the results. I'm purchasing a temp. monitor

from Chriscoffee to see the PID readout and actual temps at the group as well as the group itself.

Here's my new (and first!) setup. Oscar+Rocky makes for a nice learning environment.

gauchogolfer wrote:Here's my new (and first!) setup. Oscar+Rocky makes for a nice learning environment.

Wow, your starting pretty high up on the food-chain for your first setup. It sure beats my first, second and third try at upgrading. Looks great!

Well, I'm not counting the blade grinder and steam Capresso piece of junk....

Juanjo wrote:Hi everyone..
first time poster, long time watcher...

some very nice setup here..

here is mine..
<image>
http://i215.photobucket.com/album...FEE/_DSC6878-1.jpg
cheers,
Juanjo

juanjo-
pls tell us more about that Mazzer with what appears to be a homemade doserless funnel that I see.

pravspresso wrote: I'm purchasing a temp. monitor from Chriscoffee to see the PID readout and actual temps at the group as well as the group itself.

Prav,
You lost me here. Are you buying an EricS temp probe to do this? I ask because this makes no sense, at least to me. Why not rent a Scace once they are available so you'll know the exact temp at the puck? It should be cheaper, and it will give you the exact temp, whereas even the EricS will give you a temp close to what is at the puck but is off by a few degrees. Of note, I do think EricS' website gives a good indication of what the temp should be, but the Scace will tell you exactly. Once measured with a Scace (and if your PID allows it), set the offset on the PID to reflect the temp at the puck.

uscfroadie wrote:Once measured with a Scace (and if your PID allows it), set the offset on the PID to reflect the temp at the puck.

Or go by taste and forget about the number the PID or thermofilter says. Think of it as +3 or whatever.

gauchogolfer wrote:Here's my new (and first!) setup. Oscar+Rocky makes for a nice learning environment.

<image>

Nice setup David! Can you provide more info regarding the cups (tulip-shaped; what kind/where did you get them)?

Thanks!

Peter

Thanks!

The cups are from a Bodum set of 6. They have saucers with complementary designs on them as well...

I got them as a gift, but I'm pretty sure Macy's or some such store would carry them.

I thought gauchos were supposed to be drinking mate amargo Enjoy your new setup!