Bitter Bitter Espresso (Gaggia Espresso and Black Cat) - Page 2

[JoesCup]

You mentioned you had a tamper on order as well. Getting a good shot is very difficult if you do not have a properly sized tamper. I would hold off a final decision until you have a proper sized tamper and the group drip resolved. The machine will give you a decent shot but all the variables must align.

The question is, should I upgrade now? I have a legitimate return (amazon shipped a bad product), but I would feel kind of crummy returning on just buyer's remorse after I already exchanged one (plus I might incur extra shipping costs). From what I have heard the SL70 doesn't require the surfing that the Silvia does... Sure it'd be nice to score an expobar for $400....I saw it happen....but I won't be holding my breath...

[CaptMolson]

Hey there

I upgraded to a Mazzer Mini and a Fiorenzato Colombina last September and my doubles are waaaayyyy too bitter as well...

The thing I don't quite understand is that my singles are pretty good! I've been reading all over this place that singles are harder to produce, but in my case, they're the only ones I can make correctly...

I've tried coarser grind and harder tamp, but it's still undrinkable... The only way I can get an "ok" double is to let the first few seconds go in the drip tray like the other gentleman suggested.

My suggestion to you is to try the smaller basket (single) if you have one, and see if it's better

Thanks

[JoesCup]

I definitely get enough steam volume, it's just the choice of stubby open hole with no tip or paranello wand. The only problem I have had from the leaking steam is if I don't empty the PF, then it starts smelling like...poop.

I have returned the Gaggia for cash (since I can always choose to purchase another), so now I can get whatever I want (and don't have to worry about the 30 day period killing me). To be truthful, most of my drinks are going to be milk based, because that is what I can take to enjoy outside of my room during the day. I'll be able to do an espresso or macchiato in my room in the evenings, but in the mornings I need to brew and go.

[appa]

I think you can do quite well with the Gaggia, especially for the money. anything a little better and you have to double
your investment. Perhaps your machine was a dud... Im pretty happy with my Carezza, and glad i spent the extra money on the Mazzer Mini as opposed to a Silvia, etc..

Heres a thread on coffeegeek about the potential of a Carezza which may give you some hope and inspiration.(the carezza and espresso are pretty close BTW)

http://www.coffeegeek.com/forums/.../australasia/64999

Regardless of what machine you get, you will have to be patient and persistent to get good consistent results


Good Luck

[JoesCup]

The gaggia should be able to make a decent pour. I have been able to get goodly amounts of crema out of it, they shots looked beautiful, they just tasted extremely bitter. The question is... is $125-175 worth the upgrade to the silvia or the solis?

The silvia offers much more stable temperatures (pid'd) and has plenty of upgrades available.
The solis seems to offer the right temps fairly easily.

They both would come with a better wand and good cup storage on top. The downside being the solis can't go naked.

I just would rather make the decisions now than after I spend my money on naked PFs and a new wand for the gaggia and decide I really should have gone for better.... The kabuki dance necessary to extract espresso in the home is quite a bit of trouble, it'd be nice if I could buy some here, but I can't.

[TimEggers]

I just purchased this (new), and it has been doing it since I got it... So I am not too keen on potentially voiding the warranty/etc... just yet.

Just a note that regular disassembly of the group is regular practice for machine maintenance. I was a little hesitant at first too until I just did it. It's only a few screws and everything simply separates. There isn't any prying or anything like that (these machines are meant to be taken apart for cleaning, even if it isn't mentioned in the manual). I'm glad I did it too; you would not believe the stuff up in there. If your machine gets really dirty it can have a negative impact on the flavor of your espresso and the life of your machine.

In short, whatever machine you do get be ready for regular disassembly for proper cleaning. It's that important.