Buyer's Guide to the Gaggia Achille

[cannonfodder]

What is it about lever espresso machines that draws our attention?

Is it the lever espresso machine's elegant design, or the unique qualities of the beverage it produces? Perhaps it is the barista's moment of Zen with the extraction process. Because in order to make a good espresso on a lever machine, you have to live in that moment--nothing else matters for that brief thirty seconds of calm, focused creation.

As the first evaluation of a lever espresso machine on Home-Barista.com, this guide will share not only the unique characteristics of the Gaggia Achille, but the unique experience of an espresso prepared literally by hand and muscle.

Come along as we test drive the Achille and explore the mystery that is lever created espresso, more...

[IMAWriter]

This was an awesome review/education not only concerning the Achille, but as a primer for us pump folk (QM Anita here) about the elemental joys of the almighty LEVER.
Well done, and most entertaining...this was actually my 2nd read....sorry it took so long to communicate my thanks.

[cannonfodder]

Glad you enjoyed it. It is nice to know it still gets an occasional read.

[IMAWriter]

Glad you enjoyed it. It is nice to know it still gets an occasional read.

Man, makes me want to go get one....Anita, Mazzer SJ and I have been pulling great (IMO..haha) shots now for 3 years....
But I've always "Jonesed" for a lever....I've read so many Cremina threads, pictures, comments, etc....I've been contemplating an upgrade(?) to a La Spaz Vivaldi II...I'm not sure if the Achille would be a lateral move (HX like Anita) tastewise....or a Cremina...I would be pulling 3-4 shots per day...usually only 2 at a session....I'm pretty strong, as well...fairly muscled up arms, but blown rotator cuff in the right shoulder
The aspect of a more defined shot...separation of flavours, etc you experience via a lever machine is intriguing....with Anita, I do get the feeling that, while my shots are good (I roast Metropolis "Greenline"), or various SO's(, they do have a Phil Spector sort of thing going...wall of sound/wall of taste...LOL
So I remain
Oh yeah...a GS3 is economically out of the question.
Once again, thanks...for opening up a NEW can of worms!
Rob J

[cannonfodder]

Lever machines do produce a different cup. I don't know that I would call it better or worse, just different. I will say that the recent leaking reports on the Achille is worrisome. I will say this, having used both a Cremina and Achille, the shots are comparative but the Cremina wins for sturdiness of construction. But the Achille is under half the cost of a new Cremina. I think I might fire up the Achille and pull some shots from the Kony. FWIW, I think my A3 has them all beat.

[IMAWriter]

I think I might fire up the Achille and pull some shots from the Kony. FWIW, I think my A3 has them all beat.

Ah, Kony..my SJ big brother.....I've heard the A3 is awesome....
I wish there was a "rent a lever" service, so one could have a week or 2 to "test-drive" it.
I could easily afford a La Pavoni or such, but I too old to do the lever upgrade thing....maybe I'll post on CG and see if anyone Geeks in the Nashville area operate a lever machine. There is a certain vibe about them...you did a great job describing the technique of the Achille.

[cannonfodder]

If you are ever passing through Dayton, and I still have it, you can pull shots until your head explodes or heart stops from all the caffeine.

[IMAWriter]

If you are ever passing through Dayton, and I still have it, you can pull shots until your head explodes or heart stops from all the caffeine.

[CoffeeOwl]

Great review! It must have been lots of work!
Two questions:
- is a naked portafilter easily available for the machine (any won't do, correct? )?
- the aluminium dispersion block does the aluminium have direct contact with water, or is anything put on it for isolation? If not, then I would have to find a way of getting someone to fabricate me such thing out of steel or brass before I could decide to buy.

[HB]

A1: I used a modified stock Gaggia portafilter (link). Not sure if WholeLatteLove sells them direct since they're not listed; espressoparts is showing "out of stock" at the moment.

A2: Yes, the dispersion screen is inside the grouphead and has immediate contact with the water. I am not aware of an alternative non-aluminum block.

[CoffeeOwl]

Thanks Dan!
as for the block, damn it! Aluminum plus hot water.
It looks grave situation: say I find someone working with steel, still I would probably need to provide some form and not a model.
I'm thinking about a lever machine for the mystery of manual pulling and for travelling - I could notice all the Pavonis, Microcimbalis... but Achille is seducing by the possibility of temp control and consistency, shot taste (I trust the review ) and no-overheating (that one not all that important to me).

[sophiesbar]

Thanks Dan!
as for the block, damn it! Aluminum plus hot water.
It looks grave situation: say I find someone working with steel, ----.
I'm thinking about a lever machine for the mystery of manual pulling and for travelling - I could notice all the Pavonis, Microcimbalis... but Achille is seducing by the possibility of temp control and consistency, shot taste (I trust the review ) and no-overheating (that one not all that important to me).

I think you have answered your own question/concern. The Achille displays those qualities of temp. control and consistency because of that aluminum block and its ability to heat and cool rapidly.

I have been using mine for twelve months now- there is no sign of corrosion, bad taste or any other concern due to contact with hot water!

Thanks too to Dave for the original buyer's guide. It sold it for me and no regrets one year later.