Very first and foremost, I have to thank Cannonfodder for the AMAZING buyers guide. I read it first while it was being written, and then again, some point later. I have now read it again and it makes everything so very clear.
Next, pardon me while I do just a touch of self backslapping and bragging. Every since the Gaggia Achille came out and I started reading about it, I knew I wanted it. It fixed so many annoyances with lever machines. But the price was a real stick point. And I am not a big up grade fever nut. I tend to be happy with what I have. I also don't tend to spend a lot on upgrades. I do it slowing and methodically without great outlays of cash. About two years ago (before the review) I started putting away all money I made from roasting for friends. Earlier this year there was a roaster competition over on Homeroaster.org. I entered and won two prizes for my two homemade roasters. These I both found new homes (no offense HR folks, it was for the Gaggia PLAN that I entered). I also sold off my Zass DG 169 since I had my Giant Trosser. After all those, I was with a few hundred of a refurb priced one. I put my Gaggia Classic (big gaggia fan here) up for sale since I am a certified lever addict) and that put me over the top. Long story (not) short, I found an Achille on Ebay via WLL. Frankly, I didn't like some of the WLL refurb stories I have been hearing so dropped a line to Aabree coffee, and low and behold, they also had a refurbed Gaggia Achille they were willing to price match (about $850 btw instead of $1300). Sweet.
It arrived last week. All the stars and moon and my karma seemed to be aligned because I could see NO evidence of it being a refurb except the box had been torn open. It was brand new, all the parts still sealed, protective plastic still on the SS. I have had zero problems with it. No leaks, no nothing.
Within 3 shots (thanks to cannonfodder) I had GREAT espresso flowing. It's been another week and it just keeps getting better. I am getting full 1.5 oz doubles with not a hint of blonding. Oh, and one nice little surprise that I note was not in the buyer's guide review. The PF has a CLIP. No more flying baskets or burned fingers. A lever with a CLIP!
What else?
It does take more pressure to get a proper shot than from any other lever. I see why cannonfodder leaned into it (although I still only use my arms). You have to add on the pressure needed to get through the HX and need generally more for the larger basket. I recall seeing Timo noting that it had a 48 mm or so piston and using that for the square inches calculation. I believe it really needs to be based on the 58 mm plus the HX pressure. All told I would not be surprised if I am putting in excess of 60 lbs of weight on the lever. It takes that much to get the cup to behave like a 9 bar extraction.
Finally, I have found I don't really care for the bend that goes on in the frame when you pull. I am already thinking about re-building the frame to eliminate that. Yeah - rebuilding a new $1300 (albeit $850) working lever. But that is a long term project. I want it to look hot with all the nice curves still. In the mean time (and I will put a photo up) I happened upon a great long term fix. With the PF locking in straight ahead a wooden block under the PF handle completely keeps the machine from flexing and allows for an optional two handed pull.
That's it for now. Thanks for letting me share. And here is an open invite for anyone in the PNW to play with an Achille.
how about something totally inflexible under the handle. Worked like a charm.
I am a big fan of the real meaning of "form follows function" and IMNSHO they (and most lever makers) broke or bent this rule. They went for pretty over FULLY functional. It is the one thing I love about my Cremina - it is rock steady construction and stability. Pity, of my three levers, it is my least favorite in the cup. What they did "correct" is that it doesn't slide all over the place. It is beautifully stable.
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