Need cheap backup pump espresso machine

[Gatewood]

I'm considering putting a cheap (relatively speaking) pump machine in my studio. The Gaggia I saw at the Charlotte convention that was being used to pull shots was, as the guy told me, around $200. It did a pretty good job of pulling a shot, especially for such an inexpensive machine. Would anybody have any idea which one it was? On the various Gaggia sources, I can't tell which one I saw, and the ones I see for around that price don't look like it. I'd go up to 400 dollars if I had to, but I do want the most bang for the buck. This machine won't have to do yeoman service; just pull an occasional espresso. No milk shots necessary. Any advice?

Thanks..

[HB]

Would anybody have any idea which one it was?

The Gaggia Evolution for $248?

[Gatewood]

Maybe; does that question mark mean you're guessing? I don't remember it looking quite like that. I thought it was more square looking. Is that one adequate? I can't live with really bad espresso in the studio.

[HB]

Yes, I'm guessing. Based on WholeLatteLove's descriptions, it appears that the boiler and group are the same for much of the Gaggia line around that price. Manufacturers often do that, i.e., price differentiate by adding a nicer case, 3-way solenoid, volumetric dosing, etc. The Gaggia Classic gets approving nods (e.g., Gaggia set any good?), though I have no personal experience with it. The good news is that most online vendors have 30 day "buyer's remorse" if you're disappointed with its performance.

As for your avatar, it must be publicly accessible from this website via HTTP to display (e.g., uploaded to photobucket.com).

[Gatewood]

Thanks, Dan. Now I've got to figure out photobucket. I'll look at the Gaggia classic. It sounds a little better to me.

[perpetual_buzz]

The one you saw was probably the Gaggia Espresso, $199 @ wholelattelove. Follow Dan's link and scroll to the bottom of the list. I don't have one, but from what I understand it's the cheapest machine to get "real" espresso. For doing just straight shots it would be alright, but with no 3 way you'd have to watch out for the PF sneeze.

[Gatewood]

Thanks, PBuzz, I'm used to the sneeze. It didn't take but a couple for me to figure out how to not get it. I suppose it would be the same with the Gaggia.

One question: seems that I read somewhere that this one has a crema enhancing basket. Is that true? I am sure it can be replaced, since it's a common size, but I would like to know. Or is it the portafilter that has that crema thingy? Don't like that. I'd pay more not to get it.

[perpetual_buzz]

Thanks, PBuzz, I'm used to the sneeze. It didn't take but a couple for me to figure out how to not get it. I suppose it would be the same with the Gaggia.

One question: seems that I read somewhere that this one has a crema enhancing basket. Is that true? I am sure it can be replaced, since it's a common size, but I would like to know. Or is it the portafilter that has that crema thingy? Don't like that. I'd pay more not to get it.

It has a "turbo frother" wand attachment, that may be what you are thinking of. I'm pretty sure it comes with a normal basket/PF, according to WLL that's the case. The steam wand can be replaced by a Silvia wand if the plastic turbo attachment thing annoys you.

[Gatewood]

There's no question that the plastic thing will annoy me. I'll substitute it right away, although I don't really plan to froth milk on it; I'll use the La Pav for that. I was thinking of the pressurized things that some of them put on to get fake crema. Glad to know it doesn't have it.